OBD Code reader/writer recommendations?

[HoustonTXE92]

Hey guys,

I have a 2015 650 that just displayed the check engine symbol, but no indication on the iDrive of the problem. Instead of wasting a whole day with BMW, I thought I'd look into running my own diagnostics. Can anyone recommend a good Scanner with write capabilities?

Thanks in advance!

[mjposner]

Foxwell NT520/530 or Carly with Carly wifi adapter

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by HoustonTXE92

Hey guys,

I have a 2015 650 that just displayed the check engine symbol, but no indication on the iDrive of the problem.
Thanks in advance!

The Check Engine Light (aka OBD II/CEL/SES) is about pollution and emissions. When that light illuminates...it means something in the emissions system has set a fault code.

You won't see anything in iDrive under the check control system...because they are two different category of things being checked.

If you dont' have a simple OBD II reader/scanner...you could actually go to a local autoparts store (AutoZone/PepBoys/Advanced Auto/O'Reilly's/etc) and have them hook up to your OBD II connector and pull the 5 digit (generic) DTC (diagnostic trouble code)...then go to the internet and type "BMW xxxxx" (where x=the actual DTC code) and probably find things already written about that particular fault code.

OBD II has been around since 1996...so there's lots of results for multiple decades about many DTCs. And the whole reason for OBD II was to bring commonality across all car manufacturers.

Take note of the 3rd & 4th bullet in info below:



The break down of an OBD II DTC:



The above is just a start if you don't have a more dedicated scanner/reader that may have it's own dedicated fault codes and fault code table. But a simple CEL (check eng light) usually doesn't require a trip to the dealership for any exhaustive diagnostics due to the roll out of the OBD II mandate.

[mjposner]

A generic code reader will not be great for a BMW since BMW has its own code set that provides far greater detail than just the stock OBD-II codes. That's why the Foxwell is better since it reads BMW codes, not just obd-II codes

[rasa bmw]

foxwell is good ive had one,,,but ista and a cable/laptop is better,,although foxwell is very handy,but not good for coding things to car,you will need a nt 520/30 as said for f series ,,i had a nt510 for e series and older,,newer can still read older models etc

[HoustonTXE92]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

The Check Engine Light (aka OBD II/CE:L/SES) is about pollution and emissions. When that light illuminates...it means something in the emissions system has set a fault code...

Thank you for the info. I vaguely remember this from my 3 series.

[DerBosewicht]

Originally Posted by HoustonTXE92

Hey guys,

I have a 2015 650 that just displayed the check engine symbol, but no indication on the iDrive of the problem. Instead of wasting a whole day with BMW, I thought I'd look into running my own diagnostics. Can anyone recommend a good Scanner with write capabilities?

Thanks in advance!

Hey bro take it to a shop called Pure Performance in your area, he will be able to isolate diagnose and likely resolve the issue without the typical BMW “interaction”. Tell em Caleb sent ya..

[Qsilver7]

The CEL light illuminates for emissions...the reason why that light illuminates is due to the OBD II mandate of 1996. Yes, if one has scanners/readers/software that can pull BMW specific proprietary codes...that's absolutely a good thing to have.

But the OP sort of implies they don't have any scanners or software...and all they probably have is a simple OBD II fault code that has illuminated the CEL (hopefully its only 1 code and not 10). A simple OBD II generic scanner can give him enough info to know what sensor and area caused the light to illuminate. And he can get that done for free in most states (I believe California & Hawaii are the exceptions). No need to set-up an appointment at the dealer (where he'd get soaked) when he can get a general idea of what's going on for free...or pick up a generic OBD II reader or pay a bit more for a Foxwell...or go all in and get ISTA software and accompanying cable & laptop to run the application.

What if its just his gas cap not put on correctly...that has a specific DTC...and if the OBD II code is pulled...he'd know right away that he may just need to redo his gas cap and it will go away on its own...or just reset the fault code if the OBD II reader used has that capability.

[HoustonTXE92]

Originally Posted by DerBosewicht

Hey bro take it to a shop called Pure Performance in your area, he will be able to isolate diagnose and likely resolve the issue without the typical BMW “interaction”. Tell em Caleb sent ya..

Thanks man! I'm no longer in Houston, but I appreciate the recommendation. Hopefully you're safe with this hurricane.