I have laptops old and new that i can use but i'm sure i need the software and leads.. what would i need for basic diagnostics without spending £1000's ? just basic fault finding code reading etc..
E36 Diagnostics
Moderator: martauto
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e30topless
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 13598
- Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:00 pm
- Location: surrounded by scrap
ok so my diagnostics equipment other than a hammer a screwdriver don't exist
I have laptops old and new that i can use but i'm sure i need the software and leads.. what would i need for basic diagnostics without spending £1000's ? just basic fault finding code reading etc..
I have laptops old and new that i can use but i'm sure i need the software and leads.. what would i need for basic diagnostics without spending £1000's ? just basic fault finding code reading etc..
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Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49359
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
This months edition of "car mechanics".
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Blitz
- Married to the E30 Zone
- Posts: 11155
- Joined: Mon Jan 30, 2006 11:00 pm
- Location: East London+Basildon
If the E36 is OBDII then you can get this cable with the software which is very easy to install and works straight out of the box. It comes with all the software you need on a disc.
http://bmtechnic.co.uk/bmw-diagnostic-cable/
I would also get a 20 pin adapter because I think its recommended to use the engine bay 20 pin port rather then the interior one.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-Pin-to-OBD ... 19d1feccca
If the E36 is OBDI then you will needs a ADS interface cable and a laptop with a serial port because ADS does work with INPA via USB.
This is the ADS cable which is pricey but its the only way. It will work all the way back to E30's.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 432wt_1270
Bizarrely I hooked up the OBDII USB cable to my E34 which is ADS the only thing it interacts with is the airbag where it can read and clear errors.
More info here
http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f99 ... ed-t85191/
http://bmtechnic.co.uk/bmw-diagnostic-cable/
I would also get a 20 pin adapter because I think its recommended to use the engine bay 20 pin port rather then the interior one.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-Pin-to-OBD ... 19d1feccca
If the E36 is OBDI then you will needs a ADS interface cable and a laptop with a serial port because ADS does work with INPA via USB.
This is the ADS cable which is pricey but its the only way. It will work all the way back to E30's.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 432wt_1270
Bizarrely I hooked up the OBDII USB cable to my E34 which is ADS the only thing it interacts with is the airbag where it can read and clear errors.
More info here
http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f99 ... ed-t85191/