ECU Code Reader / Clearing equipment recommendations

[mick_318is]

I am after some advice on a ECU code clearing equipment.

Initially I am after something that will clear the airbag light on the wife's 52 plate Mini. I have been online and found that it is a common fault with the connector under the passenger seat.

There is a cheap unit (if you call £50 cheap) that will do the job, however thats about all it will do.

I was wondering if there is anything else available that will do a lot more for a wider range of cars for a reasonable price.

Looking around and there seems to be a lot of code readers, then others that will work on ecu engine faults, then not Airbag faults.

I also have a VAG car in the household fleet so I was really after a unit that would allow me to read / clear on BMW and VAG cars.
Do they use the same standards??

All advice appreciated, even a reasonable guide outlining the standards each manufacturer uses.

Thanks

Mick

[Brianmoooore]

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=51592

[wellard]

If u have a laptop i would highly recommend bmtechnics leads.check their website for more info.
I have all the leads and the install of the software is easy and u will have dealer level diagnostics.
You will need the black lead for your mini but if u have an e30 it would be worth getting the adaptor for the round diagnostic plug as well,they will set u back about £45.
As for vag stuff vagcom is good but costs about £250.

[FinalD]

if u have an e30 it would be worth getting the adaptor for the round diagnostic plug as well,they will set u back about £45.

The 21 (iirc) pin round plug under the bonnet on the E30 requires a different module to the post '95 cars. The cable itself can be picked up for a couple of £ but the ADS (iirc) unit is about £50-£60.
The ADS interface will require an older piece of software which will read basic codes/errors on the E30 and E36s to '95.

Post '95 you can use the OBDII reader as linked by Brianmoooore, although with the E36s you need the 21pin adapter for the OBDII plug still (just not the ADS interface). On these cars you can use INPA or Carsoft or I think (can't remember right now) the older software too.

I have had used the OBDII stuff on my old '98 E36 using INPA and could reset most things but not the instrument cluster lights, I think that was down to not having the correct module for this though as I just ran the cable into the serial port of the laptop.