Diagnostic Software

[SAP1]

Hi what diagnostic software will work on an e30. Will dis v57 work?
Thanks

[Grrrmachine]

E30's don't use diagnostic software. The engine management pre-dates OBD II by almost a decade.

[FinalD]

E30's don't use diagnostic software. The engine management pre-dates OBD II by almost a decade.

But you can use an ADS interface with DIS software to read *some* information from the car but it is largely pointless really on the E30. I set it all up on a spare laptop but needed a £50 ADS unit and didn't see much point really as it can't read much from the car anyway.

E36s onwards (pre '95 are ADS, post are OBDII iirc) actually report worthwhile information which is the original reason I had diag software on my laptop and thought I'd try it out on the E30. Only DIS had information for the E30 but as I didn't have the ADS unit I couldn't fully test it.

A better and cheaper diagnostic tool is a multimeter.

[Brianmoooore]

As above. The DIS vehicle identification screen lists the E30, so presumably it works with it, with an ADS interface, but I've never bothered to connect it to an E30.
If you want to try it, this guy will sort you out, although you will need to sort the ADS box from elsewhere: http://bmtechnic.co.uk/

[Grrrmachine]

A better and cheaper diagnostic tool is a multimeter.

Fully agree. I looked into all this and the cost involved in converter boxes vs the data you get from Motronic 1.3 just isn't worth it. I ended up building my own system in the end.

[jamlid]

What about the "Stomp test" I've heard about?

[Brianmoooore]

UK cars don't have the necessary light to flash. You need to connect a 12 volt 1.2W bulb between the plain grey wire on pin 12 of the C101 engine loom plug and switched ignition live.

[SAP1]

Cheers guys. I think I shall stick to a multimeter lol!