OBD II Scanner in Aldi - any good?

[GZed]

Currently on sale for £16.99
a) is it the correct spec for a Sept 1997 build 2.8?
b) would it need any other connectors?
c) is it likely to be any good?

 

[NZ00Z3]

Its a normal old everyday OBD2 code reader/scanner. It will only talk to the engine computer (DME) on your car. Appears to only display the trouble codes (Pxxxx) and not any of the PID information like the fuel trims. So it will give you the codes but not the details needed for the full diagnosis.

If you have the OBD2 plug under the steering wheel, then you will not need any other plugs or connectors. If you only have the 20 pin "Pac Man" port under the bonnet/hood, then you will need a adapter to go from OBD2 to the 20 pin port. Plenty of these on E-bay etc.

If you want to talk to other modules on your car, have a read of this thread. https://zroadster.org/threads/how-to-scan-early-model-z3s-pre-build-date-03-98.39937/

 

[DomiMik]

c) is it likely to be any good?

It won't turn off the check airbag light so in my opinion it's useless. I would recommend to spend a bit more and look for a better code reader, if you're lucky you won't need it very often but when you do, the missing functions will be annoying.

Regards
Dominik

 

[gookah]

as per title,
in a word
No

 

[Olliebeak]

my airbag light is on and I was going to buy a c310 scanner, would this turn off the light as well as diagnose any issues?

 

[GZed]

Its a normal old everyday OBD2 code reader/scanner. It will only talk to the engine computer (DME) on your car. Appears to only display the trouble codes (Pxxxx) and not any of the PID information like the fuel trims. So it will give you the codes but not the details needed for the full diagnosis.

If you have the OBD2 plug under the steering wheel, then you will not need any other plugs or connectors. If you only have the 20 pin "Pac Man" port under the bonnet/hood, then you will need a adapter to go from OBD2 to the 20 pin port. Plenty of these on E-bay etc.

If you want to talk to other modules on your car, have a read of this thread. https://zroadster.org/threads/how-to-scan-early-model-z3s-pre-build-date-03-98.39937/

Thanks for your comprehensive reply Murray - appreciate your time & effort, especially the link to your earlier thread. As you and others recommend I’ll save my money and put it towards something better

 

[GZed]

my airbag light is on and I was going to buy a c310 scanner, would this turn off the light as well as diagnose any issues?

Apparently it won’t

 

[gookah]

The C310 won't do airbags, but I think it does other stuff like ABS fault codes
you can get a stand alone Airbag one for about £15 off eBay, which will also come with the round pin connector adapter that you will also need for use with a C310

see here:

B800 Airbag Reset Tool Scanner Code Reader For BMW E36 E34 E38 E39 E46 Z3 Z4 X5 | eBay

Airbag Reset Tool Diagnostic Scanner Code Reader B800 for BMW E36 E46 Z3 Z4 X5. B800 BMW Airbag Scan/Reset Tool. 1 x B800 SRS Scanner And Resetter Tool for BMW. E34 - ALL VARIANTS. E38 - ALL VARIANTS.

www.ebay.co.uk

.

 

[Pingu]

No good for Z3, but perfectly acceptable for a cheap checker of a modern car.