Scanner upgrade at Zedshed Cymru

[colb]

Been eyeing up the latest Scanners for some time and researched whats out there on Youtube, wanted something easier to use than all the faff with my Laptop based software, INPA, NCS Expert WinKpf and others. Having watched the BMW Doctor review on the Launch Brand

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvA2E57_y3o&t=16s
I decided to buy one using his Amazon link which gave a discount. Large outlay but it will work on any of the makes of car I am likely to work on. Took delivery and once unpacked set it up without any problems. Have yet to escape to the garage to try it out for real but have had a tinker with the Demo on it andcarried out its first update so its right up to date.
Will report back on its performance and capabilities going forward.

 

[bombur]

Looks good @colb

 

[Althulas]

I watched that vid but not to keen on that channel as he seems a bit Jackanory . Be good to see your feedback on the scanner.

 

[colb]

@Althulas yes know what you mean about his presentation, often too fast. Must admit I get addicted to watching some of these diagnostic videos and garage workshops, I do like https://www.youtube.com/@LMAutoRepairs, quite often has BMW content and UK based.
Also watch https://www.youtube.com/@RainmanRaysRepairs USA based but very informative as is https://www.youtube.com/@SouthMainAuto
The latter two are first class mechanics their work ethics are something to behold have yet to find a UK equal.

 

[Althulas]

I like this BMW channel, crazy German

https://youtube.com/@M539Restorations?si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

This chap is based in Lincon mainly BMW’s

https://youtube.com/@The777Garage?si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

Restore it channel is worth a watch and https://youtube.com/@D3Sshooter?si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE for some Z3 content

 

[Pingu]

Been eyeing up the latest Scanners for some time and researched whats out there on Youtube, wanted something easier to use than all the faff with my Laptop based software, INPA, NCS Expert WinKpf and others. Having watched the BMW Doctor review on the Launch Brand

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvA2E57_y3o&t=16s
I decided to buy one using his Amazon link which gave a discount. Large outlay but it will work on any of the makes of car I am likely to work on. Took delivery and once unpacked set it up without any problems. Have yet to escape to the garage to try it out for real but have had a tinker with the Demo on it andcarried out its first update so its right up to date.
Will report back on its performance and capabilities going forward.

I'll be interested in knowing what it is like on Z3s with only the 20 pin plug.

I expect that it will be good on anything post 2001.

 

[colb]

Plugged the scanner into the Z4 today and had a play around, didn't automatically read the Vin so entered it and that opened up the BMW programme in Diagnostics which scanned all modules, couple of codes which I already knew about, Oil level sensor and Air Con AUC sensor which I have been ignoring, got a new oil level sensor on the shelf for the next oil change. Other than those it was a clean bill of health.
I did find that it has the ability to Delete Transport Mode which up till now I have only been able to reset it using BMW Scanner 1.4.
Will also code replacement modules which will make it far easier than using the old software on the Laptop.
Then tried the OBD2 menu and had a look at what it could see, can view a lot in graph form which is useful.
Didn't have time to plug the Z3 in so will report back when I have tested it on the Z3.
It communicated well with my Ssangyong Korando and the wifes Suzuki Alto so covers all of our cars.

 

[colb]

Had the opportunity to plug a Year 2000 Z3 in today to the Launch Diagnostic, it arrived at the Shed with an airbag light on, scanner identified a fault with the drivers seat belt tensioner also found some other codes in some of the other modules. Cleared codes with the Luanch but airbag light remained on, reverted to BMW Scanner 1.4 on the laptop and that cleared the code and put the light out. Few test starts made and light remained off. I did note that the OBD2 on the Launch failed to connect to the car however the Launch Diagnostics fo the car having entered its Vin Number worked ok and accessed all modules and displayed data when requested.
Also had an afternoon visitor with his 2004 Z4 2.2 all the way from Somerset, airbag on, Launch identified code for left airbag module as having an internal fault, code wouldn't clear so further investigation required to check connections are clean and tight before condeming it and fitting a replacement. Other codes that were found were cleared with the exception of the drivers side windscreen washer spray that reported a duff heater element. The car hasn't got a sport button but a code shows up for the sport button lamp, the car did have a replacement steering column so I am of a mind to think it came from a car with a sport button and it wasn't coded out when the replacement was made. Launch worked fine using the cars Vin number but the OBD2 section again failed to connect just like the Z3 did.
Overall the Launch performs very well viewing live data and performing code clearing and diagnostics, should code modules as well using the other functions that can be selected once communicating with the module your working on. Bi-directional control is so useful.