What’s a good code reader for my Z3?

t-tony · Jan 24, 2024

A picture of all the ports would clear up any doubt?

Tony.

ktnez99 · Jan 24, 2024

colb said:
That laptop you posted the link for will probably only have usb ports think you need one with old style serial port due to age of your car to connect and run software

Thanks @colb - am looking again later on and thanks for this advice.

ktnez99 · Jan 24, 2024

t-tony said:
A picture of all the ports would clear up any doubt?

Tony.

I’ve asked for photographs of the ports and will continue to look this evening. Thanks for highlighting this Tony. Much appreciated.

ktnez99 · Jan 24, 2024

So…when I locate a suitable XP laptop, how do I go about finding the relevant software please?!?

the Nefyn cat · Jan 24, 2024

You mean like this? The Creator is probably quicker and cheaper than buying a suitable laptop for just reading codes, and will give live data, too. Fits in the little string bag thing in the passengers footwell, too.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/375196352848?gad_source=1&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338723872&toolid=20006&customid=NqWa-QgcAAAAsntC2zWEvJXBKyVDAAAAAA

colb · Jan 24, 2024

Just found this on the Web, prices vary but they have serial ports

Serial Port laptops

www.valucomputers.co.uk

colb · Jan 24, 2024

Its an early car with OBD1 so Creator probably won't read it, he is looking at alternative using a laptop but needs one with a Serial port not a USB. Should be able to put INPA on it and read the car using the serial port.

t-tony · Jan 24, 2024

Ian gave me this one some years ago. I've never used it, if it's any use you are welcome to it.

Tony.

ktnez99 · Jan 24, 2024

the Nefyn cat said:
You mean like this? The Creator is probably quicker and cheaper than buying a suitable laptop for just reading codes, and will give live data, too. Fits in the little string bag thing in the passengers footwell, too.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/375196352848?gad_source=1&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338723872&toolid=20006&customid=NqWa-QgcAAAAsntC2zWEvJXBKyVDAAAAAA

Thanks @Nefyn cat
what year is your Z please?

ktnez99 · Jan 24, 2024

t-tony said:
Ian gave me this one some years ago. I've never used it, if it's any use you are welcome to it.View attachment 289069 View attachment 289071 View attachment 289073 View attachment 289075 View attachment 289077 View attachment 289079 View attachment 289081 View attachment 289083

Tony.

Thanks Tony. Yes please. I’ll take you up on this so please keep it for me. I’ll look into the software aspect later.

ktnez99 · Jan 24, 2024

I’m of the opinion that I’m going to not rely on garages that simply don’t have the ability to scan and diagnose issues with my car and this will only become more common place as time goes on. I’m going to get what’s needed so I can pinpoint problems as and when they arise.

ktnez99 · Jan 24, 2024

colb said:
Its an early car with OBD1 so Creator probably won't read it, he is looking at alternative using a laptop but needs one with a Serial port not a USB. Should be able to put INPA on it and read the car using the serial port.

Under the steering wheel is an OBDII as well as the circular 16/20 pin port under the bonnet. Been able to resolve the air bag light that was on and put out this warning light on the dash from the latter circular port with a small scanner I’ve had a while but this scanner won’t read much including the ASC and abs.

Althulas · Jan 24, 2024

I have this bookmarked for future purchase just seems a better product for the interface for a bit more cash https://buy2fix.co.uk/products/for-bmw-compatible-interface-v6-5-diagnostic-kitblack

Pingu · Jan 24, 2024

This may help, or it may just create more confusion...

BMW INPA diagnostics an idiots guide to getting started

This is an original guide by myself the creator of it any other versions of this guide are hijacks or stolen versions of it... INPA is factory BMW diagnostics software that connects to all the systems and modules on BMW cars not just engine like generic scanners, it reads all BMW trouble codes...

www.bimmerforums.co.uk

Software and connectors. You will also need an extension cable unless you want to work on top of your engine. I extented the RS232 lead using three lengths of telephone cable (each telephone cable has four wires, you need nine wires to extend the RS232).

BMW INPA / Ediabas OBD & ADS Interface - www.one-stop-electronics.com

Dealing with BMW complex Electronic Control Units (ECU) along the entire process chain requires reliable communication and data description. The Diagnostic

www.one-stop-electronics.com

This is how you install INPA. It ain't easy, but follow the instructions to the letter, and it should work...

https://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/threads/an-idiots-guide-to-bmw-inpa-installation-with-a-modded-usb-vagcom-interface-for-winxp-and-vista.102843/

t-tony · Jan 24, 2024

ktnez99 said:
Under the steering wheel is an OBDII as well as the circular 16/20 pin port under the bonnet. Been able to resolve the air bag light that was on and put out this warning light on the dash from the latter circular port with a small scanner I’ve had a while but this scanner won’t read much including the ASC and abs.

I thought that the earliest Zs didn't have the OBD2 port under the dash (which, by the way, only reads engine and Auto g/box codes.

Tony.

ktnez99 · Jan 24, 2024

t-tony said:
I thought that the earliest Zs didn't have the OBD2 port under the dash (which, by the way, only reads engine and Auto g/box codes.

Tony.

I’ll photograph it in daylight and post it here but pretty certain it is as the garages have called it such…but then…

Pingu · Jan 24, 2024

A top tip. Once you have your laptop, only use it for your BMW, but you can add lots of stuff.

I have...

Wiring Diagrams
BMW TIS - this is THE bible workshop manual. It has EVERYTHING that the BMW techician has available.
BMW ETK - this is the BMW parts list. It is not really required now that we have RealOEM, but it can be used for more advanced searches
BMW EBA - this is all the optional extras, and their installation instructions
BMW Technical Manuals - these are the instructional notes from the BMW technical syllabus
There's another one whose name I can't remember. It gives all the times for BMW jobs.

As it is an XP - DO NOT connect it to the internet. The XP laptop will need a CD drive, a DVD drive or an USB port. You will also need a CD writer, DVD writer or a USB stick to transfer data from the internet to the XP computer.

ktnez99 · Jan 24, 2024

Pingu said:
A top tip. Once you have your laptop, only use it for your BMW, but you can add lots of stuff.

I have...

Wiring Diagrams
BMW TIS - this is THE bible workshop manual. It has EVERYTHING that the BMW techician has available.
BMW ETK - this is the BMW parts list. It is not really required now that we have RealOEM, but it can be used for more advanced searches
BMW EBA - this is all the optional extras, and their installation instructions
BMW Technical Manuals - these are the instructional notes from the BMW technical syllabus
There's another one whose name I can't remember. It gives all the times for BMW jobs.

As it is an XP - DO NOT connect it to the internet. The XP laptop will need a CD drive, a DVD drive or an USB port. You will also need a CD writer, DVD writer or a USB stick to transfer data from the internet to the XP computer.

Thanks @Pingu I had a CD writer and got rid of it!!! Great advice so many thanks. I’ve a lot to look into.

GZed · Jan 24, 2024

colb said:
Its an early car with OBD1 so Creator probably won't read it, he is looking at alternative using a laptop but needs one with a Serial port not a USB. Should be able to put INPA on it and read the car using the serial port.

Hi Colin & Dawn. The cut-off date between ‘early’ and ‘ later’ in terms of OBD 1 and 2 is March 1998, so Creator should be ok on your Dec 98 build car..? The definitive ‘ How to’ guide on all of this is by @NZ00Z3 in the knowledge base. (If I knew how to post a link to it I would)

Before I knew any of this I bought a Creator 310 + for my Sept 97 build 2.8 but it was no good for diagnosing the same problems Dawn has. I still have it, so Dawn you’re welcome to borrow it to see if it works, before you spend money on anything else. (I would say you could have it but I now have Gookah’s 2.8 so I’m keeping it for whenever any of Gookah’s fabulous workmanship breaks down

)

Dawn, I’m Shrewsbury and I believe you’re Wolverhampton so not a million miles away. If you’re interested in borrowing it PM me and we can make arrangements.

ktnez99 · Jan 24, 2024

GZed said:
Hi Colin & Dawn. The cut-off date between ‘early’ and ‘ later’ in terms of OBD 1 and 2 is March 1998, so Creator should be ok on your Dec 98 build car..? The definitive ‘ How to’ guide on all of this is by @NZ00Z3 in the knowledge base. (If I knew how to post a link to it I would)

Before I knew any of this I bought a Creator 310 + for my Sept 97 build 2.8 but it was no good for diagnosing the same problems Dawn has. I still have it, so Dawn you’re welcome to borrow it to see if it works, before you spend money on anything else. (I would say you could have it but I now have Gookah’s 2.8 so I’m keeping it for whenever any of Gookah’s fabulous workmanship breaks down)

Dawn, I’m Shrewsbury and I believe you’re Wolverhampton so not a million miles away. If you’re interested in borrowing it PM me and we can make arrangements.

Thanks! What a fab offer. I’ll definitely take you up on your generous invite to loan it. I’ll PM you.

What’s a good code reader for my Z3?

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