Best Code Reader for an M43 powered 1.8 Z3

[Alan Patterson]

Hi, i recently bought the BMW v14 diagnostic device which for the life of me , I cannot get to work on my laptop. It keeps not being able to find the driver, despite trying the advice on various internet searches!
Is there a plug & play code reader that works with the BMW socket?
I have an OBD II reader with an adapter that works on my other vehicles but I get a link error with it.
My Engine Management Light is on although car is running fine.
Recent new exhaust and wondering if its a Lambda issue?
Many thanks!

 

[colb]

I have a number of diagnostic scanner systems, BMW INPA and Engine Check Pro, latest one I tried is BMW Scanner 1.4 available on ebay for a shade over £13. It will plug into your round underbonnet socket with a cable changer round to OBD2.
Loaded it onto my Laptop and installed the driver as per the instructions and it was up and running. It is far simpler than setting up INPA and will automatically scan your car for all the modules it can support. You can then look into each individual module and read codes and reset them.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Scan...746400?hash=item3f9c54dae0:g:i7UAAOSwC7Ba9JuU
This works ok on my 1999 1.8 M43.
If you are having trouble loading the driver, re read the instructions, can't remember where I found the driver, it may have been on the disc that came with the scanner. also check out your cable, if it works with other software then it should be ok with BMW Scanner 1.4

 

[Mazza]

I bought one of those BMW 1.4 scanners , and after ages ( and emails) managed to get the drivers to load, but only by following some instructions, delving into backscreens, and turning off stuff on my laptop, ( way out of my comfort zone)
Definitely not plug and play........then after all that it came up with ‘hardware not found’

They promised a replacement, but it never arrived, so after all this hassle, I have sent it back for a full refund.

I may just have been unlucky but dont think I will get another one.

 

[colb]

May be of help
http://rixham.co.uk/2018/03/27/installing-bmw-scanner-1-4-0-on-windows-10/

 

[Alan Patterson]

Yes this is what I am finding. I am no IT guru with ports and drivers etc! Struggling with it! I even had to download software to SEE the files on the disc let alone download them!
Is there a similar device to my OBD 2 reader that just plugs in and reads the codes? I was hoping there might be something decent under £40.....

 

[Mazza]

I have these two, C310 for fault codes, and B800 for resetting airbag lights.
Good enough for me with my limited knowledge of this stuff

 

[Alan Patterson]

Thanks Mazza, how much did that set you back?

 

[Mazza]

Bought about a year ago.
The C310 was £34.95 from an online company called retro parts. I think lots of online companies sell it but I got free postage with it.
The yellow B800 was £10.00 through the forum.

 

[colb]

B800 airbag tool can be obtained through ebay, try and look for a UK trader, lots from China on there seem to remember mine came from a Manchester based seller.
Wher are you Alan, maybe a member near you can get your laptop working with BMW Scanner.