I am sure there will be lots of opinions, is there a diagnostic that is well suited to the z4 range around the £500.00 ish or do you need to spend big.
Diagnostics
- Thread starter Stag T
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
A simple handheld code reader popular with owners on here is a C110+ or C310+ by Creator samples here
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creator-Reader-Scanner-Diagnostic-Suitable/dp/B07HSYJ8XP
You could go for BMW INPA software on a laptop which is BMW's own software they use at dealers, free to download if you search the forum for a working link. It can be a pain to set up but its usually down to getting the settings on the laptop right.
I also run BMW Scanner 1.4 which is available on ebay for little money, loaded on the laptop it is very easy to use and will read all modules on the car, it also has the ability to do some coding.
Cheapest way to go is an App on your phone like Torque and connected to an ELM327 Emulator either via WI-fi or Bluetooth to your phone. That will do most things diagnostic wise but not airbags, it also lets you view live data from sensors. Handy to carry in the car for use away from home and very cheap. https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/879167221
Just decide if you want Wi-fi or Bluetooth types.
No need to spend £500 you could get yourself all of the options I listed and a second hand laptop for a fraction of that.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creator-Reader-Scanner-Diagnostic-Suitable/dp/B07HSYJ8XP
You could go for BMW INPA software on a laptop which is BMW's own software they use at dealers, free to download if you search the forum for a working link. It can be a pain to set up but its usually down to getting the settings on the laptop right.
I also run BMW Scanner 1.4 which is available on ebay for little money, loaded on the laptop it is very easy to use and will read all modules on the car, it also has the ability to do some coding.
Cheapest way to go is an App on your phone like Torque and connected to an ELM327 Emulator either via WI-fi or Bluetooth to your phone. That will do most things diagnostic wise but not airbags, it also lets you view live data from sensors. Handy to carry in the car for use away from home and very cheap. https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/879167221
Just decide if you want Wi-fi or Bluetooth types.
No need to spend £500 you could get yourself all of the options I listed and a second hand laptop for a fraction of that.
I use a Foxwell NT530 scanner with BMW software. I can use it as an OBD2 scanner which is good for Fuel trim Diagnosis or as a BMW scanner and read all computers in the car. https://www.foxwelltool.com/wholesale/foxwell-nt520-pro-bmw-software-20-pin-cable.html
Last edited:
Colb are the ELM emulators also the same for a Z3? I had a scanner from Euro car parts which seems to work on my VW but not my Z3......I think different cars have different protocols
Robert Hill
Zorg Guru (III)
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2018
- Points
- 125
There is a new scan tool on the market that the bmw doctor on YouTube dose a review
It's meant to do away with INPA bmw soft ware have a look on YouTube
It's meant to do away with INPA bmw soft ware have a look on YouTube
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
The ELM 327 Emulator will work on the Z3 but with an App like Torque on your phone via bluetooth or wi-fi depending which emulator you choose. If you used BMW INPA then that has to be used with the emulator that comes with the software BCcables on ebay do the package of software and emulator. Same for BMW Scanner 1.4 that comes with its own emulator. For the Z3 you also need the 16pin obd2 to 20pin BMW round cable to plug into the diagnostic socket in the engine bay and connect to your chosen emulator. If you also have a 16pin obd2 socket under the steering wheel that will only read the engine module. The round under bonnet socket will read all modules your car is fitted with.
If I get Torque pro what is the bluetooth adapter I need? Like the idea of it being on all the time and I can check.
Is it this one:
Is it this one:
baolongking OBD II Car Diagnostic Scanner Reader, bluetooth connection Check Engine Light for Android : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive
Buy baolongking OBD II Car Diagnostic Scanner Reader, bluetooth connection Check Engine Light for Android at Amazon UK. Free delivery on eligible orders.
www.amazon.co.uk
Last edited:
Don’t you have to pay subscriptions with some of those Bluetooth dongles though?
think it may be a one off small fee
just purchased a random one, coming tomorrow. Will give it a go and feedback
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
ELM327 emulator ebay or amazon you will need a 20pin to 16 pin cable changer also ebay
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Download the Torque app onto phone
Bought obd II named one, looks the same as EML one and better returns. Have the cable already so will give it a go. Havent checked but hope it will give me live temp
EML327 OBD2 emulator, Bluetooth for Android devices, WIFI for Apple devices.
Does Torque Pro have a data logging function? Data logging gets really handy with some engine problems. It enables you to collect data at around 5 second snapshots and share the CSV file with others who can diagnose the data. I do this all the time over in the BMW E46 forums. There, we use OBD Fusion, see link below. If Torque Pro has data logging, then the OBD Fusion guide will give you some insight into setting it up.
www.e46fanatics.com
Does Torque Pro have a data logging function? Data logging gets really handy with some engine problems. It enables you to collect data at around 5 second snapshots and share the CSV file with others who can diagnose the data. I do this all the time over in the BMW E46 forums. There, we use OBD Fusion, see link below. If Torque Pro has data logging, then the OBD Fusion guide will give you some insight into setting it up.
OBD Fusion
If you have a smart phone or tablet, get an OBDII app and wireless adapter to see exactly what is going on with the engine fuel management system. A quality OBDII tool supports the following: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in Pxxxx format (such as P0171) Individual emissions readiness...
Yes I believe it does have data logging. Have only just started using it but have seen you can export data to email etc.EML327 OBD2 emulator, Bluetooth for Android devices, WIFI for Apple devices.
Does Torque Pro have a data logging function? Data logging gets really handy with some engine problems. It enables you to collect data at around 5 second snapshots and share the CSV file with others who can diagnose the data. I do this all the time over in the BMW E46 forums. There, we use OBD Fusion, see link below. If Torque Pro has data logging, then the OBD Fusion guide will give you some insight into setting it up.
OBD Fusion
If you have a smart phone or tablet, get an OBDII app and wireless adapter to see exactly what is going on with the engine fuel management system. A quality OBDII tool supports the following: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in Pxxxx format (such as P0171) Individual emissions readiness...
OBD2 bt scanner connecting to torque pro (cost of £2.95 for no ads and extra features). Did have trouble connecting at first switched it all off went inside drunk some wine and started again and it all worked! Connecting nicely to an old kindle fire tablet- had to get apk's for google play and then to get the torque app.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Torque bit tempremental these days with my Wifi 327 emulator dosn't always connect to the car, switched to another App I have on the phone called Dash Command, that connected up alright, similar to Torque with dashboards and build your own option for instruments. it works with Wifi and Bluetooth. Develeoped by Palmer Performance.
play.google.com
DashCommand (OBD ELM App) – Apps on Google Play
Check/clear engine codes, view performance data, fuel economy, customize gauges.
Last edited:
I use INPA and NCSExpert & Dummy. Cost me £20 for the cable and have read codes & recoded the Z4 to do numerous things like roof up/down with remote, one touch windows, DRL's, once you get your head around using it, its an absolute doddle