What’s a good code reader for my Z3?

[ktnez99]

Looking at the Foxwell 530, this doesn't look to be able to work on my Z build date Dec 1998...

https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_FXNT530B.html

Is anyone using this scanner on an older Z3 and can shed light on this please?

 

[Jack Ratt]

This is my Foxwell NT520 PRO with BMW software and it reads early BMW cars E30/E36 including Z3.

Why not speak to Gendan and tell them what you want to do and ask for their assurance that if you buy it from them, that it will work on your car? The set up shown on the Gendan advert only includes the OBD1 & 2 cable and not the one to fit the round socket in the engine bay like the one in my photo above. You will need this to read all the modules. I can't believe that Foxwell would remove the part of the program that reads the ADS.

Be aware that if you purchase this reader you may need to register it with Foxwell to download the software unless Gendan do it for you before they send it to you.

If you already have a "round plug" adapter it may plug into the OBD lead supplied with the scanner, but check before you buy. Gendan should be able to advise you.

 

[ktnez99]

View attachment 289961

This is my Foxwell NT520 PRO with BMW software and it reads early BMW cars E30/E36 including Z3.

Why not speak to Gendan and tell them what you want to do and ask for their assurance that if you buy it from them, that it will work on your car? The set up shown on the Gendan advert only includes the OBD1 & 2 cable and not the one to fit the round socket in the engine bay like the one in my photo above. You will need this to read all the modules. I can't believe that Foxwell would remove the part of the program that reads the ADS.

Be aware that if you purchase this reader you may need to register it with Foxwell to download the software unless Gendan do it for you before they send it to you.

If you already have a "round plug" adapter it may plug into the OBD lead supplied with the scanner, but check before you buy. Gendan should be able to advise you.

Thanks Jack. I'll do this - contact Gendan and ask the question as to whether it'll work on my Z. I've already got a connector cable for the circular port under the bonnet which I used on the Creator 310+ scanner. I'm hoping I won't need to go down the PC XL laptop route and the Foxwell 530 will be sufficient...fingers crossed. The Foxwell NT520 is no longer available, it's the 530 now.

 

[ktnez99]

@Jack Ratt apologies if I've already asked you...what year is your 2.8?

 

[Jack Ratt]

Both my cars are March 1998 on the plate in the engine bay.

 

[t-tony]

This is my Foxwell tool,
NT530. I ordered it with BMW Software loaded. I bought the adapter cable off eBay to read Z3s.

I've used it on quite a few Z3 including Carl Brown's 1.9.

Tony.

 

[ktnez99]

Both my cars are March 1998 on the plate in the engine bay.

So a Foxwell should work with my Z 1998 build.

 

[ktnez99]

This is my Foxwell tool,
NT530. I ordered it with BMW Software loaded. I bought the adapter cable off eBay to read Z3s.
View attachment 289979View attachment 289981View attachment 289983View attachment 289985
I've used it on quite a few Z3 including Carl Brown's 1.9.

Tony.

That's the current version so I'm hoping this will work Tony. I'll ring the company tomorrow and ask to make certain. Will this identify which wheel sensor is a problem? I mean, does it accurately pinpoint faults...ie: NS sensor?

 

[t-tony]

I'm pretty sure it did when Mint and I replaced an ABS sensor on the O/S/F of his 2.2 a couple of years ago.

Tony.

 

[ktnez99]

I'm pretty sure it did when Mint and I replaced an ABS sensor on the O/S/F of his 2.2 a couple of years ago.

Tony.

Thanks Tony. That will be great then.

 

[t-tony]

Mints 2.2 is a 2002 car don’t forget. If it makes a difference.

Tony.

 

[ktnez99]

Mints 2.2 is a 2002 car don’t forget. If it makes a difference.

Tony.

That's good to remember...I was wondering about it's age. The 530 is saying from 2000 plus so I'm going to have to ask about the age...I've found a 510 online which says all BMWs pre-2019 so that may be an option?

 

[ktnez99]

An update: I've spoken with a very helpful person called Sam at Gendan who has confirmed that the NT530 PRO should read my Dec 1998 Z so the order has been placed. I'm also told that the details of issues will identify which wheel speed sensor needs changing, etc. so another "I can't wait to receive this item!" in the post.

 

[t-tony]

I wasn’t aware that there was an NT530 Pro model. I thought they were just callled the NT530multi system scanner.

Tony.

 

[ktnez99]

I'll let you know when it arrives Tony. Gendan will have it back if it doesn't work but I'm hoping it will.

 

[ktnez99]

I wasn’t aware that there was an NT530 Pro model. I thought they were just callled the NT530multi system scanner.

Tony.

Looking at the online order, it does look like you have the right description on this scanner Tony. I'll see when it arrives though.

 

[ktnez99]

I wasn’t aware that there was an NT530 Pro model. I thought they were just callled the NT530multi system scanner.

Tony.

You are correct Tony - the N530 arrived today and its a Multi-System Scanner. No manual so had to download one direct from Foxwell and going to get to grips with how it works asap. Interestingly, the ABS and ASC lights on the dash must have known of the N530's pending arrival because they have both disappeared!!! I still need to find out what the issues are though to warrant these lights appearing on the dashboard so I've just got to get to grips with how the scanner works now.