OBD II Scanner recommendations?

[Uncle Rusty]

I am wondering what OBD II scanners are prefered for the new BMWs. I know that I won't really need one for the next four years due to the warranty. But, I would like to see what you folks here prefer and what you have to say about the subject. (I have learned a lot here)

I checked out some of the scanners offered by Snap-On, Mac Tools, Matco, and serveral others. All I have to say is that these things can be very confusing! After checking prices, it looks like code reading scanner is about all I would want to buy. Some of the more expensive ones do some really cool stuff, but if I'm not working on cars for a living it's kind of hard to justify anything over $1,000.

Can anyone recommend an OBD II scanner that will read engine, transmission, body, and ABS codes without breaking the bank?

 

[Big Daddy]

I believe Bavarian Auto sells one that is nice, but personally I have not used it.

 

[GuyShark]

I've got a Digimoto set up.

It comes w/ software to download to your laptop & connectors.

I tried using it today, but my laptop battery is dead, and my lighter socket doesn't seem to be working. (fuse, I guess).

I'll get back with you and let you know how it all works.

I am borrowing it from a friend.

 

[GuyShark]

I got this working the other night.

It read all the sensors, what they were outputting, etc..

If you checked the site, I can do 1/4 mile speeds, Hosrepower, etc...
I can even log info on drives from whatever sensors you wish.

Pretty neat stuff.


[bmwkick]

 

[zman]

GuyShark,

Can it program the car as well?
Can it diagnose the car's problems if a check engine light comes on?

 

[GuyShark]

GuyShark,

Can it program the car as well?
Can it diagnose the car's problems if a check engine light comes on?

It CANNOT program the car.

It CAN diagnose if the CEL comes on. (and you can reset it)

 

[Uncle Rusty]

Well, so far it looks to me like a software solution is the way to go. I have a notebook computer, so that isn't an added expense. And the software OBD II scanning software, it seems to me, would be easyer to update. I've got almost four years of warranty, so I'm not in a hurry, but if I find anything that looks especially good I'll post info about it.