Scan tools/Code readers, what kind and is it worth it?

[MIKe30]

Thinking about picking up an obd2 code reader. They're a bit pricey for the ones that look any good. Anybody have one of those from autozone or advance auto?

What kind of tool do you have, if any? And was it worth the coin you spent on it?

[jrdeamicis]

Do peake. It gives all those nice internal codes that the code reader wont show you.

[etxxz]

i bought that scan tool on ebay... the carsoft one (6.2?). went to bimmerforums and found the software separately. Has worked on my obdII e30 and my friend's e46 330i ; /

total investment ~ $45shipped

[matt]

I would get a Peake.

[MIKe30]

linkies por favorio?

[rThor432]

I picked up my personal OBD-2 scanner through Matco for ~$130. MAC carries them as well, and probably several other companies. It will read all OBD-2 codes as well as read and graph live data feeds. Great bang-for-the-buck. The only thing that it doesnt do is activations. At least I dont think it does.. It covers as much territory as most $500ish scanners I've had experience with. I'd highly recommend it.

Edit: Here it is, found a link to one site that carries it---

http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1/page_18771_634/launch__creaderv_large_lcd_display_pocket_scan__la.html

It's $189.99 there, so shop around if you want to find it cheaper. I know MAC was doing a promotion one week for $150, and when I mentioned it to the Matco guy he said he'd cut me an even better deal.

[MIKe30]

Thanks guys.

Thor, this the same one? http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool...049-p-LAU.html

edit: Found it here too. http://www.usatoolwarehouse.com/usat...301050049.html

Is it normal for a company to have two different names?? seem legit or not so much?

[rThor432]

Is it normal for a company to have two different names?? seem legit or not so much?

Yeah, those are the same tool. That is odd for the company to have two different names. A quick call to their toll-free number will get you a great excuse. It'll also be interesting to see which company answers the phone. Might not be either of the two you found.. haha.

[matt]

Generic OBD2 data is OK but will only get you so far. The live data BS is generally useless. Too slow to tell you anything.

I would HIGHLY suggest a peake tool to anyone with a BMW.

https://www.peakeresearch.com

[rThor432]

I just Googled the Peake tool and realized what it is. We have several of those at work and they spend 99% of their time collecting dust. Occasionally someone will try to use one, but because we have Autologic and GT1 they dont see much use. I bet they are pretty handy for personal use, but I'm just so used to something with an interactive screen. I'm probably lazy though.

Matt, you are right about the generic OBD-2 data being good only to a certain extent. The live data is excellent and very useful information from my experience. Some graphs on some tools range too slowly to be useful, sure, but sensor readings, ranges, and signals are very helpful. Ha, I really cant imagine using the Peake tool to get information similar to what Autologic and GT1 offer.. Maybe I'll have to try one and find out.

I dont mean this post in any way to be negative towards the Peake unit. I just laughed a little when I realized that those are the units that sit on top of one of the guys boxes and dont see much action.

[matt]

The peake tool only outputs codes. BMW specific codes, with a booklet to tell you what they mean. That's all you need to fix whats wrong with your car. OBD2 readers read about 5/6 of the codes the peake tool will, and they'll tell you what about 2/5 of them mean.

We are not talking about the GT1 and Autologic. I'm guessing if the OP wanted to spend $15k on a tool, he wouldn't be asking us which one he'd just be buying all of them.

[MIKe30]

The peake tool only outputs codes. BMW specific codes, with a booklet to tell you what they mean. That's all you need to fix whats wrong with your car. OBD2 readers read about 5/6 of the codes the peake tool will, and they'll tell you what about 2/5 of them mean.

We are not talking about the GT1 and Autologic. I'm guessing if the OP wanted to spend $15k on a tool, he wouldn't be asking us which one he'd just be buying all of them.

I only wish I could say thats more than what I've spent on the car. fml.

hoping to get this sucker off jackstands and rolling under it's own power this weekend. just trying to look ahead and be prepared should it start popping codes at me left and right. Want it to run optimally during break in, not half ass you kno?

So peak for bmw personal use then? I'm going to search, but if you know of anywhere cheaper than the $150 site you posted please share...

both your inputs have been great so far. thanks..

[erik325i]

My personal reader is a Peake tool. It works well and is simple to use.
When I'm at work I use the Autologic, but I'm sure you're not going to drop thousands for a code scanner.

Erik

[rThor432]

We are not talking about the GT1 and Autologic. I'm guessing if the OP wanted to spend $15k on a tool, he wouldn't be asking us which one he'd just be buying all of them.

Yeah, and I wasnt suggesting he go out and buy it either. I've just had access to GT1 and Autologic for years, so I didnt really know what market there was for affordable 20-pin BMW scan tools.

[surebimmer]

My personal reader is a Peake tool. It works well and is simple to use.
When I'm at work I use the Autologic, but I'm sure you're not going to drop thousands for a code scanner.

Erik

+1 for Peake tool. I use it on any thing older then 1999.