Peake R5 FCX III Worth Buying?

[Quinthirty]

Hi R3V. Just want to know if this tool is worth buying since I plan on to go the DIY route for diagnostics and simple repair. I've searched the forum but it seems that all the info is just on the For Sale section. Would appreciate some feedback from members who have or are continuously using this tool. There are also second hand FCX2s in the market, but want to know if they're sufficient vs. FCX3s on M20s.

Thanks!

[monty23psk]

For the e30, waste of money as you can do the stomp test for free. If you have obd1 or 2 cars, then worth every penny. I know because I have it but use it only on the e39s, e31s, e46s, and e32s, never an e30.

[Quinthirty]

:( My CEL does not light up. In that case, I might need it.

[monty23psk]

if you turn the key into position two the cel light does not turn on, then your bulb is probably burnt. $1 bulb versus the cost of the peake tool. my .02

[Quinthirty]

Thanks, Monty. Yup, the whole cluster is next on my list...bulbs, batteries, and diagnostics. I hope that I don't destroy it though. Electronics are always tricky.

[roguetoaster]

If your CEL does not light I would bet that some clever person here has figured out how to tap into that circuit with minimal effort if you really need to check codes before you pull the cluster. You can also reset your service indicator lights by hand, just read around, there are some very clear DIYs.

[Quinthirty]

If your CEL does not light I would bet that some clever person here has figured out how to tap into that circuit with minimal effort if you really need to check codes before you pull the cluster. You can also reset your service indicator lights by hand, just read around, there are some very clear DIYs.

I actually reset the SIL just this evening to find out whether my cluster batteries are still in good condition or needs replacement. All gauges working except for ABS light, CEL, and SIL. Reset CEL by placing a fused wire between plug 7 and 19 for 3 seconds... voila!

Now, I guess I have to go through the bulbs...but I would need help how to diagnose whether its a bulb issue or a wiring issue before I pull the cluster down... Would appreciate some directions. Thanks.

[roguetoaster]

I wouldn't be surprised if the previous owner pulled the bulb to "fix" a constant CEL. So just start by removing the cluster and you will see very shortly.

[nando]

there's really not much useful you can get out of Motronic 1.3 diagnostics. It makes more sense to fix your cluster issues and do a stomp test.

those tools are definitely not worth buying for an E30.

[Quinthirty]

I wouldn't be surprised if the previous owner pulled the bulb to "fix" a constant CEL. So just start by removing the cluster and you will see very shortly.

Is the CEL light bulb the same as other bulbs, #23 or #24? Or is it a different one? I checked RealOEM and there seems to be only 2 kinds of bulbs. But there are several control symbols, and I need to know if one of these is for the CEL?

There is nothing on the Section 6210 of the Electrical manual either.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1121&mospid=47263&btnr=62_0064&hg=62&fg=05

Sorry if this thread is going sideways...