OBD reader

[Harris]

I've taken the z3 out for its first proper drive of the year, only about 35 miles on some nice roads, and the engine management light (not the EML) came on. It still seemed to be driving alright, no noticeable sounds or performance changes.

I need to get myself a code reader but there are so many to choose from. I'm not looking for the cheapest Amazon types but don't want to be spending 200+ quid unnecessarily.

What are other people using that are a nice balance of functionality and cost?

 

[ChrisD]

I've taken the z3 out for its first proper drive of the year, only about 35 miles on some nice roads, and the engine management light (not the EML) came on. It still seemed to be driving alright, no noticeable sounds or performance changes.

I need to get myself a code reader but there are so many to choose from. I'm not looking for the cheapest Amazon types but don't want to be spending 200+ quid unnecessarily.

What are other people using that are a nice balance of functionality and cost?

I’d highly recommend getting a wireless ELM 327 type interface (~£10 from Amazon - and a £10 20-pin to 16pin OBDII adapter - if needed) and then you have a choice of apps that you can use on your phone for reading/clearing codes. Absolutely no need to spend more than £20 for OBDII diagnostic kit.

 

[Harris]

Sounds like great advice. I owe you a beer!

What app are you using?

 

[ChrisD]

Here’s some info about what I’ve used:

Wireless diagnostics and data logging

I've just bought these items to try some wireless OBDII diagnostic investigations and to log data to my iPhone. This is a 20pin diagnostic port to 16pin female OBDII adapter and 'ELM327'-type WiFi OBDII interface both from Amazon for less than £20 total. I had some problem with the 20-16 pin...

zroadster.org

OBD Fusion looks to be a good app but I never got around to trying it.
You shouldn’t need the round adapter if you have a 16pin OBDII socket under the dash.

 

[AntStark]

Here’s some info about what I’ve used:

Wireless diagnostics and data logging

I've just bought these items to try some wireless OBDII diagnostic investigations and to log data to my iPhone. This is a 20pin diagnostic port to 16pin female OBDII adapter and 'ELM327'-type WiFi OBDII interface both from Amazon for less than £20 total. I had some problem with the 20-16 pin...

zroadster.org

OBD Fusion looks to be a good app but I never got around to trying it.
You shouldn’t need the round adapter if you have a 16pin OBDII socket under the dash.

Under the dash socket only reads the engine module. You will need the round socket for everything else.
@Harris ..many on here have the Creator 310+ ..about £50. It does most things. Also what did you mean by Not EML …that stands for Engine Management Light

or buy this https://zroadster.org/threads/creator-c410-obd2-code-reader-20-to-16-pin-adapter.78367/

 

[Harris]

Good question, I might be confused but I have a EML light and a light that looks more like an engine. It’s the engine that is staying illuminated.

 

[AntStark]

Yeah that’s the check engine light ..code reader will give you some insight. Vacuum leaks, O2 sensors etc are common