cheapest place to get ODB2 scanner?

jateshk · Thu, Dec-24-2009, 11:39:45 PM

Need to purchase one. Which one is compatible. Does it have to be Can-bus?

ebay?

**deilenberger** · Fri, Dec-25-2009, 01:55:53 AM

The cheapest one you can find that will connect with the M3 ECU. They ALL do the same thing - read a numeric code. P0000-P1000 are generic OBD-II codes, P1001-1999 are manufacturer specific codes, which you'll have to use a lookup table to find out what they mean for our cars.

DO make sure you have a return option if it fails to connect to our ECU - the M3 is a bit touchy that way. And no - you don't need CAN. OBD-II doesn't use CAN.

**MattMan** · Fri, Dec-25-2009, 05:06:02 AM

If you need it temporarily, you can borrow one at AutoZone.. read the codes.. and return it in 90 days.

Junger · Fri, Dec-25-2009, 05:33:25 AM

Purchased Actron CP9185 OBD II reader from EBAY for $120 (NEW) and works great for my M and Audi.

Thu, Dec-24-2009, 11:39:45 PM	#1
jateshk Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,221 Reputation: 0 Location: Los Angeles	cheapest place to get ODB2 scanner? Need to purchase one. Which one is compatible. Does it have to be Can-bus? ebay? __________________

Fri, Dec-25-2009, 01:55:53 AM	#2
deilenberger Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 13,329 Reputation: 578	The cheapest one you can find that will connect with the M3 ECU. They ALL do the same thing - read a numeric code. P0000-P1000 are generic OBD-II codes, P1001-1999 are manufacturer specific codes, which you'll have to use a lookup table to find out what they mean for our cars. DO make sure you have a return option if it fails to connect to our ECU - the M3 is a bit touchy that way. And no - you don't need CAN. OBD-II doesn't use CAN. __________________ Don Eilenberger AKA bellymeisterburgermeister and denilegiiiiiiiiiiiiibennnnegerieragher (but that's misspelled..) 2001 M-Coupe - TiSilver/Black - Das Boot.. 2002 M3C/6 - Imola Red/Black - SOLD 2003 525iT - Green/Tan - SOLD - replaced with Lexus 2006 Cayenne/S - Iceland Silver Metallic/Stone-steel Gray - Truckster. 2007 R1200R - Roadster, black mit/white pinstripes - the REAL BMW.. 2011 Lexus RX-350. SWMBO's new toy.

Fri, Dec-25-2009, 05:06:02 AM	#3
MattMan Modded Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 4,912 In the garage: '09 BMW X5 '04 BMW M3 Reputation: 573 Location: Chicago	If you need it temporarily, you can borrow one at AutoZone.. read the codes.. and return it in 90 days. __________________ MattMan

Fri, Dec-25-2009, 05:33:25 AM	#4
Junger Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 357 Reputation: 0	Purchased Actron CP9185 OBD II reader from EBAY for $120 (NEW) and works great for my M and Audi. __________________ All the time and money I spent on my cars; I would do it all over again. /// M POWER

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