Is the BT Tool worth it?

bimmernoob · 05-19-2010, 02:55 PM

I plan to do the common service things myself on my e90, namely the following:

- oil change
- air/micro-filter
- brakes (pad/rotor/fluid)
- tranny fluid

The other bigger items most likely I would take to a Indy shop... So with that said, would it be worth while for me to invest in the BT tool (which is almost $300)? Why or why-not? Any good alternative scan tools?

Chriztofor · 05-19-2010, 04:54 PM

Alternative scan tool, peake research http://www.peakeresearch.com/ I used it for my e46 and it paid for itself with the first scan! The only thing it doesn't do is reset the service reminders, but that you can do without any tool http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=360706

I plan on buying a peake or BT scan tool once my car acts up.

Edit: it also doesn't reset the battery info, if I do get peake I will buy a walmart battery that has a 3 year non-prorated guarantee. If it dies, who cares.

ENINTY · 05-20-2010, 07:48 AM

I have the BT Scan tool professional version, because I work on more than 3 late model BMWs. It's worth the money because the tool scans all the control modules and reports/clears all error codes, not all error codes show up with a Service Engine Soon light. It makes it easy to reset the CBS instead of using the turn signal stalk. Also, I think the enthusiast model lets you reprogram the ECU for a battery replacement, which alone will pay back the cost of the tool when you replace the battery.

mike3000fl · 05-20-2010, 06:54 PM

how much is the pro version and is it software based? i'm interested.

ENINTY · 05-20-2010, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike3000fl

how much is the pro version and is it software based? i'm interested.

If I remember correctly it as just over $700. It is sofeware based. All you get is a cable and you download the software from Bavarian Tech. Mine was a bit more because I got the cable converter for pre-2001 BMWs, which used the round plug in the engine compartment.

bmw6953 · 05-21-2010, 12:22 AM

For $700 you might as well pay $100 more on ebay and get BMW's GT1.

ENINTY · 05-22-2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw6953

For $700 you might as well pay $100 more on ebay and get BMW's GT1.

Ahh, and the Chinese suppliers are so trustworthy! No thanks.

bmw6953 · 05-22-2010, 11:59 AM

Not all of them are chinese. You can find some good deals from americans. even if you pay $1000. if you are already spendind $700 on the BT tool whats 300 more ?

ENINTY · 05-22-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw6953

Not all of them are chinese. You can find some good deals from americans. even if you pay $1000. if you are already spendind $700 on the BT tool whats 300 more ?

From what I read the Chinese stole the BMW intellectual property once BMW imported the GT1 for repairs of BMWs in China. I've decided to not partake in supporting the Chinese IP theft industry. The BT tool does what I need it to do, and I do not belive Bavarian Tech stole the IP from BMW.

Thanks for the information.

Quasimodem · 05-22-2010, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ENINTY

From what I read the Chinese stole the BMW intellectual property once BMW imported the GT1 for repairs of BMWs in China. I've decided to not partake in supporting the Chinese IP theft industry. The BT tool does what I need it to do, and I do not belive Bavarian Tech stole the IP from BMW.

Thanks for the information.

OMG, the Chinese stole the intellectual property from BMW? I hadn't heard this. Should we all take our cars to China to be fixed now, or did BMW come up with some new software to replace the stuff that was taken?

ENINTY · 05-23-2010, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quasimodem

OMG, the Chinese stole the intellectual property from BMW? I hadn't heard this. Should we all take our cars to China to be fixed now, or did BMW come up with some new software to replace the stuff that was taken?

And exactly where does BMW come up with the funds to write new software?

You.

Quasimodem · 05-23-2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ENINTY

And exactly where does BMW come up with the funds to write new software?

You.

Maybe my buddies in China and I already paid for the development of BMW software in the prices of our cars. And BMW is smart enough to keep copies of their software products.

ENINTY · 05-27-2010, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quasimodem

Maybe my buddies in China and I already paid for the development of BMW software in the prices of our cars. And BMW is smart enough to keep copies of their software products.

Maybe your buddies in China stole BMW's software...

Quasimodem · 05-29-2010, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ENINTY

Maybe your buddies in China stole BMW's software...

Somebody broke into BMW engineering offices and stole something? Did this make the news? Are you familiar with the common law definition of theft. Or are you trying to apply a definition of "theft" which is more convenient to your own personal purposes? Hmmmm, I wonder.

ENINTY · 05-29-2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quasimodem

Somebody broke into BMW engineering offices and stole something? Did this make the news? Are you familiar with the common law definition of theft. Or are you trying to apply a definition of "theft" which is more convenient to your own personal purposes? Hmmmm, I wonder.

Gee, only if there was some concept of law in China when it comes to theft of intellectual property...

05-19-2010, 02:55 PM	#1
bimmernoob Private First Class 7 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2006 330i 6MT Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (0)	Is the BT Tool worth it? I plan to do the common service things myself on my e90, namely the following: - oil change - air/micro-filter - brakes (pad/rotor/fluid) - tranny fluid The other bigger items most likely I would take to a Indy shop... So with that said, would it be worth while for me to invest in the BT tool (which is almost $300)? Why or why-not? Any good alternative scan tools?
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05-19-2010, 04:54 PM	#2
Chriztofor Colonel 103 Rep 2,783 Posts Drives: '06 325i and '13 X5 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (1)	Alternative scan tool, peake research http://www.peakeresearch.com/ I used it for my e46 and it paid for itself with the first scan! The only thing it doesn't do is reset the service reminders, but that you can do without any tool http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=360706 I plan on buying a peake or BT scan tool once my car acts up. Edit: it also doesn't reset the battery info, if I do get peake I will buy a walmart battery that has a 3 year non-prorated guarantee. If it dies, who cares. Last edited by Chriztofor; 05-21-2010 at 10:46 AM..
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05-20-2010, 07:48 AM	#3
ENINTY Banned 173 Rep 3,415 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Sport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I have the BT Scan tool professional version, because I work on more than 3 late model BMWs. It's worth the money because the tool scans all the control modules and reports/clears all error codes, not all error codes show up with a Service Engine Soon light. It makes it easy to reset the CBS instead of using the turn signal stalk. Also, I think the enthusiast model lets you reprogram the ECU for a battery replacement, which alone will pay back the cost of the tool when you replace the battery.
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05-20-2010, 06:54 PM	#4
mike3000fl Banned 138 Rep 2,731 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	how much is the pro version and is it software based? i'm interested.
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05-21-2010, 12:22 AM	#6
bmw6953 Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 257 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: california iTrader: (0)	For $700 you might as well pay $100 more on ebay and get BMW's GT1.
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05-22-2010, 11:59 AM	#8
bmw6953 Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 257 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: california iTrader: (0)	Not all of them are chinese. You can find some good deals from americans. even if you pay $1000. if you are already spendind $700 on the BT tool whats 300 more ?
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