Help picking a diagnostic tool?

f16dude · 11-02-2012, 05:07 PM

So, I just bought this 06 bmw e90, and the SES light is continuing to light up. Its the emissions system minor leak code, which according to my mechanic, is a stupid government emissions requirement, and it effects absolutely nothing on the car. Per his advice, rather than replacing part after part trying to find the leak, I have chosen to leave it alone. Because of this, my SES light will most likely continue to come on. Rather than ignoring it and possibly overlooking another problem taking place on my car, I have opted in investing in a diagnostic tool.

After much research on the forum I have found tons of information. My main question is, which ones can turn the light off? Some can only read/clear the codes, while others can read/clear/turn off the SES light. Call me crazy, but if I am to fork out for one of these tools, it would be nice to keep that bright yellow "you suck at life" light at bay.

Anyone know which ones will do so? I own an 06 so keep that in mind before you tell me of a 1000 dollar unit that lights up and makes you coffee.

Oh and my water pump is going out. (not related, but none the less it is depressing)

TheBingoBalls · 11-02-2012, 05:32 PM

Bavarian Technic Tool. I think it's reasonably price at $287 if you just want something to use while working on your car.

f16dude · 11-02-2012, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 宝马.e90

Bavarian Technic Tool. I think it's reasonably price at $287 if you just want something to use while working on your car.

I looked at that one. My problem is that I use a mac. I dont think its compatible with anything other than windows...

Is that the only one out there that can sucessfully turn off that SES light? It seems there are hundreds that claim to do so, but im not about to just buy one until I know whether it will.

While that does seem reasonable compared to the outlandish prices elsewhere, is there a cheaper one out there?

Thanks for your help. Im glad the bavarian technic tool is capable. Is there a self contained version out there that will do what I ask?

I know there are other threads out there regarding this, however, none seem to question the specific need to turn that pesky light off. Ive even considered unplugging the light. (sacrilege I know) It makes me wanna

galahad05 · 11-02-2012, 06:17 PM

Whatever you get, I believe you'll need it be BMW-aware. That is, can deal with BMW's special proprietary codes. That limits the number of OBD-II scanner tools you can use to clear (all of the possible codes that light up) the SES.

Could be wrong though: anyone care to disagree?

f16dude · 11-02-2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galahad05

Whatever you get, I believe you'll need it be BMW-aware. That is, can deal with BMW's special proprietary codes. That limits the number of OBD-II scanner tools you can use to clear (all of the possible codes that light up) the SES.

Could be wrong though: anyone care to disagree?

Really? The code is the p0442 or something like that. "emmissions system minor leak." Thats apparently going to be my scurge for the length of my ownership of the car... sigh...

bumere90 · 11-02-2012, 08:15 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=727091

ctuna · 11-02-2012, 11:57 PM

N55 · 11-03-2012, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f16dude

I looked at that one. My problem is that I use a mac. I dont think its compatible with anything other than windows...

You should be able to run Parallel on your Mac. It costs $79.99 and it's well worth it.

ctuna · 11-03-2012, 12:10 AM

Can't you run a virtual PC on a MAC
Also if the problem is recurring you better fix it.
A cable for and 06 should run you less than 50 bucks
because you only need a K can cable .

DSB335d · 11-03-2012, 08:26 AM

I have an autoxray 6000 scan tool.

galahad05 · 11-03-2012, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f16dude

Really? The code is the p0442 or something like that. "emmissions system minor leak." Thats apparently going to be my scurge for the length of my ownership of the car... sigh...

Really---in general. If your code is a "common" code that isn't BMW-specific, then ANY OBD scanner will clear it. If it's BMW-specific, on the other hand....

In your case, just go to Autozone and borrow their OBD-II scanner....

mlifxs · 11-03-2012, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumere90

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=727091

OP you owe it to yourself to check this one out...glad I did. Worst case, you're out 7 bucks for a cable....and there IS a MAC version.

smooth1 · 11-03-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlifxs

OP you owe it to yourself to check this one out...glad I did. Worst case, you're out 7 bucks for a cable....and there IS a MAC version.

Yup, the Mac version works really well. Checking/clearing codes are free for the DME. I'll be adding support for other modules in the near future as well.

I have some pretty cool stuff planned for this software. Unfortunately I haven't had much time to work on it lately.

mlifxs · 11-03-2012, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smooth1

Yup, the Mac version works really well. Checking/clearing codes are free for the DME. I'll be adding support for other modules in the near future as well.

I have some pretty cool stuff planned for this software. Unfortunately I haven't had much time to work on it lately.

THANKS for what you've done so far.

smooth1 · 11-03-2012, 05:12 PM

No problem.

ladius · 11-03-2012, 09:42 PM

Since you have a mac i doubt you'll have an android phone but if you do, the torque obd app paired with a bluetooth obdii can clear the ses light. This does not give specific codes.

I should add the whole set up cost $20.

BlackDesertTango · 11-04-2012, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f16dude

Really? The code is the p0442 or something like that. "emmissions system minor leak." Thats apparently going to be my scurge for the length of my ownership of the car... sigh...

That code refers to a EVAP system leak. The cheapest troubleshoot solution is to replace the gas cap. When you replace it, reset with an OBII or just drive several driving cycles and the SES light should go away. ECStuning sells the cap for cheap.

f16dude · 11-05-2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumere90

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=727091

thaaaank you!

bumere90 · 11-07-2012, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f16dude

thaaaank you!

11-02-2012, 05:07 PM	#1
f16dude New Member 1 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 2006 bmw 325i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: oklahoma city iTrader: (0)	Help picking a diagnostic tool? So, I just bought this 06 bmw e90, and the SES light is continuing to light up. Its the emissions system minor leak code, which according to my mechanic, is a stupid government emissions requirement, and it effects absolutely nothing on the car. Per his advice, rather than replacing part after part trying to find the leak, I have chosen to leave it alone. Because of this, my SES light will most likely continue to come on. Rather than ignoring it and possibly overlooking another problem taking place on my car, I have opted in investing in a diagnostic tool. After much research on the forum I have found tons of information. My main question is, which ones can turn the light off? Some can only read/clear the codes, while others can read/clear/turn off the SES light. Call me crazy, but if I am to fork out for one of these tools, it would be nice to keep that bright yellow "you suck at life" light at bay. Anyone know which ones will do so? I own an 06 so keep that in mind before you tell me of a 1000 dollar unit that lights up and makes you coffee. Oh and my water pump is going out. (not related, but none the less it is depressing)
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-02-2012, 05:32 PM	#2
TheBingoBalls Brigadier General 3817 Rep 4,657 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 F36 BMW 440i x ... [0.00]	Bavarian Technic Tool. I think it's reasonably price at $287 if you just want something to use while working on your car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-02-2012, 06:17 PM	#4
galahad05 Brigadier General 158 Rep 3,158 Posts Drives: '07 335i e90 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (0)	Whatever you get, I believe you'll need it be BMW-aware. That is, can deal with BMW's special proprietary codes. That limits the number of OBD-II scanner tools you can use to clear (all of the possible codes that light up) the SES. Could be wrong though: anyone care to disagree? __________________ Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. --Mark Twain
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-02-2012, 08:15 PM	#6
bumere90 Grozniy 177 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: Carless Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: FL iTrader: (12)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=727091 __________________ -fatman
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-02-2012, 11:57 PM	#7
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,100 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Go to the coding subforum Go to the coding subforum download and learn about the software. A coding cable will cost you about 100 bucks at most . Its not Vin number limited and you can download DIS57 and all the other software. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=652293 coding http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=604297 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=480261 http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1517538 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=603002 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...CPqY7sEC#gid=0 http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-ELM-...d_rhf_ee_shvl2 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=626106 http://forums.5series.net/topic/1060...g/page__st__15 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...QBEN1T21N1M4QB https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/d...4242A6C62198A5 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=603585 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=usenet You can do both diags and code the car but it takes some knowledge of computers and a little hacking. http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=368
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2012, 12:10 AM	#9
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,100 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Can't you run a virtual PC on a MAC Can't you run a virtual PC on a MAC Also if the problem is recurring you better fix it. A cable for and 06 should run you less than 50 bucks because you only need a K can cable . Last edited by ctuna; 11-03-2012 at 11:08 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2012, 08:26 AM	#10
DSB335d Captain 1322 Rep 700 Posts Drives: '11 335d DSB/oyster&black/navi Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: West palm beach iTrader: (0)	I have an autoxray 6000 scan tool.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2012, 05:12 PM	#15
smooth1 Banned 8 Rep 125 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	No problem.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2012, 09:42 PM	#16
ladius Private First Class 17 Rep 184 Posts Drives: '06 bmw 330i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Since you have a mac i doubt you'll have an android phone but if you do, the torque obd app paired with a bluetooth obdii can clear the ses light. This does not give specific codes. I should add the whole set up cost $20.
	Appreciate 0 Quote