I am new to Bimmers and in need of advise

[DRVGRMN]

I bought my wife a 2013 F10 M5 with 45k miles for our anniversary. it now has 48k drive train malfunction came on 3 times now check engine light won't go off, but show no codes.
I am sure it is a fuel issue and I think we're got some bad gas (maybe...I hope)
So I want to get a code reader. I researched a bunch of them the main one I am interested in is the BMS s63tu JB4 w/ BCM & OBDII Performance Tuner | M5, M6, X5M, & X6M

Any thoughts, I own Audi with helix vagcom and this seems better and more to offer for my M5 but, i can't seem to find reviews. Do you guys have any input before I spend $1000 on it? Thank you in advance.

[lamaro88]

From what I have read and heard, these cars have that issue. Most of the time it could be fixed with changing out the spark plugs and coils. My car had this issue recently, so I took it back to the dealership and they changed out the plug and coil on one of the cylinders. Hopefully it isnt more than that.

Also I know if you go to an auto parts store, oreillys, autozone...they read codes for free.

[core22]

Originally Posted by DRVGRMN

I bought my wife a 2013 F10 M5 with 45k miles for our anniversary. it now has 48k drive train malfunction came on 3 times now check engine light won't go off, but show no codes.
I am sure it is a fuel issue and I think we're got some bad gas (maybe...I hope)
So I want to get a code reader. I researched a bunch of them the main one I am interested in is the BMS s63tu JB4 w/ BCM & OBDII Performance Tuner | M5, M6, X5M, & X6M

Any thoughts, I own Audi with helix vagcom and this seems better and more to offer for my M5 but, i can't seem to find reviews. Do you guys have any input before I spend $1000 on it? Thank you in advance.

Welcome to a great forum

You posted a JB4 rather than a code reader. A reader will be a fraction of the cost (and you can get the codes read for free at some shops). A JB4 (piggy-back tune) will provide more power, as well as read and clear codes. Not sure you want to drop $$ on a JB4 until you figure out the source of the issues you are experiencing.

[HXS]

Originally Posted by DRVGRMN

drive train malfunction came on 3 times now check engine light won't go off, but show no codes..

The last time my car did this, it was the coils and plugs. So, crossing fingers it will be the same for you!

[DRVGRMN]

Originally Posted by lamaro88

From what I have read and heard, these cars have that issue. Most of the time it could be fixed with changing out the spark plugs and coils. My car had this issue recently, so I took it back to the dealership and they changed out the plug and coil on one of the cylinders. Hopefully it isnt more than that.

Also I know if you go to an auto parts store, oreillys, autozone...they read codes for free.

hopefully that's just it.... only had the car for a month. ty

[DRVGRMN]

Originally Posted by core22

Welcome to a great forum

You posted a JB4 rather than a code reader. A reader will be a fraction of the cost (and you can get the codes read for free at some shops). A JB4 (piggy-back tune) will provide more power, as well as read and clear codes. Not sure you want to drop $$ on a JB4 until you figure out the source of the issues you are experiencing.

I know that I can get them cheaper but it seems to me you get more bang for the buck.... and the hours I work everything is closed when we're get off of work to go anywhere to do a scan. and there are no BMW Dealership within 600 miles of me

[DRVGRMN]

Originally Posted by HXS

The last time my car did this, it was the coils and plugs. So, crossing fingers it will be the same for you!

I am really hoping that it is a simple cheap fix. I just dropped alot on her car, it would such to already have a big bill. lol

[DRVGRMN]

OP thanks for the welcome. I like how this forum is set up and it's clean look.

[TLK]

You can get by with a simple obdii reader that gives the P-codes and you can look them up on the web.

I have a fancier one that does the translation based on some data I downloaded after I got it, but that just saves you doing the lookup. Still only P-codes though. Handy to grab if somebody wants me to go look at a used car with them.

I use ISTA+ on PC for the BMWs since it is a good shop level tool and does much more than reading codes but setup is required and buying a loader from one the couple of sources that sell it. This is something a lot of people don't want to deal with. It can read and reset faults from almost everything in the car, unlike the simple tools that only show powertrain codes.

[BeachM5nster]

Originally Posted by DRVGRMN

I bought my wife a 2013 F10 M5 with 45k miles for our anniversary. it now has 48k drive train malfunction came on 3 times now check engine light won't go off, but show no codes.
I am sure it is a fuel issue and I think we're got some bad gas (maybe...I hope)
So I want to get a code reader. I researched a bunch of them the main one I am interested in is the BMS s63tu JB4 w/ BCM & OBDII Performance Tuner | M5, M6, X5M, & X6M

Any thoughts, I own Audi with helix vagcom and this seems better and more to offer for my M5 but, i can't seem to find reviews. Do you guys have any input before I spend $1000 on it? Thank you in advance.

no dealer within 600 miles is gonna not be fun

[DRVGRMN]

Originally Posted by TLK

You can get by with a simple obdii reader that gives the P-codes and you can look them up on the web.

I have a fancier one that does the translation based on some data I downloaded after I got it, but that just saves you doing the lookup. Still only P-codes though. Handy to grab if somebody wants me to go look at a used car with them.

I use ISTA+ on PC for the BMWs since it is a good shop level tool and does much more than reading codes but setup is required and buying a loader from one the couple of sources that sell it. This is something a lot of people don't want to deal with. It can read and reset faults from almost everything in the car, unlike the simple tools that only show powertrain codes.

yes thank you I was looking into that also.

[DRVGRMN]

Originally Posted by BeachM5nster

no dealer within 600 miles is gonna not be fun

it's going to be.... but, I am used to it now. I own a 2015 S6 also and the closest Audi DS is 5-6 hours in either direction. Smh lol

[technician117]

Nice looking car! I would get a basic bluetooth OBD2 reader and a phone app for basic reading/clearing codes while out driving. This way if you get a drivetrain malfunction and limited power, you can clear the codes to keep driving normally. Next, if you are computer savvy, I would try to find a download of ISTA D or ISTA+. Download to a laptop and then buy a $20 ENET cable and you have full diagnostic capability similar to the dealer.

[Chauncey.Bishop]

Originally Posted by DRVGRMN

I bought my wife a 2013 F10 M5 with 45k miles for our anniversary. it now has 48k drive train malfunction came on 3 times now check engine light won't go off, but show no codes.
I am sure it is a fuel issue and I think we're got some bad gas (maybe...I hope)
So I want to get a code reader. I researched a bunch of them the main one I am interested in is the BMS s63tu JB4 w/ BCM & OBDII Performance Tuner | M5, M6, X5M, & X6M

Any thoughts, I own Audi with helix vagcom and this seems better and more to offer for my M5 but, i can't seem to find reviews. Do you guys have any input before I spend $1000 on it? Thank you in advance.

A VAGCOM will provide you with more options and customization than a JB4 (I've used the ross-tech ones in the past). However if you're buying a tuner anyway and want built in code reading functionality, then JB4 does have basic diagnosis built into it, you simply need to acquire the cable that connects its circuit board to your laptop (i.e. serial to usb).