Diagnostic Tool

Darkshear · 10-12-2016, 07:15 AM

I have a basic OBD II reader today that never reveals much when the M5 throws a code. Does anyone have a recommendation on a tool for purchase that is sub $200 range that will tell me the real deal when I get a drivetrain malfunction or other miscellaneous fault code? Something with perhaps a feature set that lets me get a lot more insight to what's going on with the car than some generic indiscernible OBD II code...

There are many many on Amazon, etc. but not sure if they're optimized for reading BMW codes and other data.

Thanks in advance guys.

13M5F10 · 10-12-2016, 08:36 AM

I almost went this route but never got around to doing it. This is the same software BMW uses I their shops to diagnose.

http://rheingoldusa.com/conc/index.php/buy-now

Here is the software kit
http://rheingoldusa.com/conc/index.p...&sort=priceAsc

They do have a tablet you can purchase that comes fully loaded with the software. Neat stuff

Darkshear · 10-12-2016, 03:52 PM

Wow, that would be great. I already have the OBD II -> Ethernet dongle used for coding the car. I wonder if that is the same hardware? If I could just purchase the $80 software, that would make me a happy camper.

13M5F10 · 10-12-2016, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkshear

Wow, that would be great. I already have the OBD II -> Ethernet dongle used for coding the car. I wonder if that is the same hardware? If I could just purchase the $80 software, that would make me a happy camper.

Ping them - they are quick to respond. I did it through Facebook Messenger.

I don't think its that simple. I could be wrong.

Darkshear · 10-12-2016, 04:09 PM

Thanks sir. You're always a wealth of information.

13M5F10 · 10-12-2016, 04:13 PM

Anytime bro .. hopefully someone can chime in that's done it. Most of the guys I know with it love it.

Let me know what you find out.

momos750 · 10-12-2016, 04:39 PM

Any of the diagnostic tools use a similar cable. USB to OBD2 (K+DCAN) or Ethernet to OBD2 (ENET).
I have the Ethernet to OBD2 cable and use it for coding.
You can use the same cable with INPA, ISTA/P/D, Rheingold, Tools32, NCS-Expert Tool, or any of the other diagnostic and programming softwares.

I wouldn't waste your money buying those packages. The software is available for free, just look in the coding forums. The ENET cable can be purchased on Amazon for about $15.

Darkshear · 10-12-2016, 05:01 PM

Great, I'll give it a shot. Thank you!

13M5F10 · 10-12-2016, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momos750

Any of the diagnostic tools use a similar cable. USB to OBD2 (K+DCAN) or Ethernet to OBD2 (ENET).
I have the Ethernet to OBD2 cable and use it for coding.
You can use the same cable with INPA, ISTA/P/D, Rheingold, Tools32, NCS-Expert Tool, or any of the other diagnostic and programming softwares.

I wouldn't waste your money buying those packages. The software is available for free, just look in the coding forums. The ENET cable can be purchased on Amazon for about $15.

I wish I tried this route. Had the ENET and had access to the software. Just didn't have time to play.

Darkshear · 10-12-2016, 09:59 PM

I really don't mind paying for the software if it provides a value. Gotta support developers. Unless it's freeware, then great. But $80 for software that gives you that feature set seems fair.

momos750 · 10-12-2016, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 13M5F10

Quote:

Originally Posted by momos750

Any of the diagnostic tools use a similar cable. USB to OBD2 (K+DCAN) or Ethernet to OBD2 (ENET).
I have the Ethernet to OBD2 cable and use it for coding.
You can use the same cable with INPA, ISTA/P/D, Rheingold, Tools32, NCS-Expert Tool, or any of the other diagnostic and programming softwares.

I wouldn't waste your money buying those packages. The software is available for free, just look in the coding forums. The ENET cable can be purchased on Amazon for about $15.

I wish I tried this route. Had the ENET and had access to the software. Just didn't have time to play.

ISTA+/Rheingold is fairly simple software to use. Great for diagnostics and the do-it-yourselfer. Same software the dealers use but they have access to repair history and program/software updates.

E-SYS is for coding. Takes a little more time to figure out but if you are computer literate it will allow you to do your own coding.

momos750 · 10-12-2016, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkshear

I really don't mind paying for the software if it provides a value. Gotta support developers. Unless it's freeware, then great. But $80 for software that gives you that feature set seems fair.

There's no doubt the software has value. Whether you want to purchase it or use the freeware versions available, that is up to you.
If you compare the $80 software to a quality OBD2 diagnostic scanner there is no doubt which one to go with. Although you can't use ISTA+ with any other vehicle manufacturer to read diagnostic codes other than BMW.

Darkshear · 10-12-2016, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momos750

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkshear

I really don't mind paying for the software if it provides a value. Gotta support developers. Unless it's freeware, then great. But $80 for software that gives you that feature set seems fair.

There's no doubt the software has value. Whether you want to purchase it or use the freeware versions available, that is up to you.
If you compare the $80 software to a quality OBD2 diagnostic scanner there is no doubt which one to go with. Although you can't use ISTA+ with any other vehicle manufacturer to read diagnostic codes other than BMW.

If there is a freeware version that will tell me WTF this code I'm throwing means, then WOOHOO!! That's $80 more towards an exhaust

momos750 · 10-12-2016, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkshear

Quote:

Originally Posted by momos750

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkshear

I really don't mind paying for the software if it provides a value. Gotta support developers. Unless it's freeware, then great. But $80 for software that gives you that feature set seems fair.

There's no doubt the software has value. Whether you want to purchase it or use the freeware versions available, that is up to you.
If you compare the $80 software to a quality OBD2 diagnostic scanner there is no doubt which one to go with. Although you can't use ISTA+ with any other vehicle manufacturer to read diagnostic codes other than BMW.

If there is a freeware version that will tell me WTF this code I'm throwing means, then WOOHOO!! That's $80 more towards an exhaust

What's the code?

135Hoser · 10-13-2016, 12:56 AM

I really enjoyed my Bavarian Technic cable I had for my last bmw.

13M5F10 · 10-13-2016, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135Hoser

I really enjoyed my Bavarian Technic cable I had for my last bmw.

Great tool. I looked into that but couldn't find out if our cars are supported. Their site says all M cars however seemed out dated.

13M5F10 · 10-13-2016, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkshear

Quote:

Originally Posted by momos750

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkshear

I really don't mind paying for the software if it provides a value. Gotta support developers. Unless it's freeware, then great. But $80 for software that gives you that feature set seems fair.

There's no doubt the software has value. Whether you want to purchase it or use the freeware versions available, that is up to you.
If you compare the $80 software to a quality OBD2 diagnostic scanner there is no doubt which one to go with. Although you can't use ISTA+ with any other vehicle manufacturer to read diagnostic codes other than BMW.

If there is a freeware version that will tell me WTF this code I'm throwing means, then WOOHOO!! That's $80 more towards an exhaust

Do a quick search googling the name of the software and you'll find torrents and forums where they offer free downloads of it. Worth a shot.

Darkshear · 10-13-2016, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momos750

What's the code?

All I have is a Genericorp garbage OBD II tool. P01c0 is the code.

momos750 · 10-13-2016, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkshear

Quote:

Originally Posted by momos750

What's the code?

All I have is a Genericorp garbage OBD II tool. P01c0 is the code.

Says it's "Rail-pressure sensor 2, electric, short circuit to ground"

Darkshear · 10-13-2016, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momos750

Says it's "Rail-pressure sensor 2, electric, short circuit to ground"

Interesting. Thank you!

Merritt_Wes · 06-05-2025, 02:10 PM

just purchased the foxwell nt510 elite on amazon. will provide feedback here in the weeks/months to come

10-12-2016, 07:15 AM	#1
Darkshear Second Lieutenant 164 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (2)	Diagnostic Tool - Any Recommendations? I have a basic OBD II reader today that never reveals much when the M5 throws a code. Does anyone have a recommendation on a tool for purchase that is sub $200 range that will tell me the real deal when I get a drivetrain malfunction or other miscellaneous fault code? Something with perhaps a feature set that lets me get a lot more insight to what's going on with the car than some generic indiscernible OBD II code... There are many many on Amazon, etc. but not sure if they're optimized for reading BMW codes and other data. Thanks in advance guys. __________________ @Darkshear on IG. ~~'06 E90 330i~~ ~~'07 E90 335i~~ ~~'13 535i M-Sport~~ ~~'14 F10 M5 Comp~~ ~~'19 F90 M5~~ ~~'21 F90 M5 Comp~~ '09 E90 M3
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10-12-2016, 08:36 AM	#2
13M5F10 Hide! My wife's coming! 835 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW M5 \| MSR Stage 3 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Las Colinas, TX iTrader: (5)	I almost went this route but never got around to doing it. This is the same software BMW uses I their shops to diagnose. http://rheingoldusa.com/conc/index.php/buy-now Here is the software kit http://rheingoldusa.com/conc/index.p...&sort=priceAsc They do have a tablet you can purchase that comes fully loaded with the software. Neat stuff __________________ * SOLD * 2013 BMW M5 \| Space Grey \| MSR Stage 3 Tune \| Catless Downpipes \| MSR Intake and Charge Pipes \| MSR Exhaust (Prototype) \| Vorsteiner Rear Diffuser \| RW Carbon Front Lip \| RW Carbon Trunk Spoiler\| Vorsteiner VS-310 Forged Wheels \| Escort 9500CI w/Laser Jammers
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10-12-2016, 03:52 PM	#3
Darkshear Second Lieutenant 164 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (2)	Wow, that would be great. I already have the OBD II -> Ethernet dongle used for coding the car. I wonder if that is the same hardware? If I could just purchase the $80 software, that would make me a happy camper. __________________ @Darkshear on IG. ~~'06 E90 330i~~ ~~'07 E90 335i~~ ~~'13 535i M-Sport~~ ~~'14 F10 M5 Comp~~ ~~'19 F90 M5~~ ~~'21 F90 M5 Comp~~ '09 E90 M3
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10-12-2016, 04:09 PM	#5
Darkshear Second Lieutenant 164 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (2)	Thanks sir. You're always a wealth of information. __________________ @Darkshear on IG. ~~'06 E90 330i~~ ~~'07 E90 335i~~ ~~'13 535i M-Sport~~ ~~'14 F10 M5 Comp~~ ~~'19 F90 M5~~ ~~'21 F90 M5 Comp~~ '09 E90 M3
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10-12-2016, 04:13 PM	#6
13M5F10 Hide! My wife's coming! 835 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW M5 \| MSR Stage 3 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Las Colinas, TX iTrader: (5)	Anytime bro .. hopefully someone can chime in that's done it. Most of the guys I know with it love it. Let me know what you find out. __________________ * SOLD * 2013 BMW M5 \| Space Grey \| MSR Stage 3 Tune \| Catless Downpipes \| MSR Intake and Charge Pipes \| MSR Exhaust (Prototype) \| Vorsteiner Rear Diffuser \| RW Carbon Front Lip \| RW Carbon Trunk Spoiler\| Vorsteiner VS-310 Forged Wheels \| Escort 9500CI w/Laser Jammers
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10-12-2016, 04:39 PM	#7
momos750 Captain 145 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 2015 M5, 2011 750Li Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Any of the diagnostic tools use a similar cable. USB to OBD2 (K+DCAN) or Ethernet to OBD2 (ENET). I have the Ethernet to OBD2 cable and use it for coding. You can use the same cable with INPA, ISTA/P/D, Rheingold, Tools32, NCS-Expert Tool, or any of the other diagnostic and programming softwares. I wouldn't waste your money buying those packages. The software is available for free, just look in the coding forums. The ENET cable can be purchased on Amazon for about $15. __________________ 2015 M5 - Singapore Grey Metallic - Silverstone Full Merino Interior - Executive Pack - Drivers Assist Pack -Comp Pack -
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10-12-2016, 05:01 PM	#8
Darkshear Second Lieutenant 164 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (2)	Great, I'll give it a shot. Thank you! __________________ @Darkshear on IG. ~~'06 E90 330i~~ ~~'07 E90 335i~~ ~~'13 535i M-Sport~~ ~~'14 F10 M5 Comp~~ ~~'19 F90 M5~~ ~~'21 F90 M5 Comp~~ '09 E90 M3
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10-12-2016, 09:59 PM	#10
Darkshear Second Lieutenant 164 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (2)	I really don't mind paying for the software if it provides a value. Gotta support developers. Unless it's freeware, then great. But $80 for software that gives you that feature set seems fair. __________________ @Darkshear on IG. ~~'06 E90 330i~~ ~~'07 E90 335i~~ ~~'13 535i M-Sport~~ ~~'14 F10 M5 Comp~~ ~~'19 F90 M5~~ ~~'21 F90 M5 Comp~~ '09 E90 M3
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10-13-2016, 12:56 AM	#15
135Hoser Banned 40 Rep 315 Posts Drives: '16 m4 zcp Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Canada, Eh iTrader: (0)	I really enjoyed my Bavarian Technic cable I had for my last bmw.
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06-05-2025, 02:10 PM	#21
Merritt_Wes Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW M5 - 2013 Join Date: Jun 2025 Location: Northeast USA iTrader: (0)	just purchased the foxwell nt510 elite on amazon. will provide feedback here in the weeks/months to come
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