I bought some OBD II software for $75 for my F-body LS1 about a year ago.

My 96 BMW, which also has the OBD 2 system, threw a code recently.

Can I use my F-body software for this analysis?

If no, were can I get this code read?

Thanks...

 

i tried reading a dtc from a 99 contour with my hptuner and i didnt work, maybe try the bmwdealer. the tech2 can do it also under general scan tool function,

 

autotap non-ls1 should pull it

 

Were do you buy AutoTap?

I though AutoZone had a service to pull codes for a fee?

 

yes of course they will pull the codes but not erase them.

i think my bro found a harbor freight sale and got a hand held obd2 code reader for $19 dunno if they are on sale that much any more, but worth having.

 

Sears has a cheapie one too... plug it in and it'll show the DTC

I know Ford, Chrystler and GM all use different protocols... dunno about BMW ...

 

This is the best one I found for a decent price. http://peakeresearch.com/

 

I just bought the OBD11 software for the BMW (ISO). it was $122

 

Apparently, there are 3 different OBD2 systems. The VPW system is used by GM; the ISO system is used by BMW.

I bought the ISO version of this software for $122.

www.obd-2.com

 

yeah, the iso version is usually a max-232 chip or an opto-isolator. I've built both, each consisted of bout $3 in parts plus an adapter to the plug if you aren't creative.

ISO = basically serial port but different voltages and baud rate.

VPW and the ford require a slightly more complex handshake.

for instance the ole audi a4 i had used iso but 10400 baud rate serial port. i dunno why the americans have to choose a more complex protocol, maybe its faster who knows. nowadays theres a single chip made (ASIC) that can do all 3 for like $15 in qty or so. But the board design is a bit more complex.

almost all cars from the EU use ISO since they almost all run bosch motronic ME, very sophisticated ecm, very common platform.

I guess thats kinda like how gm use(d) one similar ecm for most applications , no point in rewriting the o/s for each model car.