Diagnostic Tools for BMW E46
Since the late 90's the BMWs have gotten more and more complicated to diagnosis problems. With all the computers, modules and systems that interact with each other it's difficult for the home mechanic to figure out where the root cause of a problem lies. To aid in diagnosising problems the car has a diagnostic port where specialized systems can be connected to communicate with the various systems and read fault codes. The Holy Grail of these machines would be the one the dealers use which is the GT-1 (BMWs Group Test One Diagnostic Computer). It's super expensive , like $15,000, which is why only the dealers or a good independant service shop will have one. There is a little more information on the GT-1. www.gt1tool.com
For the home user there are a few options that have there drawbacks, but, they're definately not as expensive as the GT-1.
For engine/drivetrain problems the least expensive option is an off the shelf hand held OBD-II reader/reset tool. These unit commonly sell for as little at $30 and are designed to read generic ODB-II error codes and clear them. These codes are pretty much standard across all car manufacturers as they are required in order to sell cars in the US after some date (add date). In a lot of cases the codes are too generic or there are many fault codes that get set due to a cascade effect. This can be very frustrating since the root cause of the problem is not easily determined and the ODB-II code reader's manual is usually of no help.
Peake Research makes a line of reset and code reading tools that are specific to BMWs. BMW has added a variety of BMW specific codes that standard OBD-II code readers can't read. The R5/SRS reads SRS or Secondary Restraint System (aka Airbag) error codes and can reset them on most 1994-2002 BMWs. That's all it does. For $129.99 it's about the same cost as a trip to the dealer to diagnose that little airbag light on your dash. They also make the R5-FCX-3 Engine Scan/Reset Tool. This unit works on most 1987-2007 BMWs. At $149.99 it is a bit more expensive than the R5/SRS, but, many times more useful since you will likely have a lot more CEL or Check Engine Light problems than SRS light. This unit is similar to the generic OBD-II scan code reads that are for sale everywhere for at little as $20, but, will read BMW specific codes that the OBD-II readers won't. And one more feature, it can reset the Service & Inspection Maintanence lights (if you don't have a paper clip around to short pin 7 on the DLC-20 connector to ground for 3 or 9 seconds depending of you want to reset Inspection or Service). AB03 DLC-20 to OBD-II adapter cable pinout.
CarSoft International or CarSoft West if you are in the US. These guys make PC software and interface modules to communicate with your BMW or Mini Cooper. The latest version is 8.3 Here is a PDF overview. Cost is $375 including the OBD2 interface module and cables or $299 without. If you already have an interface module compatible with Carsoft 6.5 or later then you can just get the software. To deter pirating version 8 and above require a security USB dongle to enable the software. Well I just bought this package with interface in a recent group buy over at www.bimmerforums.com and for what I want it for, it totally blows. Completely worthless. My Carsoft vs PA Soft For most people it will probably be fine, but, I found that the descriptions for GM5 module fault codes were useless. Four of the five faults in the first GM5 I read gave the same description Fault Code: F1, 1-Base-module (GM) faulty. It didn't even show the cryptic BMW fault code numbers. I had to go back and read the codes with PA Soft 1.3.6 to find that information. Carsoft interface cable pinout.
PA Soft has two different products which they differentiate by the first number in the version with Version 1.x.x being for older cars: E38 (7-series), E39 (5-series), E46 (3-series), E53, E83 and E85. Version 2.x.x is for newer cars: E60/61 (5-series) , E63/64 (6-series), E65/66 (7-series), E87 (1-series) and E90/91 (3-Series). The latest 1.x.x version is 1.4.0 and the latest 2.x.x version is 2.0.1. Version 1.4.0 is the version after 1.3.6 which if you've looked around on eBay it is highly pirated and sold with car interface module and cable for about $45. I've tried version 1.3.6 and it's basic. Reads and resets fault codes and gives the raw code numbers with NO DESCRIPTIONS. It allows you to change module memory contents, but, with no information on what it does. I guess it's fine if you know exactly which location you need to change, but, for most people it's going to be useless. I wouldn't pay too much for this version, but, I hear that version 1.4.0 is a lot better. How much beter and if it's worth $1200 I don't know. Version 1.4.0 is $1200 for a full version and $400 if upgrading from a previous version (1.2.1 through 1.3.6). Version 2.0.1 is $3700 and since this is the first version there is no upgrade price. You can try the free demo version of 1.4.0, but, it is very limited. It will allow you to read from the various modules, but, it only shows the number of fault codes stored, but, does not show you what the fault codes are. The full version will allow you to see and clear the faults and should give a description of the faults. The demo version can use the older PA Soft 1.3.6 compatible interface modules or a modified 1.3.6 interface (information on the 1.3.6 -> 1.4.0 Demo interface), but, there is a newer interface module that is required to use the full version of 1.4.0. It has a USB interface with built in security module inside The demo software is available on the Version 1.4.0 info page just above the big blue download box. Version 1.4.0 Information Page. PA Soft interface cable pinout.
Bavarian Technic has a package
a package for most BMWs and Mini's from about 1994 to present. It looks really
good and prices aren't bad. They sell two main packages, the "Professional
Kit" and the "Enthusiast Package". The Professional kit is $675
and comes with USB to OBD-II interface and can be used on an unlimited number
of vehicles. The Enthusiast Package is $287, comes with the USB to OBD-II interface
and will work on 3 vehicles. The 20-pin round connector adapter is an additional
$60 and extension cord is another $60. Of course it allows you to read and clear
fault codes as well as activate components of the car, reset service reminders,
send special commands, set basic coding options, edit car key memory, reset
adaptation values and much more. Seth at JB Eurotech Service is a beta tester
and had this to add about it's capabilities: Read and write UIF on most modules,
Read and write custom memory areas, allowing proramming of data area or program
area
o Improved write performance, MSD80-MSD81 write times are under 25 minutes for
both Program area and Data Area. MED17.2 Data area only in under 3 minutes.
He has a thread
on E46Fanatics. Check them out at www.bavariantechnic.com.
AutoEnginuity is one I just found about. They seem to support many makes of autos with their OE Coverage Expansion options. The base software with USB to OBD-II hardware interface is $249.95 and then another $229.95 for the #EI07 Enhanced BMW Expansion software. These guys have versions that run on Windows PC as well as Palm PDA and PocketPC/Windows Mobile.
PC Retriever by ProgRama makes one that specializes in BMW, MB, Volvo and VW/Audi.
Autologic Diagnostics makes a portable unit for performance tuning, coding & programming of BMW/Mini control modules. They also make version for other European cars: M-B, Porsche, Volvo, Renault, Jaguar, Land Rover, VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda.
V23078-C1002-A303 relay page
V23072-C1061-A303 relay page
BMW General Module II (GM2) Page
BMW General Module III (GM3) Page
BMW General Module IV (GM4) Page
BMW General Module V (GM5) Page
General Module 2 Faults
12 - Fuse for ZV
17 - Module not coded {Signal STDWA (only relevant if an anti-theft alarm is
fitted)
19 - Front Window Relay Left Side (Drivers Side)
20 - Front Window Relay Right Side (Passenger Side)
49 - Central Locking Relays, Driver Door Unlocking (R2bNC)
50 - Central Locking Relays, Passenger Door Locking (R1aNO)
51 - Central Locking Relays, Driver & Passenger Door Unlocking {Relay for
central locking - unlocking or Relay for rear FH drive (passenger's side) sticks}
(R1bNO)
52 - Relay for central locking, double locking
53 - Central Locking Relays, Driver Door Locking (R2bNO)
58 - Wire to relay module -passenger's side FH, rear
61 - Wipers: blocking protection active
71 - Fuse for passenger- compartment sensor
76 - Connection for relay module to power window driver side front faulty
139 - DWA alarm memory: door contact, driver's door
143 - DWA alarm memory: tailgate
146 - DWA alarm memory: hood
CS
0x0E - Data exchange power window switch block with base module
0x02 - Data exchange driver door module with base module
0x08 - Passenger door module faulty
0x33 - Faulty power window switch for power window passenger side front
0x45 -
KOMBI 11 - Thermal oil-level snesor - Open Circuit