Diagnostic reader

[mitch2k]

Hey folks,

I wish to buy some equipment to read fault codes etc from my car. I have the BMW carsoft 6.5 software, but I still need the cable..
Anyone know good resources for those cable (and shipping to Europe)?

I've found this on ebay: http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/Bmw-Diagnost...QQcmdZViewItem
But maybe I can find it cheaper?

Thanks!!

[genphreak]

Hey folks,

I wish to buy some equipment to read fault codes etc from my car. I have the BMW carsoft 6.5 software, but I still need the cable..
Anyone know good resources for those cable (and shipping to Europe)?

I've found this on ebay: http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/Bmw-Diagnost...QQcmdZViewItem
But maybe I can find it cheaper?

Thanks!!

There was someone selling them on www.ebay.com.au for $200 (much cheaper) but I think they might have been Hong Kong based. Try the hk ebay instead maybe- search for completed items also .

BTW; I'm sure I've seen a USB version with OBDII plugs as well.

[zygoteer]

Why not just make a cable up as shown in the back of the Carsoft manual like this ?
You don't really need the connector body that fits the BMW diagnostic socket - you can easily improvise one.

[genphreak]

Why not just make a cable up as shown in the back of the Carsoft manual like this ?
You don't really need the connector body that fits the BMW diagnostic socket - you can easily improvise one.

Stands to reason doesn't it! I thought it needed a breakout box, you certainly did with the older Carsoft versions. That diagram looks like good news... I'd be very careful though, there is 12VDC in that connector. RS232 won't like that one bit. Nick

[mitch2k]

It looks too easy...

So it should work with this? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-2...32322362QQrdZ1

[genphreak]

Yes, that might be the same vendor. Now I come to think of it the vendor was Shanghainese, I checked their history out back when I saw it, some time ago. I've NFI it would work, but it looks good. If you do get it, let us know how it goes- but be sure to **check** all the connections against your car's schematics **before plugging it in**, I wouldn't risk my DME or laptop to a Chinese mistake very readily.

[zygoteer]

... I'd be very careful though, there is 12VDC in that connector. RS232 won't like that one bit. Nick

The true EIA-RS232 specification is easily +/-12v tolerant, in fact most interface chips that are used are +/-25V tolerant (30V in some cases), however you are correct in that the automotive electrical environment is not computer 'friendly' due to spikes, so for this reason I also use an RS232 opto-isolator adapter to protect my laptop.

[Derek A.]

I assume this works with the motronic cars as wel - pre obd1 ?

[mitch2k]

I've ordered the cable... I'll keep you guys updated!

[genphreak]

The true EIA-RS232 specification is easily +/-12v tolerant, in fact most interface chips that are used are +/-25V tolerant (30V in some cases), however you are correct in that the automotive electrical environment is not computer 'friendly' due to spikes, so for this reason I also use an RS232 opto-isolator adapter to protect my laptop.

Interesting. Does this mean you can put 12V down any of the pins without a problem?