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Difference
between the AutoEnginuity OBD II Scan tool and the Peake
Research Scan Tool (For BMW owners info)
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When picking a tool to assist in the electrical troubleshooting of your BMW or Mini vehicle, it becomes important to note the two important differences between the generic "OBD-II" type devices and those which are designed to read out the BMW factory fault codes.First, it is important to realize that the OBD-II codes were designed specifically for EMISSIONS RELATED FAULTS, and that many other possible faults in your BMW are not readable under the
OBD-II protocol.
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The Autoenginuity Scan Tool
however will be able to diagnose emissions related faults for all Makes and models above the year 1996.
If you are planning to purchase a tool for multiple brands,
you may want to look into the AutoEnginuity Scan Tool.
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Example of a BMW specific code. Example scenario would be that your E36 328i or M3 isn't starting. An OBD-II code tool might show "no faults" whereas a BMW specific tool might show code D1 (hex) or 209 (decimal) indicating an EWS code problem. The EWS code problem is not considered "EMISSIONS RELATED" and hence there is no OBD-II code indicated. This of course does nothing to start the car.A cursory scan of BMW faults vs OBD-II faults for the E36 328 shows that. 28 BMW codes are NOT REPRESENTED as OBD-II faults. Numbers of codes that are similarly not represented exist for every BMW that I have examined.
Next, it is important to realize that the OBD-II codes are less specific than BMW's proprietary codes for the simple fact that there is NOT a consistent 1 to 1 relationship between BMW codes and OBD-II codes. On the E36 M3, OBD-II codes 0440, 0441, and 0442 each indicate "one of two"
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The reason for this becomes clear when you remember that BMW designed the fault codes to assist the technician in diagnosing and repairing your car.
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The
OBD-II fault codes were a government-mandated common denominator designed for EMISSIONS diagnosis.
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OBD-II tools can not reset the oil service and maintenance reminder lights.
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OBD-II tools will not work on BMWs built before 1996.
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OBD-II tools will not read or reset BMW airbag
Click here for the Peake Research
Scan Tool
Click here for the Autoenginuity
Scan Tool
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