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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 08:50 PM
  #1  
sgort2's Avatar
sgort2
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From: Aliso Viejo, CA
Best Diagnostic Computer

I 'm looking for recommendations on diagnostic computers/ scan tools that can read fault codes, reset check engine lights, and reset service interval lights and/ or mileage. I'm hoping I can find a universal one that will work on my Mini, BMW, and Mercedes, thanks for the help.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 08:55 PM
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From: Somewhere just left of off center
Originally Posted by sgort2
I 'm looking for recommendations on diagnostic computers/ scan tools that can read fault codes, reset check engine lights, and reset service interval lights and/ or mileage. I'm hoping I can find a universal one that will work on my Mini, BMW, and Mercedes, thanks for the help.
You should be able to reset the service interval lights yourself. As for the other stuff, I like the ScanGuage II. Others use the Peake code reader...but for the money the ScanGuage does a hell of a lot more.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 12:25 PM
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Maintenance Program

I have an Actron OBD II hand held reader at the house that works OK, but I would LOVE to have a maintenance program to load onto a laptop computer that I can turn on/turn off options (like Daytime Running Lights, etc.) and do my own tweaks.

If anyone has any info on anything like this and want to keep it Secret Squirrel like, just PM or e-mail me.



Yeah, I know I'm probably dreaming but...
 
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 06:46 PM
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I just bought a ScanGaugeII using a Toyota group buy I found. Tough to beat the price at $149 shipped.

http://www.3n1autocomputer.com/groupbuytoyota.html

It just arrived yesterday. I'll probably set it up in one of the other vehicles until the Mini comes out of storage.

I also have an El'Cheapo code reader from Napa. Very nice to be able to read codes and fix the minor stuff without a trip to the dealer. I've read about a dozen friends and neighbors codes. I think a code reader is about as necessary as a screwdriver in todays toolbox. The ScanGauge looks like a nice balance of techy toy serious tool.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 07:11 PM
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thulchatt
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From: Chattanooga, TN
Got my Scan Gauge II and installed it tonight.
This thing is great.
Mounted in on the dash cover in the corner on the drivers side. (will post pic later) This location lets me get info without taking much time from watching the road.
 

Last edited by thulchatt; Jan 25, 2008 at 07:36 PM.
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 07:53 PM
  #6  
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From: Chattanooga, TN
Pics in Gallery

Put some pics in the gallery. Not great but it should give the idea.
Much easier to see while driving.
Now I just have to learn all of the options and get it completely set-up.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 08:00 PM
  #7  
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AstroBlackS
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From: CT
GT1
 
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 08:42 PM
  #8  
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chpsk8
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Originally Posted by AstroBlackS
GT1
Well a google search nets this result...

http://www.google.com/search?q=GT1&i...ient=firefox-a

Care to elaborate on your thought?
 
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 09:07 PM
  #9  
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locogringo
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From: fort smith, arkansas
Originally Posted by thulchatt
Put some pics in the gallery. Not great but it should give the idea.
Much easier to see while driving.
Now I just have to learn all of the options and get it completely set-up.
What kind of wheels are on your mini? They are very nice. Are they stock?

I think I am ordering a Scan Gauge II. The website indicates you can get HP readings from it? Anyone know if that is possible?
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 05:44 AM
  #10  
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From: 127.0.0.1
AutoLogic sells a diagnostic scanner/programmer that works across major European marquees. It can do pretty much everything the GT1 can (the factory scan tool that BMW/MINI use).

However it's not going to be anywhere near as cheap as a hand held ODBII scanner. I don't know the specific costs but I believe it starts in the thousands.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 02:00 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by thulchatt
Put some pics in the gallery. Not great but it should give the idea.
Much easier to see while driving.
Now I just have to learn all of the options and get it completely set-up.
I like that setup. I was thinking either there or under the toggles in the center . I think with the extreme heat and cold we get here I might go with a lower out of the sun mount. Can't wait to get mine set up and running.

Any issues with the cord getting in the way when you enter or exit the car? I had read somewhere that it interfered with some drivers. I was thinking of relocating the OBII port up and out of the way a little. I'm sure it's just tied into a bracket under the dash.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 06:12 PM
  #12  
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From: Chattanooga, TN
Originally Posted by locogringo
What kind of wheels are on your mini? They are very nice. Are they stock?

They are Rage Vigors, discontinued.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 06:17 PM
  #13  
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From: Chattanooga, TN
Originally Posted by chpsk8
I like that setup. I was thinking either there or under the toggles in the center . I think with the extreme heat and cold we get here I might go with a lower out of the sun mount. Can't wait to get mine set up and running.

Any issues with the cord getting in the way when you enter or exit the car? I had read somewhere that it interfered with some drivers. I was thinking of relocating the OBII port up and out of the way a little. I'm sure it's just tied into a bracket under the dash.
I don't expect to have much problem with heat as my car in garaged or covered almost all of the time. As for cold, it just does not get that bad here in Chattanooga.

The cord just goes up through the dash. I pulled the dash cover, drilled a small hole for the cord, fed the cord and replaced the dash cover. You can't even see the cord except for the couple of inches where it comes out and goes to the Scan Gauge. Easy to do.

Only had it in for a day but I am very happy with the location. Makes it very easy to see and use.
 
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