I have a hand held reader but for some reason on my 07 cooper S it will not read my codes but will reset the check engine light. Is there a way of obtaining codes through the dash display? My car has Nav...
Thanks

 

Could always take it to auto zone, advanced auto, oreillys, etc they will read it for free.

 

Yes, there is a way. However, it will give it in BMW code format rather than generic p-code format. Also, it does not provide any information on the meaning of the codes.

You need to access the secret menus. Google it or do a search on this site. Then access menu 13. It will tell you how many codes, then as you scroll through the menu it tells you the individual codes.

The handheld scanner you have almost certainly is only reading generic p-codes, and not reading BMW specific codes. The p-codes only give basic information, and will not read more specific codes.

To read specific codes you need to go to a dealer, or have software programmed to read BMW codes, eg autologic, bavarian technic or autoenginuity etc.