Peake Research BMW Engine Code Tool 2001 to 2007 (R5-FCX3-16)

This product does what they say, and it's easy to use. The instructions are well written and it comes with a list of all the codes for each particular BMW for which it applies.The unit I received did have a faceplate that wasnt properly glued, so it falls off when I try to use or store it. But that's not that big of a deal, and it's easily fixed.For a pretty basic scan tool, it works well. Within 10 minutes of using it, it discovered the previous owner had unplugged a wire that was now forcing the car to throw codes (the previous owner liked loud exhausts). So as far as I'm concerned, the tool paid for itself just like that.If you have CBS - Condition Based Service in your car (iDrive - where the car shows you how long to the next oil or brake change) this tool will not adjust or reset those values. But the manufacturer of this tool very clearly states that in their ad, so I was forewarned. Still, at the time I bought the tool, I was a noob and didn't realize what CBS was. Now I do, and I have spent much, much more $ money for a tool that does address CBS.And because the ridiculously expensive (not to mention frequent) BMW service costs are the ruler we use to judge these tools, that tool also paid for itself within 10 minutes of receiving it.So if you have a car that uses CBS, just save your money and buy something else, you won't be happy with this tool. If you don't have CBS, buy this tool, because it does what they say and will save you some dough.

Pros: Does what it is supposed to do. Nice for resetting service reminders.Cons: Everything else.This worked well on a friend's Z4. It found the code, then you have to go through the unpleasant process of decoding. It's a multi-step process where you have to find the category, then the code, using a little pamphlet to try to decipher what is what. If you want to find out what the code is, (more than the cryptic explanation in the pamphlet), you'll need to go searching online. They don't have this information through Peake.I realize it's probably BMW's fault that this device is more complex than it could be, but there is still a lot of room for improvement.For example; The display is straight out of the late '70s. I have a $30 scanner that I use for some of my other cars that has a full two-line screen with multiple options and a full numbered menu.For the price of this unit, you'd think it would offer more features or at least something to justify the outrageous price. And yes it is outrageous. On my Audi, I purchased a simple USB adapter ($8), connect it to my computer, and I can do anything a technician could do with free software.I know BMW owners are supposed to be rich so it doesn't matter how much they spend on things like this, but that's absurd. Everyone likes to save money. This device isn't even worth half the price.I would be interested to hear why someone in China hasn't made a knock-off of this device. It would sell like crazy.

My 540i is 8+ years old and the "check engine" was coming on every couple of weeks. I had to drag the car to the shop and have them check/reset the error codes. Sometimes they'd have to keep it for a while to drive it around to see if the codes would return. One time they changed a camshaft position sensor due to an error code and problem returned. They replaced the new sensor with the old one and things have been intermittant ever since.Now when the "check engine" light comes on I plug in this device, read the camshaft position sensor code and reset it. If it winds up being another code then I can take it to the shop.For $150 this device has saved me hours of inconvenience as well as the aggravation of having a "check engine" light and not knowing whether it was a spurious event or something needing a costly repair. Piece of mind is worth a lot to me.

I bought this for my 2007 Mini. It didn't work with my car even thought the description says 2007. Make sure you go to [...] to check for compatibility. I should have, but I was in a hurry and didn't. The compatibility page shows what pins have to be present in the diagnostic port for the tool to work. My Mini uses CAN Bus and can't communicate with this device. Even though it only displayed a communication error code, it seemed very simple to use. Don't expect to get more information out of the vehicle than a code number. That's all that gets displayed. Then you look the code up in the little booklet that comes with it.

Took one star off for having to read the fault table and then look up the fault code in a little booklet.This tool worked without any issues with my aging BMW 5 series and was able to clear the SES light. Wish they can develop a new model with an LCD display which will indicate exactly what the fault is without the need to look up the table. Price is ok considering the stealer is charging $120 for diagnostics.Yes I would recommend this product if you don't mind looking up the fault code in a table.

I will admit that this is not the cheapest code reader on the market but I know this it's paid for itself many times over. I have had a few issues with an older BMW and have saved quite a bit by using the reader and narrowing down the problem. It simply allows me to figure out the root problem and not replace perfectly functioning parts. You can spend a lot of money at the BMW Dealership or Independent Garage or you can use the reader and take pride in doing the project yourself.

it's okay, It read the error codes and cleared them as described. it saved over having the BMW dealer diagnose the issue but it doesn't read the Smog readiness monitors. Once the codes were cleared I found out you need to drive a while to reset the readiness monitors. to find out if those were set I bought a $14 Bluetooth Universal reader.