ODB Wanted

Whether you are having a garage clear-out, looking for a second-hand accessory, or buying/selling a Z, post your 'for sale' and 'wanted' ads here.
This Forum is not meant for discussion, please do not comment on the asking price.
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Justbrowsing
Joined: Thu 08 Aug, 2013 19:14
Posts: 38

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

ODB Wanted

Post by Justbrowsing »

Hi. Having a misfiring cylinder under load. I guess as I plan to keep the Z until it becomes a classic in my twilight years and I've spent a fair bit on replacing suspension, brakes, hoses etc it's probably time to get a reader.
I have a 1.9 MY2000 with the underdash connector.

I looking for a reasonable/sensible priced reader & cable etc. Instructions would be useful as well, as I've never used these before.
Main Drives
Audi Q7 - 2016
Audi TTS Roadster 2016
Justbrowsing
Joined: Thu 08 Aug, 2013 19:14
Posts: 38

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: ODB Wanted

Post by Justbrowsing »

Just seen:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELM327-Vehicl ... 2ed23fbce7

Anybody have experience, I would pair with Android via Bluetooth.
Main Drives
Audi Q7 - 2016
Audi TTS Roadster 2016
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Davejue1
Joined: Sun 22 Sep, 2013 07:25
Posts: 1249

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Mansfield

Re: ODB Wanted

Post by Davejue1 »

I don't have a 1.9 but I have read they can suffer from head gasket failure? Dependant on which way the gasket fails it can course misfire without the usual oil/water mixture. :)

Cheers
Dave
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"Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional!"
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
Posts: 541

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: ODB Wanted

Post by Brian4 »

The under dash OBD port only accesses engine functions I believe and to access the rest of the body control unit you need the 20 pin adaptor for under the bonnet.
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue


2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: ODB Wanted

Post by Del »

These cars caught the OBD II introduction transition period and as Brian suggests, the addition of the under-bonnet adapter would hedge your bets in terms of reading codes. In my opinion these are worth their weight in gold; the advantage of a generic OBD II one is that you can use it on a range of cars. Misfiring under load can also be something simple like bad plugs or coil. As far as I am aware the M42 engine (not used in UK Z3s) allegedly had a design fault with its head gasket and I have heard of the odd, high mileage M43TU engine blowing a head gasket. However, like the over-stated water pump problem, I don't think these BMWs actually have problems any greater than any other cars.
Mugs
Joined: Wed 07 Aug, 2013 01:26
Posts: 341

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: ODB Wanted

Post by Mugs »

my 1.9 started having a misfire and all the code reader came up with was 'misfire cyl 3 and 4'.
i eventually traced it to the cat breaking up and blocking the exhaust.
just to be sure, try banging the cat and see if it rattles.
a mate had a misfire that was coil breaking down and again the code read 'misfire cyl 1'
Bi11
Joined: Mon 05 Nov, 2012 21:26
Posts: 150

  M roadster S54
Location: Bedford

Re: ODB Wanted

Post by Bi11 »

I have an ELM 327 (or more likely a cheap Chinese copy) and use it with Dashcommand on the iPhone. As has been said it will only read and reset engine codes and will not reset airbag light etc. The engine error codes don't necessarily tell you what the exact problem is, but it is useful to clear codes and then see if the same error occurs again without having to spend £60 each time with a mechanic.
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