Anyone used bcables diagnostic on their Z ?

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
Post Reply
carbloke
Joined: Fri 11 Jul, 2014 20:44
Posts: 8

  blank

Anyone used bcables diagnostic on their Z ?

Post by carbloke »

Anyone used bcables diagnostic on their Z3? http://www.bcables.com/
Z3 doesn't seem to be on the list.
User avatar
Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Anyone used bcables diagnostic on their Z ?

Post by Robert T »

That looks to be the same as the BMTechnic cable, adapter and software set that I have. In fact I have a feeling that this is the same company trading under a different name. The Z3 comes under E36 for most things with INPA. Price seems to have come down since I bought mine and it includes another DVD now. You'll need Option 4 (or 5) for a Z3 of any age - the OBDII port only allows access to the engine module (assuming you even have one!).

Cheers R.

Edit: Just re-read this - to clarify by "You'll need Option 4 (or 5) for a Z3 of any age", I mean for any Z3 built after September 1998, regardless of whether it has an OBDII port or not. This type of reader is NOT suitable for pre-Sept'98 cars which need an ADS type interface. As this interface was already being considered, I was implying that you would need to buy the set with the round 20-pin adapter cable in it, not just the interface part.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
Image
carbloke
Joined: Fri 11 Jul, 2014 20:44
Posts: 8

  blank

Re: Anyone used bcables diagnostic on their Z ?

Post by carbloke »

Robert T wrote:That looks to be the same as the BMTechnic cable, adapter and software set that I have. In fact I have a feeling that this is the same company trading under a different name. The Z3 comes under E36 for most things with INPA. Price seems to have come down since I bought mine and it includes another DVD now. You'll need Option 4 (or 5) for a Z3 of any age - the OBDII port only allows access to the engine module (assuming you even have one!).

Cheers R.
Thanks for that.
So, do you know if there is a kit out there that will connect to everything on the car?
User avatar
Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Anyone used bcables diagnostic on their Z ?

Post by Robert T »

Option 4 (or 5) which includes the OBDII to round 20-pin adapter should be able to access all modules on any Z3 built after Sept 98 (when the electronics changed). For earlier cars you will need an ADS interface instead.

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
Image
Cooper01
Joined: Tue 29 Apr, 2014 08:06
Posts: 163

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Anyone used bcables diagnostic on their Z ?

Post by Cooper01 »

R. Would love to see a complete write [by you] up with pictures for the knowledge base on all this tech stuff! Include connections, model differences, modules accessed, cables and readers, preferred software, reset tools of every description, etc! :D

Cooper
User avatar
colb
Joined: Sat 05 May, 2012 22:46
Posts: 690

  Z3 roadster 1.8 TU
Location: Newport South Wales UK

Re: Anyone used bcables diagnostic on their Z ?

Post by colb »

Robert already has a write up on using INPA in the Z3 Knowledge Base here
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 18&t=35789


Colb
Colb
1999 BMW 1.8 Z3
2003 BMW 2.5 Z4
1998 Honda Deauville NT650V
Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
Posts: 402

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Anyone used bcables diagnostic on their Z ?

Post by Jonco »

colb wrote:Robert already has a write up on using INPA in the Z3 Knowledge Base here
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 18&t=35789


Colb
Agreed - There is also compatability info here http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=353834
Post Reply