Anyone own a scan tool? Which one? How many do you own? For years I literally jumped pins, counted the seconds and recited various incantations to do resets after doing work on my BMW E39. Inconvenient but it works. My daughter just bought an '06 325. You can't even change the battery in that dang thing without doing the proper computer reset! This tool http://www.bavariantechnic.com/?gclid=CKXLo5HMpKwCFcvJKgodwQpwag appears to be one of the best but it's a lot of $$$$ and can only be used on supported BMW models. (I am also searching on BMW forums but there are always sharp folks on f-chat and several BMW owners )
OBD Link Bluetooth Module with Scan Tool software are provided by them in a bundle at the time. http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/obdlink-bluetooth.html Works ok with the 360 anyway. Software probably has moved on since with nicer GUI etc. I found the bluetooth not that valuable (over direct connection) but I see the module is now available with WiFi at a slightly higher price which might allow greater connectivity with alternative devices and software iPhones with Rev / Torque etc. What it does do is recognise both ECUs but not at the one time. You have to connect and pick one or the other and then disconnect and reconnect choosing the other one. It would be nice if it could do the two at the one time. Perhaps other software can do this, I'm not sure.
Innovate motorsports LC1 air fuel meter/OBD II scan tool. It reads and resets most vehicles including lamborghini. Its a pretty basic tool, and at around $300 there are probably better alternatives, but the AF meter is useful for tuning if you do that sort of thing.
I bought one of the innovate code readers, I think it was tc-1, and myself and many others tried to get the pos to work. The company abandoned the product and so I would suggest going any place else to buy hardware. Most of the code readers have very limited access to the car specific codes, just OBD. I think Durametric in The Dalles, Or. were going to introduce a Ferrari reader. They have a great one for Porsche and maybe they will have the same luck for Ferrari! Jeff Pintler 89 348tb, 86 tr, 99 360 3pedal
I have the BMW Technic from Durametric. Its a fair enuf reader, but its not strong. Activations and general diagnosis with it is sporadic. Might be okay for the at home crowd. Their Durmetric for Porsche is fantastic though. I was a Beta tester for it years ago and am still impressed on how well it works even close to 10 year later (with updates). It can be used to actually repair cars, not just read them. Big honking tools like the Leonardo are out of reach for the average consumer but I have found them to be excellent real deal tools (Not "readers" like most of the handhelds). These are real tools for real money though. As far as just a nice at-home scanner I like the Cen-Tech Model 99722. You can get those at a local place (or on-line) like Harbor Freight? Inexpensive, can show real time readings, will read and clear many F-Car codes (and pedestrian cars too) in engine & trans area. If you lose it or run it over its no big deal. And that's coming from a guy with about 20 diagnostic tools.
I agree with Micheal on this, most available scan tools are simply scan tools for OBD diagnostic reading, there is also the issue with generic vs factory codes too. However the Leonardo and other diagnostic tools do far more than just read codes, independents and dealers will need to be able to re-code and reprogram to effect proper repairs. The leonardo is the most capable tool on the market, they also have the German software too that is being translated to English along with some other marques. For those who were able to stop by the display at SEMA Nick did have a prototype unit for individual use, of course it does not have the same full capabilities as the big tool but it'll be more than just a 'scan tool'. I think what gets most people is that most all the tools are referred to as scan tools when there is a big difference between scan and diagnostic. the price point is not for your avg DIY but for shops it's comparable to what's available for other tool options.
