Tech Tip: BMW Fault Code Reader & Service Reset Tool (16 Pin)

How to Use A Fault Code Reader
Part Number: 161390  Vehicles Affected:     2000-2006 BMW  E36/7, E38, E39 2000-2006 BMW E46 2000-2006 BMW E52, E53  2000-2006 BMW E60, E61  2000-2006 BMW E83, E85, E86
	Each year, performing your own service work on a late model BMW becomes more and more challenging. This is due, largely, to successively increasing difficulty for individuals to obtain access to the service reset and fault code information from the manufacturer. Only a few years ago all that was required after a basic service was to reset the service indicator light. This operation was fairly quick - you performed the required service based upon information from a list, and then simply reset the light. On the new generation vehicles, the process is identical. These vehicles, however, will now store and allow retrieval of the actual fault codes that have been triggered and held in memory. The codes help diagnose a component failure that has either occurred at some point in the past, or is currently a problem. In either situation, the tool also allows resetting of the code warning light ("service engine light"). Knowing this information also allows you to better understand your vehicle's service problems before going to the dealer for repairs. And with the power of the internet, you may be able to locate a person that had your same, exact fault code, which may give you the insight to repair the vehicle yourself. Using the tool is simple: The following steps were involved when we did the project on our 2003 BMW  E46 328i.
	Under the dash on the driver's side, we located the Diagnostic connector. The connector has a cover embossed with the letters "OBD". Remove the cover allowing access to the 6-pin connector. Turning the key to the "ON" position (not running). We then plugged our BMP fault code reader into the port. When the tool's display reads "FC" you are ready to activate the "MENU" functions listed in the instruction booklet. The 4 functions consisted of: Read Fault codes RESET "Check engine" or "Service engine soon" RESET "Oil service" RESET "Inspection"
	Naturally, if you are performing a service and there are no fault codes, you would simply reset the service indicator for the service performed and the job is complete. Note: For specific information about what to Change, and Check on your service, consult the "Service and Warranty Information" booklet in your vehicle's glove box. View This Full Article on Our Website:

Tech Tip: BMW Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus

The Problem: Since 2006, there has been a significant increase in various driveability issues due to excessive carbon deposits in engine combustion chambers on intake valves and fuel injectors. These problems are especially apparent on any performance vehicle including all BMW or MINI vehicles in the North American market with a greater level of poor gasoline quality. The solution by BMW North America is regular use of Fuel System Cleaner Plus with  Techron fuel system cleaner.  This product not only cleans restrictive deposits from the fuel system but also protects the fuel gauge from future malfunction by coating all metal surfaces of the system.

Combustion chamber deposit formation is a by-product of the gasoline burning process. This is especially problematic in any vehicle that is driven under severe conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, high ambient temperatures, higher altitudes, and short "start and stop" distance driving. Most common problems experienced include:

• Hesitation during acceleration or loss of power
• Poor fuel efficiency
• Poor driveability and rough idle
• Knocking, pinging, and engine idle surges
• Increased emissions

The Solution: Often times running gas that causes these problems cannot be avoided, but cleaning your fuel system is as easy as adding one bottle of Fuel System Cleaner Plus with  Techron before filling up about every 3000-5000 miles.  One bottle treats up to 20 gallons of fuel and is proven to clean deposits on fuel injectors, ports, and intake valves while causing absolutely no harm to catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, or any mechanical components of the engine or fuel delivery system. While it is true that this additive is not as effective in a turbo charged vehicle with direct injection since it doesn't help clean the intake valves, it still removes deposits from the fuel injectors that restrict normal performance.

BMP Part Number 65740

BMW Part # 82 14 0 413 341

BMW Diagnostics: Fault Code and Service Reset Tool

Ever been on a spirited drive in your bimmer and had that troublesome "service engine soon" light or "check engine" light take all the fun out of your day? Your BMW is a precision built machine that constantly monitors operating systems to ensure a high level performance. If there is any problem with operation, or time for a maintenance issue to be addressed, it will trigger one of these warning lights. BMP Design has a compact tool that can properly read and report BMW engine and service codes safely and easily. Having the ability to properly diagnose engine lights from a parking lot, garage, or roadside is a valuable asset that saves you time and gives you peace of mind.

A warning light should never be ignored and can range from anything as simple as a loose gas cap to a serious timing issue. It's never fun to go to a mechanic and pay over a hundred dollar fee to find out a technician only had to replace your radiator cap or pay for a costly engine repair that could have been prevented by having that engine light checked sooner. Our fault code reader can quickly and easily give you an accurate reading of what your engine light is trying to tell you as it happens. Built specifically for BMW applications, our fault code reader reads and displays all BMW-factory fault codes.

Warning lights also come on to indicate routine maintenance issues such as brake component replacement and oil service.  A routine BMW oil service with system reset can run anywhere from $100-$150 at a service shop, but with our service reset tool the same oil service can be performed at home for a fraction of the cost. A "must have" for any at-home or independent service mechanic, this service reset tool is an inexpensive way to save time and money.

*Designed for most BMW's built between 1987 and 2006, not compatible with the newest condition based service system implemented in 2006-2007 on several models. Models from 2001-2006 may need a 16 pin under the dash adapter.

BMW Shock and Strut Removal Socket

Over time, the ride and handling of your vehicle degrades from normal wear and tear on your struts and shocks. Our local service shop regularly replaces several struts and rear shocks on E36 and E46 3-Series BMWs as well as E34 and E39 5-Series BMWs from this type of wear. Routine replacement of these parts is the only way to keep your BMW at its original performance level, and is an excellent way to upgrade your suspension if you are looking for a sportier feel. BMW struts and shocks are simple to replace, but require a proper torque and tightening procedure for the lock nut to avoid damaging or breaking the delicate mounting stud.

Past practice has typically been to use a high speed impact gun to lock down shock center nuts, unfortunately spinning the internal shock components or applying an uneven weight could cause damage to the piston inside the shock.  Improper tightening of the lock nut may also result in breaking of the fragile upper shock center stud. Neither of these conditions would be covered by any manufacturers warranty.

BMP is proud to announce a new tool that makes strut and shock replacement easy and safe with no additional special tools required.  Any 1/2" drive socket wrench and appropriate allen wrench will work with our new Strut Removal Socket.  The factory upper front strut nut is typically 21mm, while most replacement struts or performance struts use a 22mm nut size.  We recommend the 2 piece kit for proper removal and installation of any replacement shock or strut on your model BMW.

21mm socket (Part Number 133128)

22mm socket (Part Number 33129)

Combination 21mm and 22mm socket kit (Part Number 33127)

We recommend replacing strut tower mounts at the time of strut replacement as they wear out with the struts.

SprintBooster Power Converter: Getting the most out of your Drive-By-Wire BMW

SprintBooster with selector attached

I love driving my 335i. I love pushing the accelerator and soaring across lanes of traffic, cutting corners hard, and watching the speedometer crank up as the turbos spool. I love not hearing the road, feeling secure in my leather seats, and knowing that if something comes up I can safely stop in time.  The BMW e90 is fast, nimble, and always a pleasure to drive except for one little thing: take off acceleration. I would typically notice at a stoplight or when pulling out of a parking lot that there was a delay in reaction. Pressing the accelerator gently with little to no response, I would press it firmer and it would suddenly take off.  Like any vehicle with an electronic drive-by-wire design, newer BMW and Mini accelerators will have this effect.  I never really thought anything of it, just the side effect of driving a newer car, until I was introduced to the SprintBooster Power Converter.

and simply plug in the connectors

Remove this screw

I had seen the SprintBooster before and not really thought much of it, honestly how big of a difference could a fraction of a second really make?  The technology seems to make sense, increase the accelerator signal and reduce the delay, but is it a difference you can "feel to believe?"  Their model SBDD401A fits all BMW 128i, 135i, 325i, 328i, 330i and 335i automatic variants from 2001 to 2010 as well as theZ4 models. I grabbed one off the shelf and quickly installed it, the only tool required was a small allen wrench to remove the one bolt holding my pedal to the floor.  With a few quick clips of the connector, we were done.  The selector is also very easy to use and I enjoy being able to apply a setting then remove it, however, for this test I left it connected to cycle through the different setting to see how noticeable the differences were.

Of course, the first thing I did was put the setting on "Stage 2" for maximum acceleration and shot out of the BMP Design parking lot pinned to my seat.  There was definitely a difference and I could feel it.  I shot around town for a bit playing heavily with the accelerator and the response was incredible.  I could squeal my tires every time I took off, something that hardly happened before installing the Sprintbooster Power Converter.  After messing around with that for awhile I tried the green "Stage 1" selection to see what kind of difference that would make, the response was definitely improved, but not as drastic as the red "Stage 2" selection.  Scooting around town was more pleasant and the accelerator was much more natural and comfortable feeling in parking lots, taking off from red lights, and most of my daily driving routine.

Since the traffic was very light and I had a few nice open stretches of roadway to play in, I decided to see if there was a difference in DS mode or with higher gears.  I always kind of thought that the accelerator was more responsive in sport mode, but had no idea what it was actually capable of until the SprintBoost Power Converter was active.  I could still feel the difference and it was definitely noticeable.  After 4th gear, the difference in response kind of falls off, but when dropping down for acceleration to pass there is still a faster response time than before installing the power converter.  I'm sure in a more technical evaluation where time is measured before and after engaging the SprintBooster, a heavily modified car would have a marked difference with this installed in times.  I never thought such a noticeable performance increase could be so easily and quickly achieved.

The SprintBooster Power Converter is a huge success and I believe that any drive-by-wire vehicle should have one installed, the difference is certainly there and it is incredibly pleasant.  On the Stage 1 setting, daily driving has a natural and confident feel while also feeling very sporty and fun.  Stage 2 is a lot of fun when showing off the awesome power and handling of a well tuned high performance car like the 335i.  Any level of automotive experience will find the installation very quick and easy with minimal tools required.  I'm not sure why auto manufacturers aren't using this technology already in their electronic accelerators, but I know Sprintbooster certainly has the tuning down perfectly. I could feel the difference and am now I am a believer and user of this great product.  I would highly recommend it to anyone with a newer BMW to unlock the full potential of the ultimate driving experience.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me anytime.

-Phillip Wilmeth