Diagnostic readers

[Harrymonk]

any recommendations for an OBD reader for my 2005 E53 3.0D . I have the 4x4 light on and want to try and find out what is triggering it.
I dont think my transfer case is doing it as I have no noise from that area and I have tried the lock to lock steering whilst driving slowly with no success.
So I think I might invest in a reader.

[marti]

I use icarsoft BMM V2.0 for a quick diagnostic.....I also have Carsoft V12 and Rheingold but they are laptop based.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/iCarsoft-BMM ... 0fe3fc68a9

[X5Sport]

I use the Carly App with the dongle for IOS across ours. Subscription based tool that seems to work OK. Use it across all of our ‘fleet’ of BMWs. Not cheap though. Support is good too.

[Harrymonk]

Thanks folks I will look at both suggestions to see which suits best

[henrym3]

I would also throw in the Foxwell 520 as an excellent scanner

[Smeeagain]

any recommendations for an OBD reader for my 2005 E53 3.0D . I have the 4x4 light on and want to try and find out what is triggering it.
I dont think my transfer case is doing it as I have no noise from that area and I have tried the lock to lock steering whilst driving slowly with no success.
So I think I might invest in a reader.

Not a recommendation for a reader but a reason to why the light is on - every time I have had this is, it has been a battery issue. Try charging, or conditioning the battery. Take readings off the hidden menu for battery voltage. If you now someone with an X5 and a battery then swap it over. IT is either a 4wd/transmission issue or a battery issue in my opinion with 9 years of ownership and associated issues. That said a diagnostic reader is a worthwhile investment

Smee

[dazzasgotav8]

when my 4x4 light came on it was the steering angle sensor at fault , two ways to go buy a new one but will need coding or risk the lifespan of a used one , i went with the used so no coding needed good thing is its not a bmw x5 specific part mine was off a mini and for some reason a used mini one is cheaper than an x5 one even though same part number , and not a bad part to replace long as you dont mind being upside down in the foot well