Bavarian Technik Cable & CEL

[JMcDon1007]

My CEL came on and stayed on when I had an issue with the JB3 install. The car cranked about 8 times and then stopped. I was getting all kinds of messages on my nav screen when this happened.

I finally got the JB3 installed on the second attempt (bad connection the first time), but the CEL remained. I connected the BT Cable tonight and thought all I had to do was clear the fault codes and the CEL would go away; however, to my surprise, there were no fault codes on the car and even though I went through the process to clear them anyway, the CEL remains.

Does anyone know if there is a certain step I'm missing in the BT Software that would clear the CEL? Or does anyone know another way to clear it without taking it to the dealer?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

--John

[JMcDon1007]

Anyone?

[SHADOW4]

CEL= ? I pass!

[JMcDon1007]

Originally Posted by SHADOW4

CEL= ? I pass!

CEL = Check Engine Light! Sorry, that cost you a thousand, but you're still in the lead, pick again.

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by SHADOW4

CEL= ? I pass!

Check Engine Light

But I have no clue how to reset it manually. Possibly multiple restarts if everything is OK.
You might need a code reader to know the problem and reset the light.

[JMcDon1007]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Check Engine Light

But I have no clue how to reset it manually. Possibly multiple restarts if everything is OK.
You might need a code reader to know the problem and reset the light.

That's what the cable I have does. But it didn't show any codes and I even ran through the process of clearing all codes.

I'm hoping SOMEONE on the board has encountered this issue and has a cable like the one I have.

[Darbs330]

Certainly, there should be a way to clear the fault code... but...

... the CEL should reset itself following a "drive cycle".
(providing there isn't something still tripping it)

(Edit... actually, I think it's 3 consecutive drive cycles - with no fault present)

[JMcDon1007]

Originally Posted by Darbs330

Certainly, there should be a way to clear the fault code... but...

... the CEL should reset itself following a "drive cycle".
(providing there isn't something still tripping it)

(Edit... actually, I think it's 3 consecutive drive cycles - with no fault present)

Thanks for the feedback. What is considered a "drive cycle"? It's been on for over a week and I drive it almost daily, but no more than 10 miles per trip.

Weird thing is, when I hook it up to the Bavarian Technik software, the computer is not identifying any fault codes. Ugh!!

[Darbs330]

I have read conflicting definitions for what a BMW OBD Drive cycle is... and I don't claim any expertise...

First (and most simplistic)...
- Start from cold
- Run to Normal operating Temp
- Stop & Cool to cold

Second (probably closer to the truth)...
- Drive constantly with road speed between 20 to 30 MPH for approximately 4 minutes
- Drive constantly with road speed between 40 to 60 MPH for approximately 15 minutes. (Some vehicle coasting time should be included)

Note: The diagnostic sequence will be interrupted if one of the following conditions occurs:
- engine speed exceeds 3000 RPM, or
- driving speed exceeds 60 MPH, or
- large fluctuations in acceleration are requested.

In such a case, stop the vehicle, turn engine off and start the driving cycle again.

[Darbs330]

By the way JMcDon1007,

Did you happen to get your Z at Hendrick BMW?

I test drove a '10 Black Saphire 35i there in April & loved it!
Beautiful color... wonderful car!

[Alext]

Bit strange there are no fault codes.

[mikeinaustin]

JMcDon1007, just covering the bases:

1) have you updated your bavtech software?
2) are you selecting the correct z4 (e89, 3.5) ?
3) there is an option to run a quick scan and clear all codes. is this what you are selecting?

[JMcDon1007]

Originally Posted by Darbs330

By the way JMcDon1007,

Did you happen to get your Z at Hendrick BMW?

I test drove a '10 Black Saphire 35i there in April & loved it!
Beautiful color... wonderful car!

Yes, I did get it at Hendrick. This one is loaded with every option but auto high beams and PDC. Wonder if it's the same one! Hope you weren't too hard on it if it is. HA HA!

[JMcDon1007]

Originally Posted by mikeinaustin

JMcDon1007, just covering the bases:

1) have you updated your bavtech software?
2) are you selecting the correct z4 (e89, 3.5) ?
3) there is an option to run a quick scan and clear all codes. is this what you are selecting?

Hey Mike,

1. I just downloaded the software the night of checking it so I'm assuming I got the latest version.

2. Yes, I'm selecting the 3.5 e89

3. I believe I selected "Function" from the top menu and there is an option to clear all fault codes. I did that. But like I said, I ran a scan of the fault codes prior to that (in the engine menu) and it didn't show any. Hummm??!!??

Do you happen to know what the "Shadow Fault Codes" are? What's the difference? I didn't go into there, because I thought by doing the step above, I was clearing all codes (even though I didn't see any). Ugh!

Based on the steps someone gave above for the drive cycle, I'm sure I haven't hit those requirements on my way to work. It's only about 4-5 miles one way and so far I've been too busy to take it on any longer trips.

Any suggestions on the BT software?

Thanks for your feedback. I truly appreciate it.

[Darbs330]

Originally Posted by JMcDon1007

Yes, I did get it at Hendrick. This one is loaded with every option but auto high beams and PDC. Wonder if it's the same one! Hope you weren't too hard on it if it is. HA HA!

Well, if it was the same... all I can say is - you made a GREAT choice, it really was beautiful!

As for me being too hard on it... HA!... the CA was watching me like a hawk! I told him that I wanted to take it to 485 so I could open it up a little & I could have sworn he teared up a little. Clearly, he wanted to keep the miles low.

[mikeinaustin]

Originally Posted by JMcDon1007

Hey Mike,

1. I just downloaded the software the night of checking it so I'm assuming I got the latest version.

2. Yes, I'm selecting the 3.5 e89

3. I believe I selected "Function" from the top menu and there is an option to clear all fault codes. I did that. But like I said, I ran a scan of the fault codes prior to that (in the engine menu) and it didn't show any. Hummm??!!??

Do you happen to know what the "Shadow Fault Codes" are? What's the difference? I didn't go into there, because I thought by doing the step above, I was clearing all codes (even though I didn't see any). Ugh!

Based on the steps someone gave above for the drive cycle, I'm sure I haven't hit those requirements on my way to work. It's only about 4-5 miles one way and so far I've been too busy to take it on any longer trips.

Any suggestions on the BT software?

Thanks for your feedback. I truly appreciate it.

oh! if you ran it in the engine section, you will only see engine codes. you'll have to check every subsystem (fuel system, etc) and see if there is a code in any of the other sections. there is an easier way though, i believe under the tools section there is a way to have it generate a report showing all codes under every subsection. not all codes will cause the cel to show though. since your cel is on though, you should see something. it could be as simple as the fuel cap wasn't tightened enough generating a code.

anyway, go to each subsystem and check the codes in each.

[JMcDon1007]

Originally Posted by mikeinaustin

oh! if you ran it in the engine section, you will only see engine codes. you'll have to check every subsystem (fuel system, etc) and see if there is a code in any of the other sections. there is an easier way though, i believe under the tools section there is a way to have it generate a report showing all codes under every subsection. not all codes will cause the cel to show though. since your cel is on though, you should see something. it could be as simple as the fuel cap wasn't tightened enough generating a code.

anyway, go to each subsystem and check the codes in each.

Thanks Mike, but wouldn't my step 3 Have taken care of ANY fault codes?

"3. I believe I selected "Function" from the top menu and there is an option to clear all fault codes. I did that. But like I said, I ran a scan of the fault codes prior to that (in the engine menu) and it didn't show any. Hummm??!!??"

[Alext]

Shadow codes are 'traces' of codes that remain after a code wasnt cleared properly (eg with some other scanners I believe) hence 'shadow' code. Always check this section. And as said above you need to check other subsections too for codes.

[JMcDon1007]

Originally Posted by Darbs330

Well, if it was the same... all I can say is - you made a GREAT choice, it really was beautiful!

As for me being too hard on it... HA!... the CA was watching me like a hawk! I told him that I wanted to take it to 485 so I could open it up a little & I could have sworn he teared up a little. Clearly, he wanted to keep the miles low.

Haha! That's hilarious! Thanks for the compliment. I do love the color combination, but my last car was black (even though this one takes on many colors depending on the lighting) so I really wanted the blue with light tan interior. But this was the last 2010 so I got a much better deal on this one.

So is the pic u have on your sig the car you're getting? That color combo is beautiful. I love that grey!

[Darbs330]

Originally Posted by JMcDon1007

So is the pic u have on your sig the car you're getting? That color combo is beautiful. I love that grey!

Yep... that's the car I have on order & will be picking up at the PC on Monday.
Interestingly, I didn't end up ordering through Hendrick. They were about 2k higher than BMW of Columbia & since I had planned to take delivery at the PC... I figured I could order it from anyone.

Still, I would have preferred to keep it local. I guess I just talked to Hendrick during the wrong time of the month. They didn't even try to talk me into your car. (A good thing for you - 'cause I really liked it! )

[JMcDon1007]

Originally Posted by Darbs330

Yep... that's the car I have on order & will be picking up at the PC on Monday.
Interestingly, I didn't end up ordering through Hendrick. They were about 2k higher than BMW of Columbia & since I had planned to take delivery at the PC... I figured I could order it from anyone.

Still, I would have preferred to keep it local. I guess I just talked to Hendrick during the wrong time of the month. They didn't even try to talk me into your car. (A good thing for you - 'cause I really liked it! )

HA HA! Good luck with the car! It's beautiful. I bet you're totally stoked!!

[Darbs330]

Originally Posted by JMcDon1007

HA HA! Good luck with the car! It's beautiful. I bet you're totally stoked!!

Thanks... you know it!

Keep me informed on your JB3 install... I'm very curious.
I'm not really in a rush to do anything, considering the break-in period... but, a little later down the road I wouldn't mind tinkering a bit.