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What is the difference in a Peake R5/FCX and a generic OBD II type tool?

April 26, 2017FCX generic ii OBD peake R5 Tool type

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What is the difference in a Peake R5/FCX and a generic OBD II type tool?

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The R5/FCX is not an OBD II device, it is a BMW specific factory-code scanner. Meaning, it reads the full range of detailed BMW factory codes (which are the same codes the dealer has access to.) In contrast, OBD II tools use a government-mandated, generic code language, and do not read any BMW factory codes. OBD II is not inherently bad, but for BMWs and other European makes, OBD II tools suffer significant limitations. The two most common complaints about OBD II are (1.) “unknown code” messages, or misleading codes that prompt unnecessary replacement of perfectly good engine components, (2.) a OBD II device would not reset the service reminder lights.