What's Up With the High Diagnostics Price?

adelphi_sky · 08-13-2009, 10:38 AM

I was just thinking about something. Most mechanics you take your car to will look at it for free and tell you what the problem is. Usually, they have to lift it and check under the hood, etc. Why does BMW charge you $150 to hook it up to a computer and run a diag program? I could see if there was intense or tedious labor involved, but to hook it up and walk away for two hours can't be worth $150. Then, if the repair is $3000 and you can't afford it, it's hard to walk away because you're already into them for $150. Are there any solutions to this are is that just the way it is? Has anyone gotten a break on these diagnostics?

Borsig · 08-13-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

I was just thinking about something. Most mechanics you take your car to will look at it for free and tell you what the problem is. Usually, they have to lift it and check under the hood, etc. Why does BMW charge you $150 to hook it up to a computer and run a diag program? I could see if there was intense or tedious labor involved, but to hook it up and walk away for two hours can't be worth $150. Then, if the repair is $3000 and you can't afford it, it's hard to walk away because you're already into them for $150. Are there any solutions to this are is that just the way it is? Has anyone gotten a break on these diagnostics?

BMW tax.

Buy a BT scanner for $279. scan your own shit.

rooster3.0 · 08-13-2009, 10:58 AM

Because that diagnostic computer is like a hooker. While they use it to diagnose your problem, it could be doing something else that makes them money. So whether you wanna talk to the hooker or bang her, you still gotta pay.

E92-Lighting · 08-13-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borsig

BMW tax.

Buy a BT scanner for $279. scan your own shit.

BT scanner ftw

adelphi_sky · 08-13-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borsig

BMW tax.

Buy a BT scanner for $279. scan your own shit.

Link?

dpwr · 08-13-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rooster3.0

Because that diagnostic computer is like a hooker. While they use it to diagnose your problem, it could be doing something else that makes them money. So whether you wanna talk to the hooker or bang her, you still gotta pay.

I like your analogy

VTECaddict · 08-13-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rooster3.0

Because that diagnostic computer is like a hooker. While they use it to diagnose your problem, it could be doing something else that makes them money. So whether you wanna talk to the hooker or bang her, you still gotta pay.

Borsig · 08-13-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

Link?

http://www.burgertuning.com/scanner.html

Xipher · 08-13-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borsig

http://www.burgertuning.com/scanner.html

Thanks for the link.

If I use this is there's any risk of voiding the warranty, and is it possible for BMW service to see that I've connected it?

Borsig · 08-13-2009, 02:27 PM

no, and not unless you break the OBDII connector or something, which would be pretty hard.

The HACK · 08-13-2009, 02:33 PM

You do know that the BMW GT1 diagnostic machine and software cost $18,000 plus a $1,000 a year subscription to the subscription, right? And that operating the GT1 requires extensive training? Or that 90% of what the GT1 sees can not be seen or accessed by a typical ODB-II scanner, right?

The few independent mechanics that has a GT1 in their shop typically DO charge you $XXX to hook it up to their GT1.

adelphi_sky · 08-13-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The HACK

You do know that the BMW GT1 diagnostic machine and software cost $18,000 plus a $1,000 a year subscription to the subscription, right? And that operating the GT1 requires extensive training? Or that 90% of what the GT1 sees can not be seen or accessed by a typical ODB-II scanner, right?

The few independent mechanics that has a GT1 in their shop typically DO charge you $XXX to hook it up to their GT1.

So, is the data in hex or something? Why do you need a degree to read fault codes?

If a dealer can CHOOSE to buy this machine and software, doesn't that mean that a diagnostic is optional and not really necessary? Or is it mandatory to have? I mean really, my car was hooked up to this machine because my door lock was jammed. Do they need an $18,000 computer to tell them the door doesn't work?

crazed792 · 08-13-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borsig

http://www.burgertuning.com/scanner.html

Any idea if this will work with a 328i? I note that the compatibility doesn't mention much other than x35 models, but I'm wondering if it just won't be as feature rich, or if it won't fit/would break something...

rooster3.0 · 08-13-2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazed792

Any idea if this will work with a 328i? I note that the compatibility doesn't mention much other than x35 models, but I'm wondering if it just won't be as feature rich, or if it won't fit/would break something...

Yes it will work fine.

adelphi_sky · 08-13-2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takashi

A jammed door lock can mean a many things.
1. ECU issue. When my ECU was fried by the tech at the dealer, all the electronics including the power door lock stopped working.
2. Acturator overload -- another electronic issue.
3. Software fault - software does crash.
4. Poor connection - loose connection, rusty connection.
5. Mechanical issue - bad door lock mechanism / dirty lock.

Hooking up a computer to the car can help detect if it is a software issue. If you don't want to pay the diagnostic fee, don't break your car.

My point is, what did they do before buying the $18,000 gizmo? IF a door lock is jammed, wouldn't experience tell me to look at the lock mechanism itself? If my right tail light goes out, is that worth a $150 diagnostic scan? I'd say most things can be narrowed down without a computer telling you. Nine times out of ten, whatever is broken they replace anyway.

What it may be good for is tunning purposes for the engine for things like timing, knocking, faulty monitors, etc. But for mechanical failures, a good mechanic should be able to pinpoint the problem without a computer. No?

crazed792 · 08-13-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rooster3.0

Yes it will work fine.

Nice! thx

HighVoltage · 08-13-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

My point is, what did they do before buying the $18,000 gizmo? IF a door lock is jammed, wouldn't experience tell me to look at the lock mechanism itself? If my right tail light goes out, is that worth a $150 diagnostic scan? I'd say most things can be narrowed down without a computer telling you. Nine times out of ten, whatever is broken they replace anyway.

What it may be good for is tunning purposes for the engine for things like timing, knocking, faulty monitors, etc. But for mechanical failures, a good mechanic should be able to pinpoint the problem without a computer. No?

Sure, if the vehicle was built in 1970. The problem is you are now looking at a rolling computer complex, with 9+ bus systems and sensors up the ying-yang. Even with a door lock, it may not be just the actuator. It could be a systemic failure that started with another sensor somewhere else. Just replacing the actuator may prove to be a temporary solution and the problem would just repeat itself.

Borsig · 08-13-2009, 04:43 PM

and yet the BT tool can do anything a home user can be capable of doing...

It can datalog, read and clear codes, and read and clear maintenance. You name it, it can do it.

SoCalTech · 08-14-2009, 12:22 AM

You have to pay for my training, experience, knowledge, and time. What's to stop you from bringing the car to me for a free diagnosis, then taking it to someone else for the repair? Should I just diagnose cars for free all day and not make a dime? It's not as simple as the computer saying "replace this part".

08-13-2009, 10:38 AM	#1
adelphi_sky First Lieutenant 12 Rep 374 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 328i Jet Black Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Adelphi, MD iTrader: (0)	What's Up With the High Diagnostics Price? I was just thinking about something. Most mechanics you take your car to will look at it for free and tell you what the problem is. Usually, they have to lift it and check under the hood, etc. Why does BMW charge you $150 to hook it up to a computer and run a diag program? I could see if there was intense or tedious labor involved, but to hook it up and walk away for two hours can't be worth $150. Then, if the repair is $3000 and you can't afford it, it's hard to walk away because you're already into them for $150. Are there any solutions to this are is that just the way it is? Has anyone gotten a break on these diagnostics?
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08-13-2009, 10:58 AM	#3
rooster3.0 Major 27 Rep 1,306 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jersey iTrader: (4)	Because that diagnostic computer is like a hooker. While they use it to diagnose your problem, it could be doing something else that makes them money. So whether you wanna talk to the hooker or bang her, you still gotta pay. __________________ Train with your head; not above it.
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08-13-2009, 02:27 PM	#10
Borsig Captain 53 Rep 883 Posts Drives: '09 335i ///M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (3)	no, and not unless you break the OBDII connector or something, which would be pretty hard.
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08-13-2009, 02:33 PM	#11
The HACK Midlife Crises Racing Silent but Deadly Class 1821 Rep 5,337 Posts Drives: 2006 MZ4C, 2021 Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Welcome to Jamaica have a nice day iTrader: (1)	You do know that the BMW GT1 diagnostic machine and software cost $18,000 plus a $1,000 a year subscription to the subscription, right? And that operating the GT1 requires extensive training? Or that 90% of what the GT1 sees can not be seen or accessed by a typical ODB-II scanner, right? The few independent mechanics that has a GT1 in their shop typically DO charge you $XXX to hook it up to their GT1.
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08-13-2009, 04:43 PM	#18
Borsig Captain 53 Rep 883 Posts Drives: '09 335i ///M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (3)	and yet the BT tool can do anything a home user can be capable of doing... It can datalog, read and clear codes, and read and clear maintenance. You name it, it can do it.
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08-14-2009, 12:22 AM	#19
SoCalTech Captain 24 Rep 648 Posts Drives: Not a BMW yet... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Redondo Beach, Ca iTrader: (0)	You have to pay for my training, experience, knowledge, and time. What's to stop you from bringing the car to me for a free diagnosis, then taking it to someone else for the repair? Should I just diagnose cars for free all day and not make a dime? It's not as simple as the computer saying "replace this part".
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