Fault Code Reading - Midlands?

[Sulli]

I have the "Increased Emissions" warning light on my car, it came on yesterday, I left it overnight, but still on this morning, so possibly not caused by the heat.

Having searched the forum I am thinking it will most likely be an O2 sensor failure, but wanted to get it on a diagnostic first to be sure. I called a local M specialist and they charge £55 to read fault codes! A friend of mine has an independent garage with a general OBD reader, and he'll check for free if I know where the OBD plug is. Any ideas?

Also, what is the worst case scenario if I leave it?

[m5osc]

Not being funny mate but if he doesn't know where the diagnostic socket is, what is he going to do with the info when he gets it?

I run a small Independant BMW garage & I charge £55 aswell, but the computer I use cost me 9k & is a dealer level tool, not some generic obd reader.

Reading the faults is not the be all & end all. It could be a faulty sensor that generates a fault in another one, or a wiring issue. It could be LOADS of different things. Leave it to the pro's mate. It's what they/we do best.

As for charging £55, it's less than a tank of fuel. How cheap do you want it??

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing mate. Guessing whats wrong with your car to save £55 is not the way forward.

Just my opinion mate...... good luck!

[m5osc]

Whoops, forgot to add the connector is above the drivers right knee in RHD models & left knee in LHD.

[Sulli]

He just asked if I knew where the OBD socket was before I came up to save time, and he said it was probably where you said it was. He's a mechanic at a garage that works on most cars, not specialising in BMWs, so doesn't see them everyday. He did however rebuild my 205 gti engine for me when I blew it up 10 yrs ago, and worked on virtually every other car I've had in past 10 yrs, Scooby, VR4, LCR, M3 etc, and never put a foot wrong, takes nearly as much care as I do, and more than most garages so I trust him
55 for a diagnostic isn't so bad, but I am guessing most places simply read the fault code, and 55 for that is a rip off.
By the way, where are you based, so I know for future reference?
Anyway, fault found: coolant thermostat. Took less than a minute. Fault code cleared and it hasn't come back, so I guess the unseasonable heat might have been somewhat to blame. Will keep an eye on it, and if it comes back I know what to replace first.
Cheers