How to Connect a Code Reader on a 2001 BMW 325i

1. Stop the vehicle on a flat surface and shift the transmission into park or first gear (manual transmission). Turn off the engine and apply the parking brake. Turn the ignition back to the “On” position but do not re-start the engine.
2. Plug the code reader’s data cable into the 16-pin diagnostic data port. This port is situated approximately 6 inches above the pedal area, on the underside of the dashboard.
3. Turn on the code reader and choose “PCM” from its main menu. Select “Trouble Codes” from the PCM menu. Choose “Read All Current and Stored Trouble Codes” from the Trouble Codes menu.
4. Write down the trouble codes that are displayed on the code reader’s screen. If there are multiple codes, you may need to use the keys to scroll down further to make sure that you don’t miss any.