[Doctor Leo]

As some of you know Ive started a garage here in Florida and Im trying to steal the European market from a local retard that screw up anything he gets near.
So my question is what do I need that allows me to read and clear faults on LR3's, MKIII's, Sports, Discovery II's, and the rare P38 that finds it way to me? I basicly want a Testbook like the dealer has but dont want to pay them what they want for it.

Also can I use these systems on other makes of cars?

 

[John W]

Re: What do I need

As some of you know Ive started a garage here in Florida and Im trying to steal the European market from a local retard that screw up anything he gets near.
So my question is what do I need that allows me to read and clear faults on LR3's, MKIII's, Sports, Discovery II's, and the rare P38 that finds it way to me? I basicly want a Testbook like the dealer has but dont want to pay them what they want for it.

Also can I use these systems on other makes of cars?

If you want "garage of choice" then you are going to have to invest in the appropiate equipment,whether it be Testbook, Autologic, Blackbox etc/ :thumb:

Most of the dedicated LR diagnostic tools will not work on other vehicles.

 

[RRToadHall]

Re: What do I need

The two BBS items I had the misfortune of dealing with simply weren't up to much more than decoration. They were entirely too fragile for more than garage toy use. If a BBS unit fails you have to shell out appx $100 for overseas shipping to send it back for repair. This cost is not reimbursed even when the fault lies squarly on their shoulders for quality assembly issues or cheap components used. That is if you can get a square answer as to what the fault actually was. Please understand that their gear is a great fit for some folks. I just prefer equipment that is a bit more robust, not tempermental, works for more than two or three hook ups befre having to be sent back for repairs and doesn't leave me stranded while in the back trails.

I now have the pleasure of having access to a wonderful testbook unit. Although it doesn't fit in my glovebox like the MSV Extreme (special paperweight edition), it gets the job done, hasn't failed and is supported by easy to access customer service. :thumb:

The long held phrase of "you get what you pay for" would certainly be your best bet in this case. 8-|=

 

[Rich998a]

Re: What do I need

As a starter, look into the Omitec UCM. It costs around GBP1.5k and covers the L319 and L320 at the moment but it could well be dealer spec in the next 12 months. May be worth looking at?

Autologic is too expensive at GBP9.5K.

Ask around to see if you can get a T3/T4 unit. Slow but sure system and costs GBP4k.

You need more than a code reader Leo. If you want to be better than the next guy, you need a dedicated system which gives Live Data on all the vehicles you are likely to have in. IDS allows uploads/downloads for the later model ECU's. That would give you coverage of Jaguar, Mazda and Ford if need be.

Good luck with the venture though. Look at my place 8 month on...

 

[allyv8]

Re: What do I need

Looks good Rich,BUT what you cant see is how cold it is in there.(Needs a large woodburner)

 

[Rich998a]

Re: What do I need

I've been running electric heaters but I havn't had the bill yet. :doh:

It would be nice to knock a hole in the side of the unit for a log burner like yours, but I don't think the landlord would like that idea... :lol:

 

[paul.adshead]

Re: What do I need

It would be nice to knock a hole in the side of the unit for a log burner like yours, but I don't think the landlord would like that idea... :lol:

Don't tell them! Go through the block-work - easy to put back (with a few blocks and a bag of mortar)!
Invite the landlord over for a yummy-soup (cooked on the woodburner) on a cold day - easy to get them 'on-side'!

 

[allyv8]

Leo,once you have the shop heating sorted,(I recommend a large woodburner for nice heat "feel" and a gentle crackling soundtrack.) you are back to the choice of Diagnostic gear.As already stated the costs can seem quite high,but if this is the game you choose to play in then its not going to be cheap - whatever kit you go for.This is where you need to be sure what you are aiming your business at,I would suggest if you are looking at other European makes besides LR it may pay to have a good look at the Autologic unit.It is the only one than can have extra modules to include things like BMW,Mercedes,Volvo and the BMW Mini etc.
Just a thought.
The other wine fuelled thought is that its hard enough to keep up with one makes problems let alone several others.......

 

[Doctor Leo]

I cant survive off LR only, BMW would be the largest in service make for me, Volvo and Merc second, and Jag, Audi and Mini being the least amount but still seeing a few. My area has a large military population so lots of 5 year old european makes. I like the idea of one computer that I can use on many different makes. It will help keep my start up cost lower, considering Snap-on owns me and Heidi's (business partner) soul. 8-0= Other than the restoring and fliiping of Chris-Crafts I have to have the tools for working on imports.

 

[Hoges]

Looks good Rich,BUT what you cant see is how cold it is in there.(Needs a large woodburner)

They're a great idea...until someone drops a tank/spills fuel... vapour spreads horizontally to woodburner then "kaboooom"...just a thought 8~

 

[allyv8]

Looks good Rich,BUT what you cant see is how cold it is in there.(Needs a large woodburner)

They're a great idea...until someone drops a tank/spills fuel... vapour spreads horizontally to woodburner then "kaboooom"...just a thought 8~

Thats a good point,I'm lucky to have an open ended outside inspection pit which gets used on rare ocassions for petrol tank changes and steam cleaning/waxoiling etc.
Funnily enough my insurance company are very happy with my homemade woodburner,but NOT at all happy with the paraffin space heater I used to use.I just enjoy the quiet warm company of the woodburner and the nice atmosphere it creates,only the telephone spoils my peace.....

 

[Hoges]

:thumb: Ahhh! `8) refreshing to hear from a bloke content in his work!
Living in a semi tropical climate as I do, now, I sometimes yearn for a place elsewhere when the wood stove seemed to radiate peace and tranquility.."thems were the days"
May you continue to enjoy...and not run out of wood! 8-0=

 

[Rick-the-Pick]

Boy, it's gonna cost ya!

It's not cheap stuff. You'll will probably be looking to spend about 10 to $12,000, & that's if you get to buy them the right way.

 

[Hoges]

Good luck Leo for having a go! :clap: It's not an easy matter to set up a business. In FL can anybody set up or do you have to be licensed. ? Where did you learn all your "European market" expertise? Just wondering :think:

 

[Doctor Leo]

Good luck Leo for having a go! :clap: It's not an easy matter to set up a business. In FL can anybody set up or do you have to be licensed. ? Where did you learn all your "European market" expertise? Just wondering :think:

The girl that Im starting this with is the German car expert, she does alot of stuff with the German tunning scene in NW Florida, she can turn you meatless 3 Series into a Ferrari killer on a shoestring budget. I learned all the Rover, Jag, Mini, and Volvo stuff through cars Ive owned, those belonging to girlfriends (Florida women like Volvos :think: ), and when I worked for a local Euro dealer as a tech.

And I dont have to have a license til I open up in a garage thats zoned commercial or move into city limits, at the moment I can be a garage/gun store/bar/strip club if I wanted :twisted: . Im forming a LLC right now but as things go in Fliorda goverment thats going at snails pace.