Cheap piwis/durametric
- Thread starter jetbox
- Start date
If you hunt around, you'll find it even cheaper. BUT it is a Chinese copy, usually supplied with a copy of Durametric version 3 software. It works OK-ish on a 996, but if you look at Durametric.com you will see how many improvements have been made, and they are now on version 6. If you try to update it with the version 5 or 6 software, you will likely turn the unit into a brick.
If you are serious about diagnostics, and think your next car may also be a Porsche, I would recommend biting the bullet and purchasing the genuine article.
If you are serious about diagnostics, and think your next car may also be a Porsche, I would recommend biting the bullet and purchasing the genuine article.
thirteeneast
New member
Anyone point or PM me to a corner of the WWW that might be hosting version 3 as Durametric no longer have it on there site just 5 & 6?.
I have used my cable with 5 in the past but its iffy.
I have used my cable with 5 in the past but its iffy.
if you want the software do this
go to www.uobd2.com , type in piwis on search box ,click on lead info , software is in related down load files (download piwis cable zip)
also i have bought a lead from another site , i found this info when looking into lead suppliers
hope this helps
go to www.uobd2.com , type in piwis on search box ,click on lead info , software is in related down load files (download piwis cable zip)
also i have bought a lead from another site , i found this info when looking into lead suppliers
hope this helps
thirteeneast
New member
Thanks,
But it say's that version 5.
Which does work but I think v3 is a lot more stable for a snide.
But it say's that version 5.
Which does work but I think v3 is a lot more stable for a snide.
In the early versions of the Durametric software just so. All you got was the OBD error code plus a German version of what the code related to via a lookup table.
Over the years this has been improved, English code lookups have appeared though some German ones still appear once in a while.
They have also added better help files and the ability to reset and code some of the more common control units.
Diesel130
New member
Yes, but my point was, whereas the specification for standard OBD data information is openly available (as what each packet of data means what), is there some document that defines all the Porsche specific data.
I would have thought that Porsche keep that information confidential to themselves, but if so, how do Durametric make a device that can read and write Porsche specific codes?
I would have thought that Porsche keep that information confidential to themselves, but if so, how do Durametric make a device that can read and write Porsche specific codes?
I once spoke to a chap from AutoLogic, when they were showing the new (then) Porsche version of their tester at Autofarm a few years back. He told me they had a PIWIS tester, and would record and analyse the data stream between the PIWIS and control module, and mimic it for their tester. I seem to recall Durametric doing something similar in the early days.
eddieterry
Member
If you have not found a copy yet PM me your email address and I will send you a zip file with version 3.
Mine works ok with both 3 & 5.
chriscoates81
New member
Does a durametric show up errors if there are no lights on the dashboard? i.e. everything working normally if that makes sense.
Yes. Many DME errors will not set off the engine check light, but fault codes will be stored in the fault memory. Same applies to other modules, such as the alarm control module, which don't have a warning light in the dash.
chriscoates81
New member
Is this the tool that costs around £300.
The genuine kit is about £260: http://www.hickleys.com/diagnostics/durametric.php . You can also buy it direct from Durametric.com, but by the time you pay carriage, duty, and VAT, I'm not sure how much you save. The Chinese clones have their limitations, but as above, are a fraction of the price.
Personally, I would go genuine, especially if my next car was likely to be a Porsche. Yes, it is expensive, but if you are serious about DIY then a decent diagnostic tool is essential. The complication of the electronics on P-cars is only going one way.
Personally, I would go genuine, especially if my next car was likely to be a Porsche. Yes, it is expensive, but if you are serious about DIY then a decent diagnostic tool is essential. The complication of the electronics on P-cars is only going one way.
my lead from china arrived today ,it had a copy of Durametric v3 ,loaded software on to laptop and connected to car, it works fine(well worth £33) , when looking at the dme i found my car has had 1 range 4 over rev at 452 hours and has 1250 total run hours ,this over rev must have occured before i owned the vechicle , should i be concerned about this ,it also said i have a fault with the porsche radio cd unit (i removed this to fit a pioneer avic d3 4 years ago)my friend with a 996 and a cayman wants their vechicles checked now.
thirteeneast
New member
Any chance of a email of that v3?
987 Boxster
RANGE 1, 7200-7500
RANGE 2, 7500-7700
RANGE 3, 7700-7900
RANGE 4, 7900-8400
RANGE 5, 8400-9500
RANGE 6, 9500 and over
I wouldn't worry, it was such a long time ago that if it had done any damage it would have manifested itself by now.
If you look at the version history on www.durametric.com you will see the improvements and bug fixes since then, but at £33 it is a whole lot better than nothing.
Now wasn't there someone here looking for the V3 software? (Post #6) . Edit: Too slow!
RANGE 1, 7200-7500
RANGE 2, 7500-7700
RANGE 3, 7700-7900
RANGE 4, 7900-8400
RANGE 5, 8400-9500
RANGE 6, 9500 and over
I wouldn't worry, it was such a long time ago that if it had done any damage it would have manifested itself by now.
If you look at the version history on www.durametric.com you will see the improvements and bug fixes since then, but at £33 it is a whole lot better than nothing.
Now wasn't there someone here looking for the V3 software? (Post #6) . Edit: Too slow!
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