Diagnostic Software

[andrson76]

First off... great site, wish I had surfed through the threads earlier.
I have just finished having a garage fix my 91 318is that was having idle/intake problems.  I would like to learn how to do myself/avoid going to the shop for future repairs and am curious about code readers.  A few guys at work drive VW's and Audi's and use VAG Com to pull/erase codes.  Does anyone know of a good system for a 91 318is?  I have seen Carsoft BMW but it looks expensive and the info on the net seems a little suspect (mostly sales gimmicks).  Are the laptop systems any better than a packaged code reader? And would a specific piece of software be necessary vs. a general OBDII system (considering it doesn't seem like there is that much more to play with (no digital instrumentation, no airbags, no built in alarm, etc)?
Thanks,
Andy

[Wise Old Dog]

91 318is = OBD-1

[andrson76]

Ah.... thanks.  I was misinformed.
So code reading can be done using the gas pedal method mentioned in some of the other threads?

Actually, I would still like to erase codes of things that I can fix myself.  Is the best tool the Peake one, or would a software package and adapter still be viable?