BMW Repair: E39 1997 528i hard start, camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor

Question
I own a 1997 528i right hand drive, currently in Japan.  It started having problem with sluggishness under load, then when I shut off after a drive then restart it is takes more cranks to start unlike before it has always been one turn and starts right away.  I dont have a scanner tool, can you give me a part number to purchase to read codes.  I read on web, that it is the usual vacuum leak, loose spark plug, camshaft position sensor, crankshaft sensor, and pulse sensor.  I changed the camshaft sensor with bmw part and hard start is still there.  No airleaks noted.  What should I do next, not many BMW repair here in Okinawa. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you

Answer
You need to establish what type of diagnostic connector you have, it should be a round connector under the bonnet,later ones have the universal diagnostic connector near the ignition switch area accesable without removing anything.

Go on ebay and purchase a diagnostic scanner that will fit your connector.
If its the round one under the bonnet then its bmw specific and the must come with the appropriate connector.

Let me know when you have the codes.
Read the codes, clear the codes, test drive then read again. This clears old  fault codes that could lead you astray.

Tony