1997 onwards R129's and diagnostic code readers

[Pcn1]

Is anyone out there using there own cheap little code reader for their R129 at the moment ?
Mine is a made July 1997 (I believe) , first registered 1998 SL320 model so I think it will be OBD compatable.

I understand only the very expensive MB system will be fully compliant, and there seems alot of hit and miss with the aftermarket units.

But if I could get somethging to help reset only some basic faults that would be helpful. Does anyone have any experience to share, which model to go for etc ?

Thanks

 

[fast28]

Any generic OBD2 engine code reader should work but you will need a 38 pin to 16 pin cable adaptor for the R129 diagnostics port which are readily available on eBay.

If you want something a little better that can read transmission, ABS and airbag faults as well as engine faults then the Launch crp129 is a good unit that can be used on the majority of cars.

 

[Pcn1]

Thanks for the advice. I'll do some more research on that model. Ive got 3 cars on the drive and if it can work across the fleet then all the better.
The way I view it is £200 up front can be easily recouped with just half a dozen sucssesful fault findings and resets.

 

[alabbasi]

If it's a 1997, it should (certainly US cars will) have an OBD2 port which will provide you with engine trouble codes (OBD2 codes). It will not go deep into systems and may not be able to read live data as 1997 was only the second year of the OBD2 standard. To access more specific systems or live data. You'll need to connect through the 38 pin connector. The 38 pin connector will also allow you to read and reset transmission data, a/c systems and other diagnostic systems.

There are period scanners available which were super expensive back in the day, but may be bought cheaply now. Examples of this are the AST retriever or the Snapon MT2500 with the right program ROM and connector.

I have an AST Retriever and a more modern Autel DS708 Maxidas, I also have the SDS , but would rather use these scanners any day over an SDS as they are self contained appear to be capable of diagnosing anything i've thrown at them to date.

This is my AST getting used on a 2000 E55 AMG