Beginner's Guide to Diag Software - 2017 W222

[niddnet]

Hello all,

Have just received my new-to-me S350d (W222 2017). Am going through all the "me" stuff, seeing what's enabled, what's not working, what's too old etc...

This is my first MB, having come over from VAG, and so far so good - however, on a drive home this afternoon, the EML came on. No messages, no change in performance, so it can't be anything major.

What I've not been able to figure out is the recommended pc based diag software / cables etc. My background is in IT and Electronics Engineering, and I can VCDS and VAGTacho (etc) till the cows come home.

Is there a recommended setup that enthusiasts go for? A particular software package I can buy and download? I'd like to see what the EML is on for at least, but also will be looking to amend coding and adaptions as I get the feel for the vehicle and software.

Would really appreciate some advice

Thanks!!

 

[kcsun]

Most people buy the Icarsoft or carly OBD testers. Both are good but nowhere near as good as your Rosstech for Vag. The actual software that would be comparable is Star diagnostics. I tried to buy a copy and setup from "the bay" but no way would it work and I think (personally) that it was a scam so plumped for the Icarsoft unit. Does not allow you to change much but does a good job on fault finding

There are links at the top of this part of the forum giving discounts etc

kc

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

Another vote for ICarsoft. Speak to the guys at UKParts direct and mention this club.

 

[91dm]

I have a iCarsoft which does work very well and is fairly priced, it can't add/reprogramme any functions from what I know. It works well with Mercedes and has lots of functions.

I also have Delphi software which is installed on a laptop which works well and costs much less, can be found on eBay.

 

[Supernoodle]

Let me warn you, iCarsoft is no VCDS. I used to have an Audi, so know VCDS.
iCarsoft is good in that it will interrogate all modules for faults, supports some routines (bit hit and miss) and is convenient. It's poor for live data though terms of what it supports and presentation.

 

[markjay]

I have both iCarsoft and Carly for Mercedes, Carly is more user friendly but iCarsoft is probably better at diagnosing issues. If you only had one, I'd say it would be the iCarsoft.

 

[niddnet]

That's some great advice folks - thank you.

I will probably go down the route of an iCarsoft, though there's a £75 off a Thinktool on Amazon at the moment (a few youtubers I follow swear by Thinktools). Ultimately, that'll probably do what I need, as I'm far from a mechanic. I've seen a lot of "compatible" and "aftermarket" packages of "dealer-level" software and interfaces - and I may end up going down that route if I decide to run any coding or adaptions, though past experience with other brands has been..... as you'd expect from a dodgy chinese clone site!

The model on Amazon with the £75 off is the THINKSCAN Max2 if anyone's interested. https://www.amazon.co.uk/thinkcar-Wireless-thinkscan-Diagnostic-Services/dp/B09YR9PSQT

Really appreciate the welcome - thanks again!

R

 

[markjay]

That's some great advice folks - thank you.

I will probably go down the route of an iCarsoft, though there's a £75 off a Thinktool on Amazon at the moment (a few youtubers I follow swear by Thinktools). Ultimately, that'll probably do what I need, as I'm far from a mechanic. I've seen a lot of "compatible" and "aftermarket" packages of "dealer-level" software and interfaces - and I may end up going down that route if I decide to run any coding or adaptions, though past experience with other brands has been..... as you'd expect from a dodgy chinese clone site!

The model on Amazon with the £75 off is the THINKSCAN Max2 if anyone's interested. https://www.amazon.co.uk/thinkcar-Wireless-thinkscan-Diagnostic-Services/dp/B09YR9PSQT

Really appreciate the welcome - thanks again!

R

Personally, I'd go for the iCarsoft CR.