Bidirectional scan tool?

[MarkNovack]

Hi,
I have a 2011/12 S212 E250 CDI. Plan on keeping it until I die or the wheels fall off. It's condition is excellent or better. I am currently searching for a scan tool that will do a complete scan plus allow injector coding, exaust/intake balance reading, and any other jobs that require diagnostic tool manipulation and training But I'm just an owner DIY dude. What's going to be the best quality and user friendly versus reasonable price device? Amazon is filled with choices. What bidirectional scanner has met all of your Mercedes' needs?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[markjay]

I had iCarsoft which is very limited in respect of doing anything to the car. You can do basic things like testing and force DPF regen but generally not much.

Unfortunately, unlike BMW and VAG, MB are very difficult and you really need STAR to get things reconfigured on the car.

Vendors like Launch, Delphi, and Autel etc may have garage-grade scan tools that can do more than the iCarsoft, but again it won't be anything like STAR.

 

[MarkNovack]

Thank you. It comes in several versions from kind of expensive to OMG. I need to weigh the cost versus whatever operation I may need done. The issue arised with an engine light. But it went out. It's just injector #4 sneezing every 6 weeks. Then there was an O2 sensor code. Replaced O2 sensor and all was good. In 13.5 years, just those two codes. Maybe (probably) I'm just bored.

 

[markjay]

iCarsoft is what most enthusiasts use.

MB will only supply STAR to a VAT-registered garage, but not to a private individual.

Genuine STAR units do come up for sale on eBay from time to time, but they are rare (and won't have the subscription).

Various clones are available, however these use pirated software and the forum's rules do not allow discussing it on here.

 

[MarkNovack]

Wow. That's heavy info. I guess I will stick to suspension work. I'm already happy that the parts guy at my dealer is a family friend. They even guard the OEM part numbers until its printed on the bill. It's not anywhere on the quote.

 

[Petrol Pete]

TOPDON do pretty good scan tools and have dealers in the UK , it's the make I am looking at right now, best to go to a dealer and have a face to face chat to what each unit is capable of .

I bought a £40 TOPDON CarPal bluetooth 'dongle' type unit a few weeks ago just to see if I am happy with the interface and how it looks , it's OK so far but only allows 3 marques to be downloaded for free and is still s 'work in progress' . This little £40 is a long, long way from being any use when doing a 'deep dive' but so far I have scanned the 2008 SL63 AMG , 2006 C55 AMG and the 2006 Toyota Yaris that are parked on the drive and it communicates fine.

Not going to other plugging into SWMBO's ancient Zafira

I had an early iCarSoft MB2 which was a useful tool , I gave it away to a family member with the plan to 'upgrade' very soon.

 

[DSM10000]

Wow. That's heavy info. I guess I will stick to suspension work. I'm already happy that the parts guy at my dealer is a family friend. They even guard the OEM part numbers until its printed on the bill. It's not anywhere on the quote.

Dealers generally do not give out part numbers because people then use them to search elsewhere for cheaper prices.

It is not a good business model to help to give away profits

 

[DSM10000]

Topdon make a number of bi directional scan tools either cabled or Bluetooth. Amazon have a good range and often under £300

 

[alabbasi]

Get the star diagnostic if you're planning to stick with just one make as it's the most comprehensive. Autel makes good scan tools. I have the MS908.

 

[markjay]

Get the star diagnostic if you're planning to stick with just one make as it's the most comprehensive. Autel makes good scan tools. I have the MS908.

You mean a STAR clone....?

 

[alabbasi]

You mean a STAR clone....?

No i'm talking about breaking into the factory in Germany and stealing the real one

 

[markjay]

No i'm talking about breaking into the factory in Germany and stealing the real one

I thought we agreed to keep our little plan secret....?

 

[ToeKnee]

I thought we agreed to keep our little plan secret....?

Surely that would be "steal two?"

 

[markjay]

Surely that would be "steal two?"

We were going to share it, but now you've given us an idea

 

[Trickythemerc]

Can You pick one up for me ???

 

[SpikyMikey]

Maybe if you manage to smuggle one back, the boffins at Bletchley Park can crack the code.

 

[alabbasi]

Surely that would be "steal two?"

Here's an idea. We can find a factory in China to clone it.

 

[Trickythemerc]

Nooo they are all working at Bletchley

 

[Petrol Pete]

Nooo they are all working at Bletchley ...

Also GCHQ or planning the Mega London spy Embassy Stupid Stammer has promised to fast track through planning....

Wrong thread , I know...

 

[waxonwaxoff]

Hi,
I have a 2011/12 S212 E250 CDI. Plan on keeping it until I die or the wheels fall off. It's condition is excellent or better. I am currently searching for a scan tool that will do a complete scan plus allow injector coding, exaust/intake balance reading, and any other jobs that require diagnostic tool manipulation and training But I'm just an owner DIY dude. What's going to be the best quality and user friendly versus reasonable price device? Amazon is filled with choices. What bidirectional scanner has met all of your Mercedes' needs?

Thanks,
Mark

TEMU like Amazon and TOPDON themselves have a number of scanners. Depending on model, prices range, the 600s supposedly works on MB, there's a range of models. I'm looking at the 600s from$250-$300 Aust.