Diagnostic scanner

[Gumboil]

I could just see the faces of some of the members when they first saw the title

Now before you guys shoot down the question, pls know that this is my first MB, and Im finding all this very overwhelming and confusing. So i would like to do some diagnostics on my 1998 W210 E280, Namely engine, tranny etc. My main reason for this is because my tranny is stuck in limp mode. I cant wait for a guy to pop around everytime I need it checked or cleared when i had done some repair. I dont have money for the Xentry or Star thingy me Bobs, so found this, and Im hoping you guys could give me some advice. What cab it do, and mostly, can it get me out of limp mode

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00M4XR1P8/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

On a video it says programming, but programming of what? ECU, key... I have an old laptop that has a serial port

 

[AltonAnt]

I would pay attention to the following

You need to use this software under Windows XP system and close anti-virus software!!!

That is generally code for - hacked software that requires a keygen program to get working.

 

[Gumboil]

Hi

Im not very clued up when it comes to pc's, what does that mean for me?

 

[bob6600]

Hi

Im not very clued up when it comes to pc's, what does that mean for me?

Unlikely that your PC will be running XP as is it an old operating system (although a great one). Running hacked software and keygens runs the risks of viruses as well as being illegal.

 

[Gumboil]

The laptop I have is a junker, with a dead battery. I have to run it on mains lol. And yes it is still running an original windows XP. Its not or never connected to a network, so no risk of infecting else.

Bar the software issues, that might arise from this. Would the unit itself be able to at least clear my limp mode?

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

I would look at buying a genuine icarsoft item from the likes of ukpartsdirect IIRC, there are threads on this with more info

 

[Gumboil]

Seem to recall that the iCarsoft does not support the W210

 

[a111r]

Setting up a Chinese cloned 7.4 multiplexer with an aged laptop on XP can be quite hard or very hard, prolonging the pain...

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

Seem to recall that the iCarsoft does not support the W210

Which one? They do a selection for different Mercedes generations

 

[AltonAnt]

Which one? They do a selection for different Mercedes generations

I don't think any of the current models support euro W210 but US ones are supported from 1996 on some.
The vehicle coverage PDFs are pretty hard to find now so I can't check.

 

[ordessa]

I would pay attention to the following



That is generally code for - hacked software that requires a keygen program to get working.

...be afraid...be very afraid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KillerHERTZ]

No discussing pirate versions of software! It could get the forum in trouble.

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

iCarsoft MBII - iCarsoft i980 Scanners

 

[a111r]

^ ^ That one, and all their others, do not work on the W210.

 

[Gumboil]

Ooooh, and look what I stumbled across. This seems pretty legit. Still quite a pricey business, but im sure it will be well worth it.

iCarsoft MB V1.0 Mercedes, Sprinter & Smart Multi System 16 & 38 Pin Diagnostic Reset Tool Engine ABS Airbags

 

[gibsonk]

Ooooh, and look what I stumbled across. This seems pretty legit. Still quite a pricey business, but im sure it will be well worth it.

iCarsoft MB V1.0 Mercedes, Sprinter & Smart Multi System 16 & 38 Pin Diagnostic Reset Tool Engine ABS Airbags

Ignore me i didn't read the original post properly.

The one you have here should connect, failing that because its not OBD finding someone with Star Diagnostics is your best bet.

At the age of your car there was no such thing as unified vehicle communication protocols (OBD, J2534 etc.)

 

[GM87]

I recently bought the MB v2 (I know it doesn’t list your chassis as previously said but very pleased with it for the money) ...had a quick look and there is a CR elite version that lists w210 in compatibility. Maybe worth checking.

I got mine on LJM, there was a 5% code too - their site has pdf downloads on most of the tools that you can check if your car is listed.

Hopefully helps

 

[Gumboil]

Its a real pain having to wait for someone to come around with there tools. Im going to take the plunge and get one. Now, to speak to the Mrs :-(

 

[toolman1954]

Hi,
Does your car have an OB2 port ? If not then you will not be able to use an Icarsoft Scanning Tool. If I recall , ( and will stand correction on this ) the reason that they mention 210 models is that from 1996/7 in the USA all cars had to be fitted with an OB2 port, so would have included 210 models, obviously this did not include RHD U.K.cars. ( Not generally until 2002).
I think in S.A. you have RHD cars so your model may not have an OB2 port and only a circular diagnostic socket near the fuse box where you can plug in an oil reset tool. I used to have a Draper tool to do this. If you do have an OB2 port, then as a cheap check, I would just get a cheap Bluetooth ELM327 connector off of Ebay, and use this in conjunction with an android phone or tablet and a free "App" to see if this connects to your car computer. If it does, then happy bunny, if not then it gets more complicated and expensive.

Steve.

 

[GM87]

Fully agree, had vcds lite for my VW for basics but annoyed me trying to get other people for more advanced features...

For merc especially, basic prices for people to plug it in when it could be something simple - add up the £30/40/50 or whatever and the tool is paid for with 3/4 faults. If you know other Mercedes drivers (if Mb tool) or just general car use if it’s the elite/cr then you can make money back in beer tokens from friends and family fairly quick too.

Find it hard to justify star or a full diagnostic unit in the several hundreds plus for home use