Error codes

[parkman1]

Hi, a quick question - could anyone give an opinion, maybe having used one or just even having one in their garage - is the Carsoft 10 diagnostic kit worth buying ? I see that it is available at a reasonable price, around €200, and if you read the bumph it seems to be a fairly high-end piece of kit.
Any comments or assistance would be appreciated.
Regards, parkman

 

[mersum1es]

Whats your car, W210, W211 or W212? With W210 carsoft is ok, with newer there may be trouble to access all modules properly.

Carsoft is a 'poor man's star', not a half as varsatile as star but for basic code redings ok stuff. Could be worth to visit carsoft based discussion forums and find out how MB owners value it...

 

[parkman1]

Error code reader

Hi, I have a 2004 W211 E220 cdi. It seems that there are a few sellers, or are they versions, of the Carsoft kit. The post by Xixal relating his experience last year, I think it was, when he bought a kit from a dealer in Belgium is the kind of thing that really makes one wonder whether it is worth the effort of sorcing these things. I suspect that there is somewhat of a "trying to live a champagne lifestyle with beer pockets" element when buying used Mercedes cars. I have had all sorts of stuff in the past from Lotus Sunbeams to Isuzu Troopers, Peugot 106 GTI's, Escort Twin Cams - but I do think as a used purchase the Mercedes E class may be the biggest headache so far. I wonder if it is just too complicated for a normal day to day car. I do like the car but all the time I am aware that the next garage visit could cost £1500- 2000 and that it may be just around the corner. I have a Jag 3.2 Exec 2001 that I use as a commuter and in 5 years it has cost me about £1500 in servicing and replacement parts, it has been very good and it is very comfortable. The W211 cost me £1100 after 10 months when it needed new Airmatic shocks on the rear. I have a suspicion that I will not keep it too long if the bills start to come in.
Regards, parkman