Looking for a OBD scanner for 2014 Mercedes W212. willing to spend upwards of $500 or more. and I’m a pretty competent mechanic, so any extra functionality I can get WILL be used.
My purpose:
I’m an above-average (way above average) shadetree mechanic and do not, and have never, paid anyone to work on my cars, so I really kinda want something that does EVERYTHING. Like, real-time sensor readouts, misfire logging, stuff like that. I can, and have, gone pretty deep into the programming of my Audi to successfully diagnose things like failed injectors, wonky sensors, etc and being able to do things like specifically actuate solenoids, module testing or get real-time readout values on everything (not just O2 sensors….I mean like suspension level sensors and stuff) is important.
- Recommend a full Xentry/DAS setup from obdexpress.co.uk.
The system includes:
– cable from OBD port to multiplexer
– mutliplexer
– cable from multiplexer to laptop
– laptop
– software that resides on laptop
Question: Which Xentry level C4 C5 C6?
Answer: Looks like either will work.
You probably don’t need a full system, the full ones typically go for $600-$1000 or more although you could put together a system with just the cables and software and supply your own laptop probably in the $300-$400 range.
1). C5 + Dell D630 + 256GB SSD with preinstalled software
2) C4 + Dell D630 4G RAM laptop + preinstalled Software HDD
- You can get the Xentry Passthru software and use it with Tactrix device. This set up can do diagnostics with no problem. It can work with vehicles 2006 and up. If you want to be able to do everything from programming and coding online then I suggest you get a C4 clone and get the Xentry Openshell. With this setup you will need access to the server in order to do programming and coding. As BHOPKINS mentioned, don’t be fool by the people claiming their set up is GOLD and make it sound like they engineering the software. These fools are charging and arm and a leg to install the software.
- There’s also lots of scanners that just read codes and those are in the $100-$200 range. About the only thing the full system may be handy for is being able to program the airmatic for a lower height. Probably a few other hacks too. Otherwise something like the Autel Diaglink for $89 might be all you need if you just want to know the error codes and getting the car fixed.
- Recommend iCarsoft MBII for Mercedes Benz. At $150, you can’t beat the iCarsoft…
You need to read ATF temperature to do fluid change on 7G and iCarsoft MBII will do that just fine.
I found MBII gave me bogus data on my diesel regeneration, but still at this point that seems to be the best scanner for $150.
- Depending on what you need it for will be the big decider, Do you need it to do everything, or do you need it to do most things, do you need to use it for other makes and models?
I went through the same thing when looking for a scan tool, The Xentry / Das set up is good if all you are going to do is Mercedes, but if you need an all rounder that will do multiple manufacturers look at the Autel and Launch, I ended up settling on the Autel @ $1000 AU, It does everything I need, I even coded new keys to my own Ford ute just last week, plus reset all codes from airbags, ESP, ABS, Parktronic, Seatbelts, reset steering angle sensor, etc on a crash damaged C200 I purchased.
I would say bang for buck out of the box the Autel wins for an all rounder, the Launch would be my second choice, which model you need would be dependant on what level you wish to use it for.
I think if you are going to outlay good money for a scanner it needs to do what you need it to do.
Good luck!
OBDII Info software FAQ 