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I see they sell adapters for 16 pin to 38 pin. So i would get a mercedes specific obd scanner and then an adapter IF needed.
The Launch Creader obd scanners appear to have good reviews. If i didint already have a decnt one already i would probably get the Launch Creader Elite. AliExpress has them for under $80 right now, or im sure Amazon will have some good Black Friday deals coming up.
I did a little more searching around and think i am wrong. Im thinking you may need the MB Star C4 system. Not sure what that even is, im not familiar with earlier models.
I have a Foxwell NT530 with the Mercedes software and it does work great, does full scan and has all the modules, test components and has live data. But, it is not touch screen. Instead it has up,down,left,right arrows to navigate the functions. This is the only reason I say get a Launch Creader instead. Between the two I believe they do the same things. The touch screen version of my Foxwell with the same software is the NT710 and costs alot more than a Launch. I was even debating getting a Lunch Creader Elite V2.0 just because it has a horizontal touch screen. Oh, and my Foxwell does not have wifi, so i have to download software updates using an sd card on my computer. The Launch has wifi updates i believe.
I think there are 4 launch units that do full systems for Mercedes, seems the difference besides the price is the android operating system they run off of. And the more expensive units also have BMW, Audi and VW software as well as Mercedes, so a better option if you have these cars also.
The Launch reader is a great value for its price. It connects directly to wifi for free updates, and software for other vehicle brands can be purchased and downloaded. Scan reports can be emailed via wifi and printed from your computer.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
If you want to go with a factory solution, you will be looking at an SDS (Star Diagnosis System) using HTT or DAS, predecessors to XENTRY. SDS is comprised of a Windows laptop, a C4 Multiplexer (clone), and software. The software requires a license key to run. When you get a C4 Multiplexer, it will come with a bunch of cables. The best place to get the software is from www.benzninja.com where you also get remote diagnostics support along with fully operating software. Sources for the C4 can be AliExpress, eBay, etc., but best to have @BenzNinja recommend a good source. Amazon has inexpensive refurbished laptops, such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X200 series.
Im still curious if the vehicle has the 38 pin in the engine bay and also a 16 pin under the steering wheel? From other forums it may appear only US and Japanese spec Mercedes have both?
I was looking around at what the 38 pin adapters actually do, looks like it is only 3 wires in them, or at least the cheap ones.
AFAIK, OBD-II and 16-pin under-dash connectors became standard and mandatory in 1996. OBD-I existed prior to 1996, and every manufacturer had its own connector, location and fault codes.
I thank all for your responses, it was very helpful.
As was stated, 16-pin under dash connectors became standard in 1996, my C230K has both the 16pin under the dash as well as the 38pin connector under the hood.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by born2cruze
I thank all for your responses, it was very helpful.
As was stated, 16-pin under dash connectors became standard in 1996, my C230K has both the 16pin under the dash as well as the 38pin connector under the hood.
I've never seen that (38 pin). Can you post a pic? Thanks
I do wonder how the 3-wire 38 pin adapters work and how useful they are.
I dont even know how my obd reader really works so did more reading. I keep seeing people with early 96-2000 MB's saying that the obd port under the steering wheel isnt that useful, that most diagnosing is used at the 38 pin. But then if that adapter only sees k line how much can it really do? I dont know.
I did come across an Godiag GT108 tool/adapter that shows it connecting to more pin outs. I think that may be why some say the MB Star C4 is a great option for earlier Mercedes, it has the right software needed.
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