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Hey everyone, I just purchased a iCarSoft MB V3.0 scanner. I was originally going to get the Launch Creader Elite 2.0 but the only real con to the iCarSoft was it was more expensive, and I got it on sale for cheaper than the Launch anyways. My real question is what equipment do I need to program a new key? I doubt this scanner is capable of it, but I only have the one key and I’d rather get a spare programmed sooner rather than later. If anyone has a different scanner recommendation or anything let me know, I can cancel the order as long as the price isn’t ridiculous and order that instead. Thank you!
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Key programmers are usually single purpose devices. They are not general purpose scanners. They are not interchangeable with scanners. They are really more for shops than consumers.
Compared to the LAUNCH Creader, the iCarsoft is very limited and not worth the small amount you will save. But from what I can see, the iCarsoft is more than the LAUNCH Creader anyway. I own an Autel MaxiDAS DS808, iCarsoft MBII and V3.0, LAUNCH Creader Elite 2.0 BENZ (and version1.0), and XENTRY. So, I speak from personal knowledge.
I agree tend to agree with @JettaRed A key programmer is usually only useful to a shop since a DIYer is going to use it once and stick it in a drawer. An Autel 508 key programmer is $900+. Launch has an X431 attachment for $159 that claims it can do all models, but it only comes with Ford, Nissan, VW, and Peugeot blanks which makes me wonder. My bro-in-law is a locksmith and says MB keys have an extra step required even if you clone a working key. I think it might be easier to buy a blank and then head to your local Pop-A-Lock vendor.
Last edited by Odd Piggy; Feb 19, 2025 at 12:49 AM.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
An independent locksmith should be able to program a 2008 Mercedes. But, beginning with model year 2015, only a dealer can program a fob. Apparently they claim this is for security purposes. The days of sticking a new key in the ignition and using a known good key to lock/unlock the car door (a la VW or Ford) are over.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
There was a key vendor at Costco the other day. I asked if he could duplicate/program my key. As soon as he saw the 3-pointed star, he saddened and said, "So sorry. Ain't no way!" (I paraphrased.)
Key programmers are usually single purpose devices. They are not general purpose scanners. They are not interchangeable with scanners. They are really more for shops than consumers.
Compared to the LAUNCH Creader, the iCarsoft is very limited and not worth the small amount you will save. But from what I can see, the iCarsoft is more than the LAUNCH Creader anyway. I own an Autel MaxiDAS DS808, iCarsoft MBII and V3.0, LAUNCH Creader Elite 2.0 BENZ (and version1.0), and XENTRY. So, I speak from personal knowledge.
Thank you for the tip, I’m only responding now but I saw this last night and actually cancelled the order and got a Launch instead. That deal wasn’t there earlier and I got the MB V3.0 on a 20% off sale in addition to that $30 off so it was quite cheap. The Launch was what I really wanted anyway I just didn’t see the point in more money.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
It appears the 2025 version of iCarsoft is bi-directional, meaning you may be able to do limited programming with it. The older versions (even though both say V3.0) only allowed some resets and not configuration changes.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Shipping is free and I've not been charged sales tax. I have bought a couple LAUNCH scanners from them. The BBA (Benz-BMW-Audi) and Toyota versions. You can try SAVE15 as a discount code if you ever want to use them.
Last edited by JettaRed; Feb 19, 2025 at 09:47 AM.
(KingBolen has warehouses in the US, so delivery is pretty quick.)
Is the X431 better than the creader elite 2.0 without it? That link you just sent me it’s even cheaper than the former and if it has more capability I’ll order that instead.
Last edited by hmclaughlin67; Feb 19, 2025 at 01:56 PM.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by hmclaughlin67
Is the X431 better than the creader elite 2.0 without it? That link you just sent me it’s even cheaper than the former and if it has more capability I’ll order that instead.
If you also have an audi and/or BMW, you may want to look at the BBA version which includes all three brands for $20 more.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
You can add other cars to the LAUNCH Creader through the Mall. But those added through the Mall require yearly renewal. The BBA version has all three brands with lifetime free updates.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by hmclaughlin67
Is the X431 better than the creader elite 2.0 without it? That link you just sent me it’s even cheaper than the former and if it has more capability I’ll order that instead.
The only other brand I have and work on regularly at the moment is Toyota for the fiancee, but I’ve never had to scan that car anyways so I don’t see the need lol.
Currently I have an Innova 3610 (I believe) that works good for basic scans like SRS and ABS, but doesn’t access much else than that and engine codes. Surprisingly it does have what it calls “OEM Plus” that can tell you the manufacturer specific code which is useful, but I need one that can read more modules, hence the not-so-urgent searching around.
Thank you for the advice! I’ll keep my current order as is.
An independent locksmith should be able to program a 2008 Mercedes. But, beginning with model year 2015, only a dealer can program a fob. Apparently they claim this is for security purposes. The days of sticking a new key in the ignition and using a known good key to lock/unlock the car door (a la VW or Ford) are over.
Were car theft on the rise or keyless/relay attacks on the rise starting in 2015?
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