Which scanner?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 518
Likes: 76
From: Mountaintop, PA
'14 W212 Sport, '52 MG TD, '21 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Which scanner?
Coming up on the end of my ELW in about another year, so I am going to be shopping for an OBD scanner for my '14 W212. Anyone have one that they particularly like? Nothing that requires any kind of subscription service. I have a RossTech VAG-COM for my Audi and I love it, but that's Audi specific. Is it worth it to spring for a genuine StarTek? Do you HAVE to have a subscription for StarTek? Any aftermarket solutions that cater specifically to MB, the way my Audi one does? Not really looking for a cheap Pep Boys job, willing to spend upwards of $500 or more because I know that even after one use it will pay for itself, and I'm a pretty competent mechanic, so any extra functionality I can get WILL be used.
Thoughts?
And BTW, I did do a search, but virtually nothing came up. Not really shocking, since it seems like very few people here actually work on their cars, but I figured I'd ask.
Thanks!
Thoughts?
And BTW, I did do a search, but virtually nothing came up. Not really shocking, since it seems like very few people here actually work on their cars, but I figured I'd ask.
Thanks!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,694
Likes: 4,584
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Search the keyword "pmercury". He is a former site member that offered a full Xentry/DAS setup that many site members here spoke highly of. pmercury at present is banned, but some on this site know how to contact him.
Also search for "Xentry" and "DAS" and you will get a lot of information. This is the system you need. Anything else will not get the job completely done for you.
The system includes:
- cable from OBD port to multiplexer
- mutliplexer
- cable from multiplexer to laptop
- laptop
- software that resides on laptop
Also search for "Xentry" and "DAS" and you will get a lot of information. This is the system you need. Anything else will not get the job completely done for you.
The system includes:
- cable from OBD port to multiplexer
- mutliplexer
- cable from multiplexer to laptop
- laptop
- software that resides on laptop
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,694
Likes: 4,584
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Looks like either will work. http://blog.obdexpress.co.uk/2018/11...-sdconnect-c4/
Try to dig up the contact into for pmercury, he will set you straight.
Try to dig up the contact into for pmercury, he will set you straight.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
The software is out there if you look for it, but it's not easy to use so there's probably some value in buying it from someone who can provide some support. There's a few other vendors that get mentioned on this site. You can also find knock off systems on aliexpress. 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. 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.
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From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550 BiTurbo
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 277
Likes: 73
From: Perth Australia
12 C200, 12 C180, 10 Fuso Warrior crew cab, 08 RTV ute, 05 Smart Fortwo cabrio, 09 Smart Fortwo
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 every thing 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.
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 every thing 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.
Last edited by prktkljokr; Dec 30, 2019 at 07:46 PM.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 518
Likes: 76
From: Mountaintop, PA
'14 W212 Sport, '52 MG TD, '21 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
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 every thing 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.
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 every thing 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.
One specific thing occurred to me while laying in bed last night, will any particular one allow me to change the damn transmission fluid? Are there any that do NOT show the trans fluid level when refilling it? That actually IS the one thing I've paid someone to do on this car once (it's still under warranty, and I didn't want a claim denial down the road due to lack of proper service), if I get a scanner that allows me to do that, at virtually ANY price, it's paid for itself in one shot.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 277
Likes: 73
From: Perth Australia
12 C200, 12 C180, 10 Fuso Warrior crew cab, 08 RTV ute, 05 Smart Fortwo cabrio, 09 Smart Fortwo
Generally speaking 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.
One specific thing occurred to me while laying in bed last night, will any particular one allow me to change the damn transmission fluid? Are there any that do NOT show the trans fluid level when refilling it? That actually IS the one thing I've paid someone to do on this car once (it's still under warranty, and I didn't want a claim denial down the road due to lack of proper service), if I get a scanner that allows me to do that, at virtually ANY price, it's paid for itself in one shot.
One specific thing occurred to me while laying in bed last night, will any particular one allow me to change the damn transmission fluid? Are there any that do NOT show the trans fluid level when refilling it? That actually IS the one thing I've paid someone to do on this car once (it's still under warranty, and I didn't want a claim denial down the road due to lack of proper service), if I get a scanner that allows me to do that, at virtually ANY price, it's paid for itself in one shot.
Most mechanics will fill with fluid up to manufacturers recommended amount from empty then top off if need be.
What car do you need to do the trans service to?
922.9 trans?, Heres a link to the procedure
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
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. Available at Walmart, who allows for hassle-free returns up to a month, so no risk trying.
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. Available at Walmart, who allows for hassle-free returns up to a month, so no risk trying.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
Looks like a full dealer type STAR setup with cables and all on Ebay is running around $1200 with latest software update. Maybe worth it to you. If you post up on some local classifieds you can get probably $50-100 a pop to read / reset / change simple things that nobody else can do. A little side hustle that will pay itself off shortly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Looks like a full dealer type STAR setup with cables and all on Ebay is running around $1200 with latest software update. Maybe worth it to you. If you post up on some local classifieds you can get probably $50-100 a pop to read / reset / change simple things that nobody else can do. A little side hustle that will pay itself off shortly.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 518
Likes: 76
From: Mountaintop, PA
'14 W212 Sport, '52 MG TD, '21 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 77
Likes: 12
From: Spokane, Wash
N/A
If you are at all thinking about going for factory XENTRY setup, PM member pmercury here or google his webpage Benz Ninja. He will get you setup with a legitimate copy of all software and guide you through the process, for a very reasonable charge. No sketchy Chinese software or scams. Full disclosure: he’s helping me at the moment currently.
The only “downside” to mention is there is a learning curve with this route, so if you are using to just read codes, then perhaps an easier and cheaper solution, e.g. icarsoft MBII is better.
let us know what route you take..
cheers
The only “downside” to mention is there is a learning curve with this route, so if you are using to just read codes, then perhaps an easier and cheaper solution, e.g. icarsoft MBII is better.
let us know what route you take..
cheers
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 175
Likes: 74
From: Tremonton, Utah
2014 E350 Sport 4Matic Sedan
If you are at all thinking about going for factory XENTRY setup, PM member pmercury here or google his webpage Benz Ninja. He will get you setup with a legitimate copy of all software and guide you through the process, for a very reasonable charge. No sketchy Chinese software or scams. Full disclosure: he’s helping me at the moment currently.
The only “downside” to mention is there is a learning curve with this route, so if you are using to just read codes, then perhaps an easier and cheaper solution, e.g. icarsoft MBII is better.
let us know what route you take..
cheers
The only “downside” to mention is there is a learning curve with this route, so if you are using to just read codes, then perhaps an easier and cheaper solution, e.g. icarsoft MBII is better.
let us know what route you take..
cheers
But be careful in suggesting that the software included in these turnkey systems is any more "legitimate" than what is available from China. It is not. Perhaps it works well. And perhaps it comes with great support. But it is just as illegitimate as any of the China systems. The only legitimate software for a XENTRY system comes directly from Mercedes, and the price tag per copy is in the thousands of $$$$$. I'm very, very doubtful that anyone is purchasing legitimate M-B XENTRY systems and flipping them for less than $1k, taking the loss in their own wallet for each copy.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 1
2015 E250 blutec
ditto....iCarsoft works great with much functionality
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 613
Likes: 297
From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
GLS 350 d 4MATIC
Looks like either will work. http://blog.obdexpress.co.uk/2018/11...-sdconnect-c4/
Try to dig up the contact into for pmercury, he will set you straight.
Try to dig up the contact into for pmercury, he will set you straight.
Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 174
Likes: 18
From: Houston, Texas
2012 & 2014 E350 Sports, 2017 E43
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 175
Likes: 74
From: Tremonton, Utah
2014 E350 Sport 4Matic Sedan
But the iCarsoft is a very affordable system that is extremely easy to use, includes free lifetime updates, and doesn't require using bootleg software.
