JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

You could try these folks. You want the new fob for $99.94. Be sure to compare the FCC code with your original fob. When the independent locksmith could not program my 2015 key fob, I was able to return it for a full refund.

EDIT: Seems they are out of stock now. I should have kept the fob for my 2014 C-Class.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Another thing to note is that you can get key blanks (do a search online) and have a locksmith that can laser cut keys make a copy. It may cost $40 or $50, but far less than the $99 the dealer will charge. A key blank comes with the fob from NorthCoastKeyless if you go that route.

juanmor40

Keep in mind no dealer will program these keyfobs since they did not sell it to you. "We cannot guarantee it" is the premade answer

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I would not own a car if I could not get a brand-specific scanner for it. There are so many possible faults that never trigger a CEL (remember, CELs are ONLY for emissions-related faults) but that you can easily fix or adjust yourself. Also, if something is wrong and you don't know what it is, how will you ever know if you can trust a repair shop?

Your best bet is XENTRY for your Mercedes, but at the very least get something like BlueDriver. You won't be able to do much more than scan and clear codes, but at least you will have that.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Correct. That's why they are only good if you go to an independent automotive locksmith that has the capability.

The place I tried before I discovered only the dealer could program my 2015 car used an Autel Key Programmer (or tried to) only to discover my existing 2015 key was not supported. I ended up having to go to the dealer and $650 later I had a new fob (the "emergency key" was cut by a locksmith).

juanmor40

Absolutely. Anything is better than nothing. Once you get a taste for bi-directional, you will never go back. That becomes the minimum acceptable feature.

jonUF02

This sort of scanner is indispensable if you own older cars, especially German. My Launch X-431 V tablet has done everything I needed to do and coded many "hidden" functions or coded out annoying functions for Porsche, Mercedes, and Audi as well as diagnosing many more. Avoiding one trip to the dealership service and the downtime (time = $) saving frustration etc. more than pays for the better $700-ish tablet. The "baby" Launch seems to do pretty much everything the more expensive one does, but comes with limitation of software for only one make. I own a few cars at a time and service many cars amongst the family and neighbors.

Note - for MOST key generation you will need a Launch IMMO product specific for keys and immobilizer functions, and might need the add-on IR programmer box thing, as you will to do Mercedes.

jonUF02

Both my ML63 and GL550 from 2015 have all of this. I would not buy any MB or "luxury" car with fake leather package. If a car costs this much, I want some dead cows! ML63 has napa leather covering basically every surface too. Both have massage seats which are really nice on longer trips.

I looked at a loaded Expedition for the wife when we bought the CPO GL550. It felt like a fat F150. She really wanted the Navigator and I thought the loaded up Expedition would be the same, but they feel totally different. Ford has cheap materials inside, stiff clunky ride. Navigator had air suspension I believe, much nicer cabin, and the "Raptor" engine had some guts, not sure if it was the same as the Expedition, but same year, about 2018 when the body changed. Lincoln is really proud of the Navigator, and I got a beautiful CPO GL550 for much less. Similar miles, a few years older, top specs.

W205C43PFL

neat stuff, it does lets you purchase/rent other makes for a cost/subscription based on a month or year.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I forgot that the LAUNCH scanner does allow you to purchase additional vehicles files from the Mall. WiFi updates are also very convenient.

W205C43PFL

Sadly it is not permanent, it is only a month or a year whichever was chosen.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Yes, but it is available, even if renewed annually.

juanmor40

The family usually owns brands I am willing to help with; otherwise, they are on their own. When I was in the Honda or Toyota phase that is what we owned. Now, if it is not MB, they pay for the renewal of the software, not me; however, I will do what is needed if within my comfort zone.

jimyj

After doing a ton of research and comparing different scanners, I ended up going with the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner, and honestly, I’ve never looked back. It does everything I need for my Mercedes—from reading and clearing codes to more advanced diagnostics. What really stood out to me was the support that comes with it—there are tons of tutorials and videos online that walk you through the process step by step, which has been super helpful. Plus, the support team is great if you ever need them. One of the best things, though, is that it supports all makes and comes with free lifetime updates, so you don’t have to worry about ongoing costs. If anyone’s on the fence, I’d definitely recommend giving it a look. It’s been a solid tool for me, and the lifetime updates were a huge selling point. Not the cheapest especially if you only car about MB diagnosticvs but for what it offers and if you need multiple vehicle support its a no brainer

jimyj

Here is a picture of my scanner just for refernece.

W205C43PFL

What was the price of it, did you have a chance of comparing what was missing on the Launch?

S-Prihadi

You can have all the scanners you need, but first please get an ebay knock off WIS/EPC .
Without wiring diagram and WIS, you go in blind.
Learn the system ( the car ), on weekends, think of WIS is a Playboy magazine..... enjoy it

Scanners are not a total solution, it is a good assistance but sometimes it may lead you the wrong rabbit hole if you DO NOT understand the system where WIS often have
special document explaining what interacts with what and what duty the modules will do and we get to make less mistake.

One word of caution : WIS search engine is a true piece-of-shi-et............... but if you spend enough time, you will get good at how to search.