Baby Scanner - Launch Creader Elite specific for MB - Bi-directional and more
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Cool to know.
I would hope never to want to or need to scan my GL450. (Hey let me dream lol) Now my Smart car with a lot of Mercedes engineering and logic. I intent to Scan and look through anything it will allow. A current TCM fault causes a random 1 min 20 sec starting delay, a manageable issue but makes it an unreliable get-a-way car. So I will get two 2012 GL450 keys now and pick up a scanner of this level during the Internet sales season.
I would hope never to want to or need to scan my GL450. (Hey let me dream lol) Now my Smart car with a lot of Mercedes engineering and logic. I intent to Scan and look through anything it will allow. A current TCM fault causes a random 1 min 20 sec starting delay, a manageable issue but makes it an unreliable get-a-way car. So I will get two 2012 GL450 keys now and pick up a scanner of this level during the Internet sales season.
EDIT: Seems they are out of stock now. I should have kept the fob for my 2014 C-Class.
Last edited by JettaRed; Sep 22, 2024 at 11:46 AM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
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.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Cool to know.
I would hope never to want to or need to scan my GL450. (Hey let me dream lol) Now my Smart car with a lot of Mercedes engineering and logic. I intent to Scan and look through anything it will allow. A current TCM fault causes a random 1 min 20 sec starting delay, a manageable issue but makes it an unreliable get-a-way car.
I would hope never to want to or need to scan my GL450. (Hey let me dream lol) Now my Smart car with a lot of Mercedes engineering and logic. I intent to Scan and look through anything it will allow. A current TCM fault causes a random 1 min 20 sec starting delay, a manageable issue but makes it an unreliable get-a-way car.
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.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
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).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 2,041
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
Cool to know.
I would hope never to want to or need to scan my GL450. (Hey let me dream lol) Now my Smart car with a lot of Mercedes engineering and logic. I intent to Scan and look through anything it will allow. A current TCM fault causes a random 1 min 20 sec starting delay, a manageable issue but makes it an unreliable get-a-way car. So I will get two 2012 GL450 keys now and pick up a scanner of this level during the Internet sales season.
I would hope never to want to or need to scan my GL450. (Hey let me dream lol) Now my Smart car with a lot of Mercedes engineering and logic. I intent to Scan and look through anything it will allow. A current TCM fault causes a random 1 min 20 sec starting delay, a manageable issue but makes it an unreliable get-a-way car. So I will get two 2012 GL450 keys now and pick up a scanner of this level during the Internet sales season.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
Fwiw our 2019 Ford Expedition Limited Stealth edition has some cool stuff our Mercedes doesn't, like a very functional 360 Camera, and adaptive cruise that works really well. I know those were options on the Benz... The Ford SUV seats are as comfortable as the W, and they have forced air cooling and heating, and are real leather not Artico
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.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
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.
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.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 2,041
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
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.
Member
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 191
Likes: 57
E320
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
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
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
Here is a picture of my scanner just for refernece.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...211c2535bb.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...211c2535bb.jpg
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 6,547
From: Jakarta-Indonesia
2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
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.
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.
Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 95
Likes: 24
1991 300D, 2006 E320 CDI, 2014 E250 Bluetec
Did you ever resolve this? I'm having the same issue...now doing a factory reset. Takes forever because it's downloading software for the these different manufacturers.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
Plug a USB charger into the Creader somewhere where you have fast strong Wi-Fi and the updates run much faster. Trying to do it with the Creader plugged into the car in your driveway is an exercise in frustration
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
If you have the Elite Benz V2.0 it also has a built-in battery.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 15
2009 Subaru WRX, 2011 E550
Does the Launch scanner read wheel speed sensor failure ? I have code 1425 on my 2011 E550 and it is related to the wheel speed sensors. However I can't find any live data on wheel speed sensors with my icarsoft 2.0 MB (updated software). I stopped by my indi and they have a Snap-On reader. They could tell it was the RR wheel speed sensor that failed in just a few clicks. Tried a Blue Driver scanner and had the same results. Thanks in advance!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Does the Launch scanner read wheel speed sensor failure ? I have code 1425 on my 2011 E550 and it is related to the wheel speed sensors. However I can't find any live data on wheel speed sensors with my icarsoft 2.0 MB (updated software). I stopped by my indi and they have a Snap-On reader. They could tell it was the RR wheel speed sensor that failed in just a few clicks. Tried a Blue Driver scanner and had the same results. Thanks in advance!
(Currently, the LAUNCH scanner is $151 for Cyber Monday on Amazon.)
Last edited by JettaRed; Nov 30, 2024 at 09:45 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 2,041
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
