Scan tools? Best one?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
GL320 CDI
Scan tools? Best one?
Hello, I've done a lot of research on scan tools/software, but I'll put it up here for (hopefully) experienced users. I have an '08 GL320 CDI. I recently purchased an icarsoft "MBII" scan tool, and found that it will access most of the systems on the vehicle. For instance, I used it after replacing the steering rack to reset the steering angle sensor and ESP, etc. One thing it does NOT do though, is ABS. I'm returning it (it was advertised as being able to do ABS), and I hope to find a reasonably priced scan tool that will access ALL of the systems-- meaning read and clear codes on all systems. I realize that the STAR system is the gold standard, but the price is not what I'd call reasonable, and while it'd be great to have I don't really need to code keys or do adaptations. I'm leaning toward the Foxwell NT624, which they claim will access all modules and comes in at around $250. Any opinions/input/recommendations/experience would be most welcome. Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
x164
Hello, I've done a lot of research on scan tools/software, but I'll put it up here for (hopefully) experienced users. I have an '08 GL320 CDI. I recently purchased an icarsoft "MBII" scan tool, and found that it will access most of the systems on the vehicle. For instance, I used it after replacing the steering rack to reset the steering angle sensor and ESP, etc. One thing it does NOT do though, is ABS. I'm returning it (it was advertised as being able to do ABS), and I hope to find a reasonably priced scan tool that will access ALL of the systems-- meaning read and clear codes on all systems. I realize that the STAR system is the gold standard, but the price is not what I'd call reasonable, and while it'd be great to have I don't really need to code keys or do adaptations. I'm leaning toward the Foxwell NT624, which they claim will access all modules and comes in at around $250. Any opinions/input/recommendations/experience would be most welcome. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
GL320 CDI
I bought a Launch CRP123 which was advertised to access ABS SRS Airbag and Transmission. Guess what-- no ABS. That's going back now. I think I'm either going to end up with the 500 dollar foxwell or a hack Star3 from China. I think I'll probably try the foxwell, because I work on other brands not just Benz.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
GLS 350 d 4MATIC
Maybe I'll answer this post now seems too late............
hi~man,i have a foxwell nt644,it powerful than the nt624,of course NT624 cover more than 58 vehicle brand full system diagnosis，and nt644 also access all modules ,NT644 having access to a vast range of controllers such as ABS, airbag, instrument cluster,etc. NT644 automatically scans all diagnosable electronic control units on a vehicle, instantly displays all the errors detected on the vehicle, and allows errors to be viewed and cleared with a single click.
i love nt644
hi~man,i have a foxwell nt644,it powerful than the nt624,of course NT624 cover more than 58 vehicle brand full system diagnosis，and nt644 also access all modules ,NT644 having access to a vast range of controllers such as ABS, airbag, instrument cluster,etc. NT644 automatically scans all diagnosable electronic control units on a vehicle, instantly displays all the errors detected on the vehicle, and allows errors to be viewed and cleared with a single click.
i love nt644
Last edited by lanrceds; Oct 19, 2017 at 03:51 AM.
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
GLS 350 d 4MATIC
eMaybe I'll answer this post now seems too late............
hi~man,i have a foxwell nt644,it powerful than the nt624,of course NT624 cover more than 58 vehicle brand full system diagnosis，and nt644 also access all modules ,NT644 having access to a vast range of controllers such as ABS, airbag, instrument cluster,etc. NT644 automatically scans all diagnosable electronic control units on a vehicle, instantly displays all the errors detected on the vehicle, and allows errors to be viewed and cleared with a single click.
i love nt644
hi~man,i have a foxwell nt644,it powerful than the nt624,of course NT624 cover more than 58 vehicle brand full system diagnosis，and nt644 also access all modules ,NT644 having access to a vast range of controllers such as ABS, airbag, instrument cluster,etc. NT644 automatically scans all diagnosable electronic control units on a vehicle, instantly displays all the errors detected on the vehicle, and allows errors to be viewed and cleared with a single click.
i love nt644
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
2015 GL550
iCarSoft is not bad and cheaper than Foxwell, but the interface is horrible, for me at least.
You get what you need from iCarSoft butso many menus to dig in, need to have a WIN 7 or older PC to do the update. Not easy to save the results "I took photos of the results whenever the device caught an error".
You get what you need from iCarSoft butso many menus to dig in, need to have a WIN 7 or older PC to do the update. Not easy to save the results "I took photos of the results whenever the device caught an error".
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Irving Texas
2003 Benz C240
Hello, I've done a lot of research on scan tools/software, but I'll put it up here for (hopefully) experienced users. I have an '08 GL320 CDI. I recently purchased an icarsoft "MBII" scan tool, and found that it will access most of the systems on the vehicle. For instance, I used it after replacing the steering rack to reset the steering angle sensor and ESP, etc. One thing it does NOT do though, is ABS. I'm returning it (it was advertised as being able to do ABS), and I hope to find a reasonably priced scan tool that will access ALL of the systems-- meaning read and clear codes on all systems. I realize that the STAR system is the gold standard, but the price is not what I'd call reasonable, and while it'd be great to have I don't really need to code keys or do adaptations. I'm leaning toward the Foxwell NT624, which they claim will access all modules and comes in at around $250. Any opinions/input/recommendations/experience would be most welcome. Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: NewYork
SL55 AMG
I ended up purchasing the NT644pro. One of the main factors was the battery registration option. The website stated the only scanner able to do this was the NT644 pro. The reset tool works very well indeed. So far I have used this on a Mercedes E Class W212 for the airbag light, a BMW 3 Series F30 (also airbag light) a Ford Mondeo for ABS/traction faults and a Porsche 911 991 to diagnose an emission system fault. Very easy and quick to use and the carry case is sturdy and well made. Very helpful and genuine kit
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
Likes: 84
From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
I recently bought an Autel Maxisys MS906TS. It's essentially a professional grade diagnostic system. It has equivalent functionality that Star/DAS has and can code modules, register batteries, etc. If you want to do advanced coding, you need to buy another module. I went this route because I have other cars aside from MB in my garage and so I needed something that was more versatile. So far I've used it to diagnose a few things and I also got myself out of a jam when replacing the rear air springs (the computer thought there was a massive air leak when I disconnected one of the springs and wouldn't let the air spring fill with air when I replaced it - I used the Autel to manually fill the spring.)
Anyway, it was pretty pricey at about $1,300 net, but I'll recover that cost in one or two jobs. It's an Android tablet with a bluetooth connector to the car. It services almost every make and model you can think of and there are free software updates for a year included. It also came with adapters for older, pre-OBD2 vehicles, as well as an inspection camera, which is useful.
So far I'm very happy with it.
Anyway, it was pretty pricey at about $1,300 net, but I'll recover that cost in one or two jobs. It's an Android tablet with a bluetooth connector to the car. It services almost every make and model you can think of and there are free software updates for a year included. It also came with adapters for older, pre-OBD2 vehicles, as well as an inspection camera, which is useful.
So far I'm very happy with it.
