I know this topic has been discussed plenty of times.

Times change and new products are out on the market.

NOT looking to purchase STAR. My price range is up to $200.00.

I will be using this on other vehicles as I have Jeeps.

Any new products/old products out there that anyone has a specific recommendation on?

I'm looking for a tool that will tell me the correct MB codes and possibly the part number to correct the problem. If that's even an option? I would also like a tool that can read almost everything. I'm not familiar with a lot of the options on these tools.

Again, I know this topic has been addressed plenty of times but times change and new items are avail.

Thanks,

Chris from St Louis.

 

I haven't really seen anything "new". If you did the searching, you probably came across things like generic versions of STAR/DAS and the iCarsoft MBII (I have the newer V2.0, but basically the same). To get into a "good" reader that will do what you want with your Merc AND other brands, you'll need to jump that budget up. But take at look at the multi-readers available at iCarsoft and Autel - they're good places to start.

As far as telling you "the part number to correct the problem"... that's where experience and proper diagnosis comes in. Readers report what sensors are complaining - they can complain for many reasons, sometimes erroneously. If it was that easy, everyone would be a Master Tech.

 

Dennis- I've absolutely looked into iCarsoft. I'm not how much in depth information I would need.

I'm not familiar with scan tools in general. There are a lot of purchase options online with iCarsoft. Do any of these scan tools check the airmatic system on the GL?

A friend of mine hooked up an Ancel tool to my 2010 GL550. He could move the seats in the GL while standing next to it, etc. I don't feel like I would need a scan tool that can do that.

What I do know is, a decent scan tool that can scan the GL for major problems and the airmatic system (if possible). I would need to know about electrical issues and engine problems. I've read that some of these tools don't scan ABS as advertised.

I suppose I could purchase a decent iCarsoft tool just for the GL and an additional universal scan tool for regular vehicles.

There's so many to choose from though. I suppose I could go by reviews on Amazon.

What capabilities does your scan tool have Dennis?

 

I have the iCarsoft MB v2. Yes it can show some sensor values and fault codes but other than that I'm a bit disappointed. Maybe I'm asking too much and need to get the STAR at some point.

Last time I used it I had a problem with rear left corner sometimes being lower that the others. Every time I entered the Airmatic section in the iCarsoft I lost all suspension controls from the dash. Also the values indicating height sensors made very little sense and some values like the compressor start counter was not updating. There was also no way to empty or fill the air springs which I think is a feature in STAR.

For regular maintenance I have the same feeling that didn't help much, e.g. air filter adaption can not be reset and all services can also be confirmed from the instrument cluster.

I have also VAG version of iCarsoft with good experiences. Maybe it is just luck that the features needed have worked.

 

Yup... you're right that there are a lot of options out there! The iCarsoft MB V2 that I have stops short of being able to "manipulate" things like something more advanced will (move your seats, for example... won't do that). But, it will show information from the various systems - including live data stream. It will read ABS codes... it will get into the air suspension system and show me compressor stats and live level indicator information... it will show me live data on the park distance control sensors... and of course read and reset codes (not just engine codes, either). It seems to do quite a lot and so far I've been happy with it. I contemplated going the STAR/DAS route, but honestly I wasn't sure I was ready to get THAT in-depth with things.

 

Dennis and DRoc,

Thank you for your responses. Today I'm finally able to actual purchase one online. I decided the best way to go is the iCarsoft II.