Hello, I'd like to purchase an auto scanner to read and erase codes. Home use only . I have a 1997 C280. Any recommendations as to what offers the best value and actually works for this car? Thanks

 

I would look into an Actron. I think Amazon has one on sale now for 72.00.

 

It a difficult subject as there it lots of stuff available but I tell you what I did recently and what I found out. I got a 1999 S320 and a 2003 S55 AMG Kompressor. I bought a iCarsoft II scanner as it special for MB. They have other scanners which can read more manufacturers cars but be careful as those scanner compromise reset capabilities. I decided to buy the MB specialised one as I have 3 MB cars. I used it on the S320 but found out that a car of that age (1999) even being a S-Class does not get supported by the OBD type 2 (II) systems. My S55 thought it works perfect in scanning getting codes, resetting codes including EPS, ABS & SRS faults. I recon your C280 of 1997 runs a earlier version of the OBD. I contacted icarsoft and they are I must say very helpful in stating the truth and to give directions how to use the tool and even offering to have a look at upgrading (Or should I say downgrading) the software to also accommodate old cars. If you look at my scanner it will mention my car and your car and the year model but only limited cover the tests possible (You get communications to the ECU failed in instances. I still recommend to select a manufacturers specific scanner not a "Good for all" but "Useless for most tests & Reset" type. Mine was around US$ 220 (South African Rand R 3000). When I checked the better ones like also Autel, Launch CReader, iCarsoft. I am old fashion I recon and in general what you pay is what you get so go mid range 150 to 250 US$ and then select what you think is best and then inundate the manufacturer/agent with question what you think it must do. you quickly find out who is bull****ting. Aftermarket support to me is crucial (So no Chinese as you probably do not speak Cantonese (Nothing meant derogative about Chinese but there is a communication problem) . If the supper/manufacturer/agent is wiling to help you all the time to find you way through the labyrinth of option it helps a lot as it also my experience that "Operation Manuals" are most of the time a outsourced after thought.
Hope it helps a bit


Below a useful link
http://www.bestreviews.guide/car-sca...&google_params[matchtype]=b&google_params[network]=g&google_params[device]=c&google_params[creative]=100585284780&google_params[keyword]=car%20scanners&google_params[adposition]=1t3&google_params[adgroupid]=26348278980&google_params[campaignid]=627268694&bs=ff46b324_f1b7_4d64_b226_6db11b30679b &google_params[feeditemid]=&google_params[targetid]=kwd-162460010&google_params[loc_interest_ms]=&google_params[loc_physical_ms]=1028656&google_params[devicemodel]=&google_params[target]=&dest=0&sys_id=0|182&gclid=CjwKEAjw34i_BRDH9fbylb DJw1gSJAAvIFqUPWMN5w5qP_X_NR_8gCofYDB2RsoE6WawasZi sNC6FBoCFH_w_wcB

 

If money no object, go for SDS (Star Diagnosis System).

SDS (which is connected to the round connector in your engine bay) allows you to version code, pull up model specific codes, change attributes etc. Its completely different.
If You want ALL the functions then go with the SDS.
www.mbstartool.com