CGenberg

I'm looking for the cheapest scan tool that has the MB-specific DTC's. Many scan tools advertise "manufacturer-specific" codes but then only have them for some of the large OEM's. Please post whichever tools you have that read the MB codes so we all know what works.

If your tool also is a scanner that captures live data, please mention that separately as this is added functionality that some may or may not need/want.

Thanks!

-Carl

paulv

Carl,

Most of the OBD2 scanners that run on laptops will all show you the P0xxx codes on your car and range from $200-300. Some will even provide the P1xxx codes. Trying to get any other data from the MB PCM is next to impossible unless you buy the factory tool (~$20000). There are scan tools out there that will provide codes for the other subsystems, but these are in the $800+ range. A good overall scanner is AutoEnginuity, but MB support is limited.

Also, having a DTC and not be able to see the actual values of the device, turn it on/off, etc isn't going to help you much. And not having an OBD2 diagnostics guide for your model will only make you waste time and change out good components.

If I had to buy a scan tool to work on my MB, I would go with the Injectronic CJ-4 which also has a dual trace oscilloscope. You could at least use the o-scope to watch the various devices move thru their waveforms which is better than a graphing scantool since the scantool is graphing info from the PCM at a certain sampling rate and the o-scope is in near real time. I think the CJ-4 is around $350. Good luck.

Regards,
paul...

~CL500~

I use an Equus 3110. No live, only freeze frame data. Includes code, description and if it's pending or current. I've been very pleased with it and its served its purpose well.

Site Page:
http://www.iequus.com/products.php?category_id=1_10_7

From Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3110-Dia...5156060&sr=8-1

hineywineries

Paul is spot on about the scanners. You are not going to get much for a hundred bucks and shouldn't expect to. As a general rule as quality increases so does cost. A Mercedes roadster costs more than a Saturn roadster. Why do you think that is? The more you pay for a scanner, the more engineering that goes into it. A basic scanner will read engine codes and nothing else. A more expensive scanner will read climate control, ABS, ASR, transmission, soft top, etc. A more expensive scanner will provide pressures, voltages, temps, etc. The most expensive scanners allow you to program modules to be recognized by your vehicle. Even so scanners are not a panacea. You still need the training to interpret the scanner's output.

RNSL65

I purchased the EU702 scanner. It seems to be working very well with MB.
Anybody have more experiences with this one?

platt-deutsch

Das kann iche nichte verstanden

RNSL65

I purchased it from:
http://www.doityourselfdiagnostics.c...d&productId=36

paulv

Have you tried all the tool's features on your MB? Thx....

Regards,
paul...

RNSL65

It seems to work well, can read engine, gearbox, SBS, AB, CAN etc. + all the standard ODB2codes + read alot of realtime data.

RNSL65

I've now tested it and compared the readouts with the starDiag from MB, and it is exactly the same codes!

paulv

RNSL65,

Thanks for the reply. Can the tool also turn on/off sensors (e.g., fuel injectors, EVAP valve, EGR valve, fuelpump relay, etc)? Also, can you read data such as O2 sensor outputs, short/long term fuel trims, misfire counts (per cylinder), etc.)?

Thanks,

Regards,
paul...

RNSL65

No, can't turn on/off sensors! It can read data like O2 sensor outputs, short/long term fuel trims, etc.