icarsoft or Ancel diagnostic tool?
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2102 GL450
icarsoft or Ancel diagnostic tool?
icarsoft v3.0 or Ancel ds160
I was wondering if anybody knew which of these two would be better for diagnostics on my 2012 GL 450 X164? I would like to get one at a reasonable rate that can perform such things as transmission reset or throttle position sensor reset in addition to the diagnostic and live view attributes. These both seem reasonably good for the price point, but not sure if the features they provide are actually available for the vehicle. Any thoughts or anyone who owns these?
Thanks!
I was wondering if anybody knew which of these two would be better for diagnostics on my 2012 GL 450 X164? I would like to get one at a reasonable rate that can perform such things as transmission reset or throttle position sensor reset in addition to the diagnostic and live view attributes. These both seem reasonably good for the price point, but not sure if the features they provide are actually available for the vehicle. Any thoughts or anyone who owns these?
Thanks!
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
icarsoft v3.0 or Ancel ds160
I was wondering if anybody knew which of these two would be better for diagnostics on my 2012 GL 450 X164?
I would like to get one at a reasonable rate that can perform such things as transmission reset or throttle position sensor reset in addition to the diagnostic and live view attributes. These both seem reasonably good for the price point, but not sure if the features they provide are actually available for the vehicle.
Any thoughts or anyone who owns these?
Thanks!
I was wondering if anybody knew which of these two would be better for diagnostics on my 2012 GL 450 X164?
I would like to get one at a reasonable rate that can perform such things as transmission reset or throttle position sensor reset in addition to the diagnostic and live view attributes. These both seem reasonably good for the price point, but not sure if the features they provide are actually available for the vehicle.
Any thoughts or anyone who owns these?
Thanks!
They have good module coverage.
Those resets you mention: why do you need to reset throttle and tranny ???
Do you have laggy throttle issue ?
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Aug 27, 2025 at 05:43 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
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From: USA
For your 2012 GL, the iCarsoft is generally the better choice for Mercedes-specific diagnostics. It tends to have deeper manufacturer-specific functions and is more likely to handle those resets you're after. The Ancel is a good generic tool, but the iCarsoft MB v3.0 is specifically designed for Mercedes and will likely give you more functionality for your money on that vehicle.
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Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Houston, TX
Mercedes Benz 2007 GL450 , 2012 BMW 528i
Few months ago, I bought following for $86. It has been really helpful bi directional tool with free updates. I believe it gives you mechanic level access and you can scan all modules (70 in my case). Its blue tooth dongle and you install an app on your tablet or phone. It has free lifetime updates. Its back to its regular price of 149 now but it does go on sale occasionally. You should definitely consider it.
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
NEW TOOL RELEASED
Few months ago, I bought following for $86. It has been really helpful bi directional tool with free updates. I believe it gives you mechanic level access and you can scan all modules (70 in my case). Its blue tooth dongle and you install an app on your tablet or phone. It has free lifetime updates. Its back to its regular price of 149 now but it does go on sale occasionally. You should definitely consider it.
GEARWRENCH Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool | GWSMARTBT
GEARWRENCH Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool | GWSMARTBT
I wonder how limited really is coverage of MB specific modules ??
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Few months ago, I bought following for $86. It has been really helpful bi directional tool with free updates. I believe it gives you mechanic level access and you can scan all modules (70 in my case). Its blue tooth dongle and you install an app on your tablet or phone. It has free lifetime updates. Its back to its regular price of 149 now but it does go on sale occasionally. You should definitely consider it.
GEARWRENCH Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool | GWSMARTBT
GEARWRENCH Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool | GWSMARTBT
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From: NYC
2012 GL 450. 2014 Smart Fortwo Passion
For your 2012 GL, the iCarsoft is generally the better choice for Mercedes-specific diagnostics. It tends to have deeper manufacturer-specific functions and is more likely to handle those resets you're after. The Ancel is a good generic tool, but the iCarsoft MB v3.0 is specifically designed for Mercedes and will likely give you more functionality for your money on that vehicle.
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Every scanner brand has pro/cons.
New models keep coming out non-stop
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I own several different scanners. I have the iCarsoft MBII, iCarsoft MB V3, Autel DS808, BlueDriver, Carly, LAUNCH Creader Elite BENZ, LAUNCH Creader Elite BENZ 2.0, Launch Creader Elite MBA, XENTRY and several generic OBDII readers. (Don't waste your money on Carly as they charge an annual subscription fee.)
If you want something that lets you scan modules, clear codes, and make limited configuration changes, the LAUNCH products are probably the best bang for the buck. HOWEVER, if you want a true diagnostic tool that does virtually everything, then XENTRY is the way to go and @BenzNinja is the best source for that.
Be forewarned, some of the Mercedes-specific aftermarket tools may not work as expected or have safeguards built into them. A couple of times I have used both LAUNCH and iCarsoft to do things that hosed things up. Fortunately, I had a membership with the BenzNinja Club. Peter was able to fix my mistakes.
Specifically, I tried the Throttle Position Sensor reset using iCarsoft and it deleted my Distronic Plus settings. So, using XENTRY from @BenzNinja I was able to recalibrate my Distronic radar. If you are going to own a Mercedes, you definitely want a membership in the BenzNinja Club.
If you want something that lets you scan modules, clear codes, and make limited configuration changes, the LAUNCH products are probably the best bang for the buck. HOWEVER, if you want a true diagnostic tool that does virtually everything, then XENTRY is the way to go and @BenzNinja is the best source for that.
Be forewarned, some of the Mercedes-specific aftermarket tools may not work as expected or have safeguards built into them. A couple of times I have used both LAUNCH and iCarsoft to do things that hosed things up. Fortunately, I had a membership with the BenzNinja Club. Peter was able to fix my mistakes.
Specifically, I tried the Throttle Position Sensor reset using iCarsoft and it deleted my Distronic Plus settings. So, using XENTRY from @BenzNinja I was able to recalibrate my Distronic radar. If you are going to own a Mercedes, you definitely want a membership in the BenzNinja Club.
