SL/R230: Essential Tools
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Essential Tools
I thought I'd start a list of essential tools that you need to do the most common maintenance on your SL.
Essential tools:
Spark plugs--Spark plug connector boot wrench: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00H95I5..._wCc2CbYB7QF41
Oil changes--Mityvac Fluid Vacuum (or equivalent): https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000JFN9..._9Dc2CbTW7R9SN
Transmission fluid change--Motiv Power Fill Fluid Transfer Pump (or equivalent): https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0119DI5..._iJc2Cb9F2M506
Brake bleeder--Motiv Power Bleeder (for European cars): https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000Q6SL..._BNc2CbM724BTN
Scan/Diagnostic Tool--Star Diagnostic Clone from China (DHGate.com or AliExpress.com): https://www.dhgate.com/product/scann...srp 3574086541 (this is for reference only and not an endorsement--shop around and do your homework).
Scan/Diagnostic Tool (alternative)--Autel MaxiDAS DS808: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B008XN7N..._rQc2Cb9W8D4Q8
Scan/Diagnostic Tool (minimum function)--iCarsoft MB II: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B015DNAM..._LRc2CbX5P4779
Garage lift (optional)--MaxJax Lift (or equivalent): https://www.maxjaxusa.com/buy-purcha...d-package.html
(You can find these a little cheaper if you shop around. The Standard model has discrete lift heights, while the M-6 model for $200 more includes auto-locking heights. The M-6 also includes the liftgate charge and other stuff that makes the $200 a bargain. I went with the Standard model because at the time the M-6 was a lot more. MaxJax runs on standard 110v; others may require 220v.)
Essential tools:
Spark plugs--Spark plug connector boot wrench: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00H95I5..._wCc2CbYB7QF41
Oil changes--Mityvac Fluid Vacuum (or equivalent): https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000JFN9..._9Dc2CbTW7R9SN
Transmission fluid change--Motiv Power Fill Fluid Transfer Pump (or equivalent): https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0119DI5..._iJc2Cb9F2M506
Brake bleeder--Motiv Power Bleeder (for European cars): https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000Q6SL..._BNc2CbM724BTN
Scan/Diagnostic Tool--Star Diagnostic Clone from China (DHGate.com or AliExpress.com): https://www.dhgate.com/product/scann...srp 3574086541 (this is for reference only and not an endorsement--shop around and do your homework).
Scan/Diagnostic Tool (alternative)--Autel MaxiDAS DS808: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B008XN7N..._rQc2Cb9W8D4Q8
Scan/Diagnostic Tool (minimum function)--iCarsoft MB II: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B015DNAM..._LRc2CbX5P4779
Garage lift (optional)--MaxJax Lift (or equivalent): https://www.maxjaxusa.com/buy-purcha...d-package.html
(You can find these a little cheaper if you shop around. The Standard model has discrete lift heights, while the M-6 model for $200 more includes auto-locking heights. The M-6 also includes the liftgate charge and other stuff that makes the $200 a bargain. I went with the Standard model because at the time the M-6 was a lot more. MaxJax runs on standard 110v; others may require 220v.)
Last edited by JettaRed; May 12, 2019 at 10:58 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Bolt removal--Star or E-TORX socket set: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000I45Y..._0wd2CbSZYC44R
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 57
Likes: 9
sl600
whats the big difference in those scan tools
from what i understand the most comprehensive scanners can:
read abc codes
read sbc codes
transmission codes
less advance/standard engine codes
and deactivate srs/sbc/ o2 sensors
while the rest just read engine codes
I have a bluetooth dongle that connects to my phone or any device to read universal codes, which have serve me well , and also to see most sensors stats
now what do you use to make
fuel remaps/boost settings/timing
changing abc preset height
I feel like there a app/software i can get on my computer to connect to the dongle, but it might be under a different name or brand but has the same control
cause all these cars using odb2 interface to connect, shouldn't be a software out there, most likely where Hardcore tuners/enthusiast tune their cars for full control.
I don't know, i just don't see a reason to pay that much for a scanner that usually isn't gonna tell me no more then i don't already know
from what i understand the most comprehensive scanners can:
read abc codes
read sbc codes
transmission codes
less advance/standard engine codes
and deactivate srs/sbc/ o2 sensors
while the rest just read engine codes
I have a bluetooth dongle that connects to my phone or any device to read universal codes, which have serve me well , and also to see most sensors stats
now what do you use to make
fuel remaps/boost settings/timing
changing abc preset height
I feel like there a app/software i can get on my computer to connect to the dongle, but it might be under a different name or brand but has the same control
cause all these cars using odb2 interface to connect, shouldn't be a software out there, most likely where Hardcore tuners/enthusiast tune their cars for full control.
I don't know, i just don't see a reason to pay that much for a scanner that usually isn't gonna tell me no more then i don't already know
