stevebez

Has anyone used this as an alternative to Star setup? What other alternatives are there?

SICAMG

I have it and works really well and easy to navigate and data log. But..... you can not do all the things a Star unit can do or do any programming.

tw2

I have it. It is a great portable diagnostic unit which can display all of the MB specific codes. But has limited active function, I know it can disable the SBC for brake flushes etc but can't do much else or any coding. I have never updated the firmware though. They may have added functionality. I keep it in the door pocket to diagnose issues away from home but it isn't a STAR replacement.

SICAMG

That's funny. I carry mine in the car as well for those on the road emergency diags. Twice now it told me what coil wire popped off and what cylinder was miss firing. The last time when I broke a piston I had to keep clearing the code to get her home...ugh !!!!

kevm14

Launch x431 is one type of aftermarket tool that can do bi-directional control and various settings/functions. I don't know of any aftermarket tools that can do programming, which is unfortunate.

But anyway I am surprised that more people don't try these aftermarket tools.

austingtir

If you dont want to get star get a Launch X431 diagun v.

These things are well worth the money. Imo this is as close as you will get to a star diagnostics setup but with the versatility to do any other make and model too.

It doesnt quite do everything star does but it does most of it. I even added liters to empty into a cluster on a E550 with one of these which really surprised me.

Also reset an airbag computer after replacing seatbelts and airbags which is really impressive.

Iv had it side by side with a top of the range autel too and it could do just about every single thing the autel could which was 10k's worth of scanner.



I tried an icarsoft before the diagun and the thing just pissed me off couldnt even register it to my phone. The dongle or software didnt like my phone for some reason.

kevm14

Great info, thanks. I had suspected the Diagun was a good buy based on some other videos I've seen, particularly on a W211. It does seem like an obvious buy, considering it can do MANY makes. Might be my next tool purchase...actually I'll link the video I was referring to.

https://youtu.be/h3fLlvM7BAE

CDC55AMG

I have the icarsoft MBII scanner it works well for getting accurate code reading and for monitoring a variety of data such as transmission oil temp needed when doing 722.9 trans oil change and IAT temp readings. The Launch x431 looks good especially since it is not Mercedes specific. May have to get one...