nd-photo.nl

Hi all,

I was searching for a little bit advice regarding the purchasing of a Autel unit. I have a iCarsoft tool, which is nice to have in the car. But as you are aware, the iCarsoft is quite limited in the possibilities. Hence the need for something like Autel, but they have a number of ranges (with various price points) and I was wondering what the best bang for buck is for W211/W219 platform.

Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT
Autel MaxiPRO MP808BT
Autel MaxiDAS DS808K

I would like to have maximum functionality from these units before considering a STAR setup. Anyone who can shine some light on this (preferably from first hand experience)?

SICAMG

I tell you whats nice about the Autel....it's fast !
My STAR is like the second coming when booting up.

nd-photo.nl

Which one do you have? And would you recommend it?

BMW Owner

I have 906BT, used for 6 years already.
Replaced screen, now is battery time.
No complaints
Get the simple model, most expensive versions have TPMS and KEY programming features which most of us not using it unless repairing for a living.

SICAMG

My friend had the Maxidas at my dealership so I never owned one myself. It did everything needed but they are not that bad in price, around $650.00

nd-photo.nl

Exactly! This are their respective price points here in NL:

Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT / €539
Autel MaxiPRO MP808BT / €799
Autel MaxiDAS DS808K / €779

eightysixtuned

i previously had a recent Autel MaxiDAS 808 or 806 wired model before discontinued. worked great for a general diagnostic tool for my E63. sold it, and now i just picked up a Launch X431 Pro V4.0 to give it a try. both mainly picked up to recalibrate my suspension height sensors and to scan all modules. feature list between the two look the same or similar but the launch unit was a better value. Autel does a horrible job to compare their line against their own products to help differentiate what model has what features to help with understanding why the price differs broadly. Launch has less products in their line so easier to compare, but also a bit difficult to understand what model has what features to explain the cost difference.

nd-photo.nl

That is exactly the issue I was facing

nd-photo.nl

I was able to score a Autel MaxiPRO MP808-TS yesterday, which also has TPMS diagnose etc etc. This thing is a beast!

I bought this to be able to calibrate the Airmatic suspension (which it can do)

mbwillgrubs

The challenge I have had with my Autel is that the database is often incorrect with respect to car type, data units, functionality, etc. Support tries but is usually limited by the coding errors in the device. I have a Jaguar that it just will not lower the suspension, you have two choices, raise or .....raise.
Reads and clears codes okay. Maybe just my luck with it,,,I don't know.

eightysixtuned

the benefit of the Autel, is you don't need to activate it to use it. Launch requires you do, so the Autel is a better device if you want to maximize your updates/warranty.

austingtir

I have a launch daigun v which isnt the best launch product but it can code and do most of the stuff a star computer can do on w211/w219 works good on my old w163 ml55 too.

Correct about updates on these thats the only thing. I got 3 years updates which just ran out its good enough for me for most stuff I want to do.
Best things about it is fast and compact.


Its good on w211 chassis but I find the later model MB it just spits out generic codes so isnt as good on those.

nd-photo.nl

Was able to calibrate the Airmatic suspension using the Autel. My steering wheel was pulling to a side, even after proper alignment. Finally got that fixed today! Its not lowered at the moment, will see if I will go that route as this is easier on the tyres (less inner tyre wear)

hachiroku

what process did you go through. did you simply level out the fender gaps or did you align your differential angle, etc like factory states to do?

nd-photo.nl

Fender gap method indeed. I was able to find a full flat surface (weighing bridge for weighing trucks). Alignment bridge is recommended

BenzNinja

iTrader: (4)

Nothing does what a Xentry system with proper engineering tools do
With autel you will not get:
Proper SW updates (they don't have a proper licence, so often the online updates flash wrong software)
Proper SCN (they don't have a proper licence, so often the online updates flash wrong snc)
Reverse SW
Virginizing used parts
Proper tests
No parts catalog
No repair catalog
so before you spend $799, think that for 200-300 more you can get the dealer at home with BenzNinja

nd-photo.nl

Fully agree! But this was implied in my startup post

In other words, I already acknowledge limitations with regards to a proper STAR/Xentry setup.

BenzNinja

iTrader: (4)

Just detailed what

nd-photo.nl

That is helpful! Hopefully this will help someone when searching for this.

Speaking of which, if someone needs to know if the Autel supports a certain function, let me know and I can check for you