MB Medic Mercedes-Benz Repair Guides, Service, How To DIY
If you like to do your auto repair, you may ask yourself: What is the best and cheapest car diagnostic tool that works? We had the experts at Mercedes Medic list the top ten scanners based on price and functionality. Some of these scanners work only with Mercedes-Benz cars, but most scanners in this list work with European, Asian, and Domestic cars.
1. YOUCANIC Full System Scanner
Mercedes-Benz cars are complex, and you are wasting time and money without an excellent diagnostic scanner. A good scanner should be able to read and clear fault codes from all control units, modules, and systems on a Mercedes-Benz. YOUCANIC’s full system scanner can read and clear any fault codes from any system.
In addition, to read and clear fault codes from all systems, you can also use the scanner to view live sensor data from anything you like. Get live data from transmission sensors, ABS wheel speed sensors, hybrid batteries, and anything.
The following video shows what the YOUCANIC full system scanner can do on a Mercedes-Benz. It is a great video to watch, but if you want to see the diagnostic process jump to the 15th minute.
YOUCANIC full system scanner also offers bidirectional support. What does that mean? If your car has an air suspension, you can raise the car with the scanner even if the engine does not start. The shifter on the steering column is defective? Well, you can use the scanner to at least shift the transmission to Neutral or Drive. You get the idea. Bidirectional support is usually a function that only comes with expensive scanners such as Star Xentry Diagnostics.
The best thing about YOUCANIC’s full system scanner is that it is not limited to Mercedes-Benz cars only. It has these advanced functionalities for all makes, including Audi, BMW, Honda, Acura, GM, and Hyundai, well, almost all makes and models. The software is already included; you don’t need to pay anything extra.
The Star Diagnostic Scanner (Xentry) is what Mercedes-Benz dealers use and the gold standard for Mercedes-Benz cars; the YOUCANIC full system scanner is undoubtedly one of the best diagnostic scanners for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. YOUCANIC full system scanner is better than iCarsoft MB II and most Launch scanners. YOUCANIC full system scanner can diagnose any control unit. View live sensor data from any sensors, not just engine sensors. Offers bidirectional support. Plus, it works on all other makes and is not limited to Mercedes-Benz cars. Best of all, unlike professional-level scanners such as SnapOn or ThinkDiag, it does not require a yearly subscription. Oh, and YOUCANIC has published many how-to videos teaching you how to be a mechanic.
Lastly, the YOUCANIC scanner works on 1996 and newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles. If you have an older vehicle, such as W210 or W208, that needs the 38-pin connector, this scanner will work but you need to get the YOUCANIC 38 pin MB Multiplexer so that you can access all vehicle systems. Check out an example report here.
2. TopDon ArtiDiag100
Today, we tested the TopDon ArtiDiag100 on one of the most sophisticated and complex vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
We could access every single module on the vehicle and read and clear codes where codes existed. Keep in mind that you will only be able to clear codes that are on STORED statutes. If a code shows the CURRENT status, you need to address the problem, fix the issue, and then come back to erase the code. When you reconnect the scanner, the code will show as STORED; you can clear the code at this point.
The ArtiDiag 100 will allow you to read and clear codes from any module, including Airbag, SRS, Transmission, Air Suspension, SAM, Central Gateway, Engine, etc.
Another advantage of ArtiDiag 100 over scanners such as iCarsoft MB II and Star Diagnostic is that it works on all vehicles, including Ford, Honda, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Subaru, etc.
Vehicle Coverage: Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, GM, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Holden, Audi, Dacia, Jaguar, Lancia, Landrover, Opel, Porsche, Romeo, Saab, Seat, Skoda, Smart, Transporter&v-class, Vauxhall, Volvo, Mini, Benz, Maybach, BMW, Rolls Royce, Citroen, Fiat, Abarth, Lancia, Romeo, Peugeot, Renault, Dacia, VW, Bingley, Bugatti, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, Lexus, Daewoo, Hyundai, KIA
2. Autel MaxiCOM Automotive Diagnostic and Analysis System
| Price Range: | $450-$950 |
| Read & Erase Codes: |
Yes OBD II CAN |
| Works with: | ALL vehicles 1996 & Newer |
| Details: | Works with German, Asian, and Domestic Cars Read and clear codes from all the systems such as ECU, Transmission, ABS, Traction Contol, Stability Control, SRS, Air Bag, and more. Allows you to program vehicle systems. Test Immobilizer, Key Coding Functionality, and Activation Sensor Initializations, ECU Adaptions, Coding & Module Set Up functionality |
A must for auto repair shops and a treasure for car owners if you can afford one. It works with Domestic, Asian, and European cars. You can check any system on the car, from the ECU, ABS, SRS, Transmission, and more.
It lets you erase fault codes, stream live data, and perform programming. It can also troubleshoot immobilizers, has key programming functionality, and it will allow you to activate and initialize sensors, ECU adaptations, coding, and perform module setup. Almost everything that the dealers can do, this unit can do as well. Plus, it covers most cars and is not dedicated to one manufacturer.
While the initial price of this scanner may seem high, this is a professional diagnostic tool and one of the least expensive for this category. It is a good alternative to Snap-on Solus, a popular diagnostic scanner. This may be the only scan tool that an auto repair shop needs to be able to troubleshoot most cars that comes in for repair.
3. iCarsoft MB II for Mercedes-Benz / Sprinter Professional diagnostic tool scanner
| Price Range: | $185-$210 |
| Read & Erase Codes: |
Yes OBD II CAN |
| Works with: | Mercedes-Benz Only |
| Details: | READ and ERASE FAULT CODES -Engine ECU – Transmission -SRS Airbag – SBC Brakes – Steering Angle Sensor -ABS Brake System and more |
iCarsoft MB II is a powerful scanner released in 2015, and you will not find many reviews on this scanner. It is designed to access all the different modules on your Mercedes-Benz.
It reads and clears trouble codes on systems such as the engine, transmission, ABS, SBC Brake System, SRS, and more. It will allow you to Read Data Stream, Full ECU Diagnosis, Oil Light/Service Reset, Support service lamp reset, and steering angle sensor calibration.
4. Autel MaxiScan OBD-II Code Reader Scan Tool
| Price Range: | $15-$30 |
| Read & Erase Codes: |
Yes OBD II CAN |
| Works with: | All cars since 1996 |
| Details: | Very easy to use Views freeze frame data Display I/M readiness status Turns off Check Engine Light (MIL) Clears codes and resets monitors |
If you own a car, be that Mercedes-Benz or a Honda, you should, at a minimum, have an OBD-II scanner to rear and erase the check engine light. The MaxiScan is very easy to use. Plug it into the OBD-II port under your dash. Not only does it show the Trouble Code, but it will also display a description of the problem in different languages. You can get this scanner for about $20 on Amazon.
It works with almost any car made after 1996. If money is not an issue, you may want to skip this one and look at some of the more advanced scanners listed below, as they will allow you to read ABS, SRS, and transmission codes, which this one doesn’t.
5. BAFX Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices
| Price Range: | $18-$24 |
| Read & Erase Codes: |
Yes OBD II CAN |
| Works with: | ALL vehicles 1996 & Newer |
| Details: | Read diagnostic trouble codes REAL-TIME sensor information EOT, RPM, Speed, DPF Temp, Balance Rates, O2 Readings Emission pre-test readiness status Bluetooth-enabled Android devices & Windows PCs It will not work with iPhone |
This is an OBD II Bluetooth scanner you use with your Android device. It will read generic and also manufacturer-specific trouble codes. It requires that you install an app on your phone. We recommend the Torque Pro app. Not only does it read the code, but you can turn off the MIL, check the engine light, and get emission-ready status. This scanner is a great tool when used with the Torque Android app. You can stream live data from your car’s ECU. The only downside is that it will not read ABS, SRS, Stability Control, Airbags, or Transmission codes. Please, note that there are a lot of Bluetooth OBD adapters on the market, but the BAFX works the best, while other models have issues with J1850 & CAN protocols.
6. INNOVA 3150 Diagnostic Code Reader with ABS/SRS for OBD2 Vehicles
| Price Range: | $72-$210 |
| Read & Erase Codes: |
Yes OBD II |
| Works with: | ALL vehicles 1996 & Newer |
| Details: | Read and erase engine trouble codes Live Data graphing Show multiple PID Stores code for later review OBD 1 coverage for older cars |
Innova makes some very reputable scanners. You can read and erase the check engine light on Mercedes-Benz cars and any other make. It also is compatible with vehicles made before 1996.
The top-of-the-line scanner, Innova 31703, has many features, but unfortunately, they don’t work with Mercedes-Benz cars but only on GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, and Honda. You can access the ABS, SRS Airbag, and Transmission modules with those models.
7. BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone, iPad & Android
| Price Range: | $85-$99 |
| Read & Erase Codes: |
Yes OBD II CAN |
| Works with: | ALL vehicles 1996 & Newer |
| Details: | Read and erase engine trouble codes Works on Android and iPhone View Vehicle-Specific Repair Data Lookup Code Definitions Read, Eras; Pending codes for all makes Rear ABS, AirBag, and Transmission for GM Ford Chrysler Toyota Recommends Possible Causes and Fixes Code Descriptions and Definitions Emission Smog Check ready status |
The BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD II scanner works both with Android and iPhone. It is an excellent tool as it will not only read and erase the check engine codes for all makes but also give possible causes and fixes for you. It only reads the engine trouble codes for Mercedes-Benz and most other makes. For GM, Ford, Chrysler, and Toyota, it will also read and erase ABS, Airbag, and Transmission codes. This is, in our opinion, the best OBD II Bluetooth scanner. The only downside is that it is more expensive than other Bluetooth adapters.
8. iCarsoft – Multi-system Scanner i980 for Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter +OBDII
| Price Range: | $130-$185 |
| Read & Erase Codes: |
Yes OBD II CAN |
| Works with: | Mercedes-Benz Only |
| Details: | Read Engine Trouble Codes Clear Trouble Codes Live Data Stream I/M Emission Readiness Multiple System Testing |
The iCarsoft 980 will only work but has more capabilities than the previously listed OBD II scanners. It can read and reset the check engine light and pull the codes from the SRS / Airbag module. It can test multiple systems such as the evap, read pending DTC, and stream lives data on a colorful display. A great choice if you only need it for Mercedes-Benz.
9. Autel MD802 MaxiDiag Elite Scan Tool
| Price Range: | $210-$260 |
| Read & Erase Codes: |
Yes OBD II CAN |
| Works with: | ALL vehicles 1996 & Newer |
| Details: | Rear and Clear all codes Works with European, Asian, and Domestic vehicles Live data graphing Reads and erases Engine, Transmission, Airbag, and ABS Modules |
The Autel MaxiDiag Elite MD802 is a powerful diagnostic scanner that is handy for Mercedes-Benz owners and auto mechanics. It has a broad coverage for most makes and models. It will scan and erase codes for the Airbag, Powertrain, Chassis, Body, Engine, Transmission, and Information & Communication systems.
10. Carsoft 7.4 MCU K-Line Controlled Multiplexer Interface For Mercedes-Benz
| Price Range: | $70-$140 |
| Read & Erase Codes: |
Yes OBD II CAN |
| Works with: | Mercedes-Benz Only |
| Details: | READ and ERASE FAULT CODES LIVE DATA Engine Coding and Adaptations Injector Testing Can read and reset ABS, ASR, ESP, ETS SBC Brake Control Module Transmission |
The Carsoft 7.4 Multiplexer is explicitly designed for Mercedes-Benz cars. While it can read and reset all the systems in most Mercedes-Benz models, it has limited programming functionality. The fact that you can purchase this scanner for under $100. You will need a laptop to run the software with the scanner.
You should consider this scanner if you have a Mercedes W208 CLK 1998-2002 and W210 E-Class 1996-2002. It comes with a 38-pin connector. iCarsoft and most scanners on this list can not diagnose transmission, ABS, airbag, A/C, and other systems because they don’t come with a 38-pin connector.
11. Launch Tech ABS, SRS, Airbag, Transmission, and Engine Code Scanner
| Price Range: | $165-$210 |
| Read & Erase Codes: |
Yes OBD II CAN |
| Works with: | ALL vehicles 1996 & Newer |
| Details: | Works with German, Asian, and Domestic Cars Read and clear ABS, SRS, Transmission, and Engine fault codes View freeze frame data I/M Emissions Readiness Status |
The LaunchTech is more than a generic scanner as it can read the Trouble Codes for the Engine and read and erase codes for the ABS, SRS Airbag, and Transmission. It not only works on Mercedes-Benz cars but also on most cars you see on the road. This is a cost-effective OBD II scanner with features you will find on professional diagnostic scanners. It sells for just over $200 on Amazon, but at times, you may find the scanner for under $170, making it a great buy. If you are on a tight budget yet need a scanner that will work for most systems, then go for the Launch Creader VII+.
What is the best OBD2 scanner for Mercedes-Benz?
If you want to program and have complete control and programming capabilities for any Mercedes-Benz car, then MD Star C3 or C4 Diagnostic Scanner is ideal. The problem with Star scanner is that it costs a few thousand dollars to get the multiplexer, plus you have to pay an expensive monthly subscription fee which doesn’t make sense for owners, and in fact, it is too expensive for small repair shops as well. If you can’t afford the Star Diagnostic, your next best option is the YOUCANIC full system scanner.
If you own a repair shop, are not concerned about money, and would like a professional scanner that will access all car systems just like the dealer, the WINNER is a YOUCANIC full system scanner. It is better than buying a dedicated scanner for each make. Not only does it work with most car manufacturers, but it is easier to use than dealer scanners, which require training. If the price is not a factor, no other scanner in this list can do in-depth diagnostics like YOUCANIC Full System Scanner. It can do in-depth troubleshooting in Asian, Domestic, and European cars.
Is the FIXD scanner good for Mercedes-Benz?
No. FIXD scanner over-promises but under-delivers. It can not diagnose all your systems. It can only read check engine codes. You would be better off buying any ELM327 Adapter and using the free Torque App.
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Mercedes scanners. You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa).
You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject which has been written about for years.
Wonderful stuff, just excellent!
Good post. I’m dealing with a few of these issues as well..
WHAT A TRULY MAGNIFICENT SITE . MY FRIENDS WIFE HAS A C200 COMPRESSOR . IT DEVELOPED A GEARBOX FAULT . CODE P0700 . THEY TOOK IT TO A LOCAL GARAGE . WHO SAID THE GEARBOX WAS BEYOND REPAIR AND IT REQUIRED A RECON UNIT . THEY WERE QUOTED £1800 POUNDS . THEY ASKED ME TO TAKE A LOOK . I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL . IT WAS ACTUALLY OKAY BUT EXTREMELY DIRTY . I DROPPED THE SUMP PAN ALSO THE VALVE BODY . I CHANGED THE CONDUCTOR PLATE AND CONNECTOR PLUG ,NEW OIL AND FILTER . THEY TOOK IT OUT FOR A DRIVE PROBLEM FIXED . THAT WAS TWO MONTHS AGO .TOTAL COST £300 . THIS CAR HAD ONLY 89 THOUSAND ON THE CLOCK .
Taking the place of such hearts are delicate and even intricate blooms of floral designs.
o Gift Hamper boxes assures the safe delivery of your goodies on the recipient.
” I saw a chapter of Seinfeld recently where Jerry’s friend, George, was upset because his co-workers created a donation to some children’s charity as part of his name as Christmas gifts.
You may be aware of the usefulness of car diagnostic tools. Obviously for the same reason you are looking for the best and cheapest tool. The article describes the features of ten tools very clearly. I here wish to name the Carsoft 7.4 Multiplexer for Mercedes-Benz cars. Through its limited programming functionality, the tool can read and reset all the systems of the cars. The device can be run through a laptop with the help of the software that comes with the scanner. Anyway, the tool is very effective.
Does the Carsoft 7.4 take a Mercedes out of limp mode? or does any of these cheaper top 10 ones take a Mercedes out of limp mode?
Yes it should.
Yes if u have a laptop running Windows XP
else totally worthless.
I have it and also.had the W208 now w211 E55 AMG.
TO DO scan with this crap it takes forever unless u know exactly what module u want to troubleshoot.
8 out 10 modules CAN’T OPEN MODULE TO READ.
+ be aware there are so many fake ones that Are NOT Multiplexer won’t work unless u connect with pin to pin.
The W208 Europe does NOT have OBD only 38 pun is a PITA jist saying:)
you are a God sent..we love to drive our M.B. but the dealers take advantage of us
because they think that only rich people can buy their cars and so they charge
exorbitant price for their parts and work, as such we try and do most easy job
ourselves….thanks
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Dear sir
i am looking for something to do a Regeneration Diagnostic service on my mercedes sprinter (311) (CDI) (2006) model. (RegNo) (EY56 MKK) i dont want anything to fancy , & complicated ) i just , want an ordinary hand held one , that dos’nt have’to be plugged in to a computer or laptop. & it must not be really expensive to buy, something very similar to (OBD11) code, hope you can help.
Thankyou & Best Regards
Phillip
I am glad, I found just what I used to be taking a look for.
You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice
day. Bye
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