Certainly looks interesting

For the newbies however - SDS only is the best investment.

Since I already have SDS and Icarsoft2 for speed I would be interested in your findings on this one. Crucially - can it get into ALL modules on the car to read fault codes and can it actually tell what the codes are or does it spit out numbers?

Having a device in the glove box which can properly read all fault codes on a w220 would be useful yes. IcarsoftMB2 fails in this regard but better than nothing at all.

 

LOL, Turn that big clockwork key on my back and off I go ................

That is no better than $20

It is simply a Generic OBD Code Reader, in other words the best it will do is access a percentage of codes in Engine, Airbag, ABS and SRS, perhaps Transmission if it's owner is real lucky ......................

So why do I keep saying they are a waste of money ?

Simple, lets say the Car has an Engine MIL on, distinct lack of power, it comes back at me saying "No Codes" ....................

Off I go up the garden path looking for a mechanical fault such as blocked exhaust, blocked air intake etc etc etc when in fact, hell yeah there is a code, SDS would tell me there is (just for example) an Exhaust Gas Temp that is bad, and my ME ECU is in limp mode ...................

However, my expensive version of the $20 pish has led me up the garden path, and being a noobie at Diagnostics with no knowledge how my complex rolling computer network of a Car actually workds I have no idea and think my $20 - $1500 OBD pish is the only machine I'll ever need because it says so in the nice advert

So now I go around with my $5 Power Probe trying to apply power to those pretty little twisted wires to see if it will help with my problem and PHUT now I've wrecked my EIS etc etc etc etc ....................... See it on a daily basis on multiple Forums, hence my frustration at reading this kinda stuff

Once again I rest my case

 

Dave can you tell us what you really think please? Be honest now none of this holding back

 

Dave I’m also usually of the opinion that anything that’s not SDS is no better than a $20 code reader- but take a look aT the linked thread if you have the chance !

. The forum user in the linked thread owned a sl500 and his unit really surprised me with its abilities . It was able to actuate and test individual components of the abc and pse systems!

 

You'll never convince me, I know that foxwell is better than a lot of that stuff, but I think that the average Joe with no knowledge of his MB would be way better off with something like a $500 SDS at least if he can use a Computer he has all the info he'll ever need, and more at his fingertips

 

 

I've had Star Diagnosis for twelve years. I've had an iCarsoft i980 for three. The Foxwell NT510 has far more capability than a comparably priced iCarsoft product and will do everything a typical DIYer uses SDS for. For example, on an ABC car it can perform a level calibration and run a Rodeo routine.

 

I just got the new NT510 elite and I was told by foxwell help (before I bought it) that it would do airmatic calibrations and level adjustment on my 2014 ML550. I’ve been through every section in both OBD2 and the Mercedes specific section in quick scan and modules, and I can’t find anything to do with suspension or airmatic. I found “adaptive dampening“ but all I can do is view codes or live data and theres no options in there to make any changes. I need the height calibration and inclination for the sensors. There is no “suspension” option listed anywhere like I was told to go into. I’m very confused that I can’t find the section for calibration. Any ideas? Thank you in advance!

 

Just received the foxwell , and at first glance this definitely is the BEST Mercedes scanner aside from SDS. At $110 I cannot recommend it highly enough . I’ve had the icarsoft mbii and that was garbage compared to this .

this unit first runs a quick test of 58 systems -checking SAM, EIS, door control modules , seat modules , COMAND, AC , ABC suspension , PSE, airbag , abs , engine and transmission etc etc etc . It will identify codes in these system no other obd2 scanner can . So it is far and above a Generic obd2 scanner .

more than that it actually shows values and can trigger and actuate individual functions like individual strut tests , individual pse functions etc . I was able to do a Rodeo on my abc suspension! I don’t think any $100 scanner has been able to do that before

of course it can’t do any programming or coding so it’s definitely not a substitute for SDS. But it is the best scanner you can buy for Mercedes or for $110, and it is Plug And play simple

 

Can it set the options for a PSE Pump? Or is that still SDS only?

 

I don’t think you can set any options but I’ll look at the pse section this weekend .

With 58 test areas , even spending 2 minutes on each would take 2 hours . I haven’t played with it enough , you can literally spend hours looking At everything. Just amazing how much data these cars use , they are rolling computers and it’s amazing they work so well
Even after 20 years !

 

Yes pre loaded with Mercedes software from eBay . There is now one for $95

Foxwell Nt510elite for BMW All System ABS SRS DPF TPMS Obd2 Diagnostic Scanner for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Foxwell Nt510elite for BMW All System ABS SRS DPF TPMS Obd2 Diagnostic Scanner at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

I very much doubt it will do Version Codings, nor have Guided Testing, and I know it won't do Programming, Developer, nor have Starfinder, Parts and WIS Info to name but a few ..................

That said, yes, it appears to be good value if it accesses all Codes and all Modules, which on a W220 is ~ 28 and upwards Modules ....................

But at circa 25% the price of SDS is it worth it as SDS has oh so much more ?????????????? ..........................

That depends on your skill level, knowledge of MB's and whether you want to progress your skills and tech, or not

HTH

 

Dave - If you're looking at this unit from an either/or perspective, then yes, SDS hands-down.

But SDS takes me a bit of time to boot up and plug in, while this is quick and convenient, so it might make a nice adjunct, or addition, to my toolbox, for the $100 or so...to be used for simple reading and rodeos, for example.

 

But SDS takes me a bit of time to boot up

You need to upgrade to a faster one
Mine is up and running under 40 seconds. Took a video of it but it won't let me post it for some reason...NM uploaded on YouTube.
BTW have one for sale as well 😉

 

Yeah, I agree, it's good for what ya get, streets in front of iCS, and great to take on road Trips etc, streets in front of SDS, but, (as you already know), SDS is still essential when swapping modules and other stuff

 

Dave can we post videos on the new software? NM did it via YouTube. Thank you sir.

 

Always Better to post videos on YouTube for the world to see . Then link here.

there’s a place in the market for a handheld scanner as well as SDS. i keep a handheld scanner in the car at all times for any issues that pop up when driving . This is a far more useful scanner than a $20 obd2 reader or even a $150 icarsoft mbii . It certainly does not have all the capabilities of SDS, that’s not even an issue to debate - but it has far more capabilities than any handheld scanner We’ve discussed before. And at $110 (or $95 from the link above ) it’s a welcome and useful addition to the tool kit

 

Just bought one from Foxwelltool.co.uk. Coming from China no doubt about that but only way to buy here and ensure MB software is included. Still decent price including shipping I think.

My Icarsoft mb2 is not able to get into all modules on my w220s. Not even ABS etc. So I'll likely sell it on fleabay for whatever I get if this one can read all modules. Would be handy to have in the glovebox incase of any surprises. And hopefully for easier / faster checking of live data like wheel speed sensors than full SDS C3 setup.

 

I ordered mine per above on Sat - dispatched on Monday from Midlands UK and here already in NI! RM 24hr service and they had UK stock.

So I'll unbox it later, get MB software loaded into it as that was included in my order. (You have to register it and download online as far as I'm aware)

I'll test it later on my S430 to see if it can find all modules unlike my icarsoftmb2 and check some live data etc

Then I'll have a proper go at it in the coming days across the fleet and see what it's made of

 

Interesting that you can also get a NT510 38 Pin adapter. Like for w140s etc.

Foxwell Benz 38 pin and Extension Cable for Foxwell NT510 NT520 NT530 Multi-System Scanner

To use Foxwell NT510 NT520 PRO to diagnose Benz with 38pin socket, you will need this cable. Your original Benz 38pin connector damaged or lost, you will need this cable.

www.foxwelltool.co.uk

However. I'll wait until the device gets here first and that all is good before ordering the extra adapter.

 

What is the best MB Star system (C3,C4,C5,C6) to get for W222,W220 & R230?
I see many come with all types of odd ball connectors that look like very old tech.
The 3 models I mention only use the OBDii connector under left dash knee area correct?

 

What is the best MB Star system (C3,C4,C5,C6) to get for W222,W220 & R230?

Absolutely not C5 or C6, and C3's are old hat, and never as rock solid as the C4 SD Connect is now, soooooooo .....................

C4 SD Connect buy all the leads for the peanuts extra they cost, you never know when you may want to help out a neighbour or family etc who has a vehicle with one of those other plugs !!

Software, your W222 is the Achilees Heel for your specific needs, you will have to buy s/w that is around 1 year newer than the W222 Car ....................
If you want to, and have server access to do Online SCN with the W222 then you will have to have the latest s/w and be prepared to update it at most every 6 months, those of us that do SCN work have been finding MB block them sometimes within the first 3 months, then we have to get them fixed with new updates

Try and get it with HHT if you can, again not needed for your Cars but handy Try and get it running on windows 7 32 bit if you can !! ........................
If you can afford a little extra, put the software on one of these, (Panasonic CF-D1) Touchscreen tablet, which is what the MB Stealerships use, a decent one is quite affordable these days, I paid about £150 for this one in VGC with Charger and 4Gb RAM ....



Take this in the spirit it's meant , but I assure you it is true, read some of the recent threads ...................

Now you can go off and do what everybody else does these days and ignore my advice and buy the latest newest greatest 12 / 2020 s/w and a C3 Mux dinosaur, simply because they believe all the adverts and sh!te they read on the Internet and don't realise that technology has moved on since

HTH

 

The odd connectors and cables are there because the SDS covers basically every road vehicle built by MB from the late 'nineties up into the second decade of the twenty-first century. Cars from the SMART car to the Maybach, trucks, buses, off-road, Dodge Sprint vans, Chrysler Crossfire, etc.,etc.

If you do a little research, you will find that this subject has been exhaustively discussed in this and many other forum threads during the last few years. The search window is at the top of the page...

 

Let’s keep this thread focused on the foxwell scanner and its features

there is an existing SDS thread at the top of the forum

 

I installed a Samsung SSD in my Dell D630. SDS boots quickly, but it’s still a bit cumbersome. I’m still thinking about this Foxwell for $100. I’ve got a Foxwell battery tester that is great, comes in its own case, and has held up for a couple of years so far.

 

I agree with @cowboyt and @Astro14 this is great unit to carry in the Car on trips, but also I agree it is not a substitute for SDS nothing else that costs less than circa £2000 is, and in actual fact if you use SDS Developer Mode nothing whatsoever is a substitute

 

A few days ago I used my Foxwell to diagnose the cause of a P0410 air injection fault. Activated the air injection pump and did not hear it run while also detecting that its relay was energized and its fuse was good. Conclusion: Could be a relay with worn contacts or a faulty pump. Solution: A used pump for $38 from a trusted eBay seller.

 

One of your stellar write ups would be great

Does any one know for sure if it will "Version Code" if it does that would be a game changer

 

I'll do my best! Perhaps over Christmas holidays I'd have more time to explore it properly.

I opened the box there and initial impressions are very good! The Instructions are short & concise - all in english. Not badly translated Chinese either! It did not come with MB software pre-loaded but I expected that already. I will install the FoxAssist tool at home later and get MB installed. I will check for latest updates on my MB2 at the same time and have a shoot out between the two

 

This is the top rated review on the scanner on Amazon. Note Amazon price is $179. This is not from me whatsoever.

""
Purchased an old W220 S500 which showed no “check engine” light, SRS, or ABS faults on the dash. I did have some marker lights and suspension messages in the instrument cluster.

Being that I had a wonderful BlueDriver scanner which has worked wonders as a bi-directional scanner for my GM vehicles, I figured it would be great for my Benz... nope. The BlueDriver couldn’t communicate, though their website confirms it worked.

Started following the different Benz forums to find the best scanner. What I learned, the Mercedes Star software was the best solution, but good luck finding one for under $2k. Then I looked into the Autel high-end versions, but didn’t want to spend $800+ and pay annual fees.

I came across this Foxwell on sale during Christmas time on Amazon. I discovered it was bi-directional and came Pre-loaded with the Make of choice with the option to buy other brands (BMW, VW/Audi, and more). Best it didn’t have an annual fee to keep it working.

Once received I was able to diagnose the 60ish modules my 2006 S500 had, learning that I had about 30 faults... yikes! No wonder I got a great deal on this car. Anyway, I was able to reference each code on different Mercedes forums and started tackling each problem.

The biggest issues with these older W220 Mercedes are: Airmatic pumps, airmatic shocks, and the horrible PSE door locking system. This scanner told me what soft close doors that malfunctioned, that my PSE unit in the trunk was bad, that my trunk opening unit had a short and so on. Best of all, the bi-directional tests allowed me to see each modules of my air suspension and door locking and run tests. Unreal!

I’m a weekend warrior who enjoys wrenching. I’m not an expert but love that we can all wrench on anything with a scanner like this and YouTube. There’s a reason $85k+ 10 year old + cars are worth next to nothing, due to the complexities of over engineered knuckleheads in Germany. Go out and buy an old Benz, wrench on it and take something that was once amazing and bring it back to life for 5% -10% of the original MSRP.

I highly recommend this scanner for its capabilities of looking into the specific modules (bi-directional) at an affordable price. Though this scanner is amazing, you can’t damage your car if you don’t know what your doing. Don’t expect to reprogram keys, or adjust complex systems like the Mercedes Star scanner. It’s something anyone can use and save thousands from the dealerships. ""

 

Just had a quick go with the 510 on my S430 & E220CDI.

Pretty slow compared to Icarsoft I must admit 5 - 10 minutes for quick test! But for a DIY user not a real concern. (530 model should be a little quicker) It DOES get into all modules no issues on both cars

And unlike my Icarsoft it does know almost all of the proper fault code descriptions itself. You can also save the quick test and PDF it. See attached both quick tests. Spot on results which match my SDS.

I was also able to perfrom actuations with the 510. Like power the windows up & down etc. Some minor programming IS available such as suspension level calibration - brake test drive among other things. BUT not full coding capability like SDS but that's to be expected at the price level. For example you could code the central gateway on my w211 but not the PSE pump on my W220. Pretty much all test actuations appear to be available though which sets is above just a code reader. Their own site says: Active tests and adaptations. While you won't actually be able to do coding and programming, you can perform active tests and relearn new components. That means you can use the tool to replace components like battery and sensors and to relearn steering angle position, throttle position etc.

Overall first impressions are for the price this is a pretty accurate and solid Mercedes Code reader and test functions for a novice DIYr. It is not however a replacement for SDS as we know already. But a second best solution and above the Icarsoft MB2 for sure in terms of functionality. I'll probably still hang onto the MB2 though for all I'll get for it. Heck the w204 needs it every week almost and it appears fully functional on that model.