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Looking for tips on a diagnostic tool

8.1K views 28 replies 10 participants last post by  Udon  
#1 ·
Just got a 2005 SL500 and looking for tips on a OBD diagnostic tool and if there’s one that most people use.
 
#2 ·
I recommend Star, Foxwell , Autel, or Launch OBD II is cheapest can only clear codes and sometimes it doesn’t work if it’s too cheap but for $60-$80 you can get one with most functions. The advantage of the more expensive ones is no yearly fee and free updates while some is yearly per manufacturer.

Walmart, eBay, AliExpress and Amazon sell these

Let me know if you need help
 
#4 ·
We do have a whole forum dedicated to diagnostic tools:


For the R230, you'll want a tool that can not just read and reset codes form all systems, you'll also want one that can do actuations such as an ABC rodeo, and an SBC deactivate/reactivate. I believe the Foxwell n510 Elite (or its newer versions) can do those things. Of course SDS (a.k.a. "Star", "Xentry" or "DAS") can do all that plus basic coding, and it includes full shop manuals, parts diagrams and other helpful documentation.
 
#6 ·
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#10 ·
i've had great benefits from icarsoft, I have used this on about 6 different Mercs and the level it goes to is pretty good. You can get the standalone Mercedes version, but I would suggest the model that allows you to add up to 10 cars, the price is about £150 UK GBP from Amazon, eBay etc.

Here is my little video that may help you understand what its able to do.
 
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#16 ·
FYI, all these diagnostic tools are slow - even SDS. The good things I've heard about the Foxwell is that it will do some actuations, like and ABC rodeo and SBC deactivate/reactivate.
 
#19 ·
Oh, you tried the full scan? Yes, that takes a good while. I'd scan each module one at a time because that way, if you get tired of waiting, you can stop and come back later without losing the previous module scans. And like I said, SDS is just as slow. I think it's the car - not the tool.
 
#28 ·
I wonder if anyone is still here.

I have just bought a Foxwell NT726.

I think in my ignorance I have made a huge mistake.

I removed the unnecessary cars from the library!
It appears I may have inadvertently removed some other critical files.

Prior to the deletion, I had been scanning my 06 W211 E350.

It was attempting to connect to the SBC system, got stuck, perhaps because I chose the wrong year option.

Anyway, now it will not connect to the ABS, which I think is where the SBC was.

I have since the deletion downloaded all the available software via the update.

But still no ABS connection.

Pointers welcome.