[mrprolix]

I take care of all of the family cars and I am looking for an OBD2 reader for my sons 2002, E320, W210. I've done a lot of checking and I'm still unclear which ones will work. I am assuming that I will need to buy a 38 pin adapter cable, that's fine, but what reader is the best for a W210 in the $100-200 range (not including the price of the adpater cable)?

Thanks, Andy

 

[raymond-]

to read basic OBD2 data, you only need the appliance and to plug it into the port beneath the dash, near the parking brake release lever.

reading OBD codes - $15+

reading and erasing OBD codes - $50+

* reading MB proprietary sensors - $100+
* reading and erasing MB codes - $200+

* reading, erasing and altering MB configurations - $300-800

very roughly speaking

TOP 10 OBD II Diagnostic Scanner for MB Cars

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/2569642-icarsoft-mbii-icarsoft-i980-scanners.html


* 38 pin round docking cable connection in the engine bay

 

[mrboca]

If you are only interested in OBD2 scan functions you do not need a 38 pin adapter. You can just plug in an OBD2 scanner to read codes and engine information, and some generic codes for modules other than the engine controller. If you already have an OBD2 scanner, just use it for the 2002 E320.

If you are interested in reading module related codes (transmission , engine, ABS, instrument panel, a/c , body control modules, etc.... then you need a scanner that can access specific pins of the 38 pin diagnostic connector to read / clear codes, and functions.

Attached link gives some options.
TOP 10 OBD II Diagnostic Scanner for MB Cars

I have the BAFX, and use it with my android smartphone for basic day-to-day performance monitoring.

For 38 pin access to individual modules, you can get Carsoft V12 (genuine). Do not bother with the version 7.4.
http://www.carsoft.com/single-brand/carsoft-mercedes-v12-system.html

 

[Kajtek1]

I ditto on going to MercedesMedic for up to speed information.
Beside link mrboca gave, you will find some actuall review on the MBM forum in SCANNER SECTION

 

[E50Canuck]

$20 blue tooth adapter and free app (like torque) gives you alot of info for cheap

 

[tabijan]

Hoping the OP got an appropriate answer, I'll ask if the Carsoft V12 with included 38-pin adapter will clear transmission codes on a '98 E320.

Sixto
83 300SD buy me
98 E320 wagon

 

[illstplaya]

Hoping the OP got an appropriate answer, I'll ask if the Carsoft V12 with included 38-pin adapter will clear transmission codes on a '98 E320.

Sixto
83 300SD buy me
98 E320 wagon

Yes but you still need a laptop. The carsoft mi6 would really be a better value.

 

[mrboca]

Hoping the OP got an appropriate answer, I'll ask if the Carsoft V12 with included 38-pin adapter will clear transmission codes on a '98 E320.

Sixto
83 300SD buy me
98 E320 wagon

I have a $50 scanner which can read the TCM, and claims it can clear the TCM codes. Never had to try it. I made my own 38 pin to 16 pin adapter cable, because I happened to have the connectors. You can separately buy the adapter cable set for additional $25 or so.. It displays much more information than a standard OBD2 scanner, and it is not specific to MB. I used it with my 2003 Honda Accord, and was very pleased with the information it retrieves. It has Bluetooth so I can scan the codes with my laptop in the living room

 

[raywbo]

I have a $50 scanner which can read the TCM, and claims it can clear the TCM codes.

Is this the BAFX scanner you mentioned in your earlier post?

 

[mrboca]

Is this the BAFX scanner you mentioned in your earlier post?

No, it is this one, but it includes the cable adapter set for cars including the 38 pin MB adapter.

2017 Bluetooth TCS CDP Pro Plus for autocom OBD2 Diagnostic Tool+8PCS Car Cables

 

[tabijan]

I have such difficulty following these discussions. Will the $70 BAFX clear transmission codes on a '98 E320? Thanks.

Sixto
83 300SD buy me
98 E320 wagon

 

[mrboca]

I have such difficulty following these discussions. Will the $70 BAFX clear transmission codes on a '98 E320? Thanks.

Sixto
83 300SD buy me
98 E320 wagon

The answer is no. BAFX is an OBD2 scanner. it is connected to the OBD2 port inside car.

See the link...


https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-34t5-Bluetooth-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS


The one on ebay (in the link I provided) can access the transmission control module, read the fault codes, clear them, and also can reset the transmission adaptation. You need to have the 38 pin connector adapter cable to access the TCM.

When I read the fault info from the TCM, there were no errors, so there was nothing to clear. So, I personally have not been able to test this function.

 

[tabijan]

So the eBay device is not the BAFX. Dang, I should go back to hooked on phonics. But I think I get that the eBay device should do what I need, but you've had no opportunity to confirm. Thanks!

Sixto
83 300SD buy me
97 E320 wagon

 

[raywbo]

The eBay TCS CDP Pro Plus (from above link) seems interesting. The fact that it can even read the transmission codes (regardless of clearing them) is encouraging plus it comes with all those adapter cables, including the BMW one which is a plus for me. I'm going to try to find out more about that, pretty good deal for $70

 

[Al_Savage]

The TCS CDP at the eBay link has a hardware multiplexer, 38-pin to USB; therefore, it should be able to access all the different systems.

The software is, of course, hacked. Hence the long explanation in the auction description on how to apply a crack/patch after installation, and the admonition to turn off Internet while using it.

 

[mrboca]

I guess the same applies to Carsoft 7.4 and MB Star software, and anything else that comes from China . The program itself is very easy to use. Bluetooth interface is highly recommended. You can install it even on a Windows 10 based laptop / desktop / tablet.

I like the flight recorder feature. You just get the device store all the parameters as you drive, and then analyze to find out what is going on by accessing the flight data. You do not need to take the laptop with you while driving.

I have the E320 for about 6 years and never had a CEL, just a pesky "oil sensor defective" message from time to time. One day I will diagnose it when I have time.

 

[Kajtek1]

That is why I love MaxiEcu as legal scanner with constant updates.
Lately, when I bought 2014 model, was sad that ME supported only up to 2013 models and having MAF code I did hesitate to spend $300 on new one without good confirmation.
But.. wrote to ME week ago, they ask me back about VIN and update for my engine is coming today.
Legal SD is having updates about every 2 weeks.

 

[mrboca]

The MaxiECU does not support the transmission codes (access and clearing) for pre-facelift W210s. I think you confirmed it with the your "contact", and if I remember correctly, he said they do not support it, and they do not intend to support it. So MaxiECU with no support of 1998 E320 TCM access, was/is a "NO-GO" for me.

After MB moved the module access from the 38-pin to the 16 pin OBD2 / EOBD port for later year MBs, many sub-$200 scanners could access different modules of the car, (icarsoft, Autel, etc), so typically, support of all modules is not a problem.


It is nice to ask for support and they provide the updates. However, I personally would feel very uncomfortable having my car being their testing / debugging environment for their updated software .

 

[Kajtek1]

Life is always full of conflicting decisions.
Heck, you mrboca are telling members every day to test your diagnosis on their cars ... so am I.
Each Chinese software is coming with worms, from what I read.
Fact is that I was searching for optimal scanner and sure it is nice to have Deplore as friend, but other than that I am very happy with MaxiEcu, having 3 other scanners as well.

 

[mrboca]

Life is always full of conflicting decisions.
Heck, you mrboca are telling members every day to test your diagnosis on their cars ... so am I.
Each Chinese software is coming with worms, from what I read.
Fact is that I was searching for optimal scanner and sure it is nice to have Deplore as friend, but other than that I am very happy with MaxiEcu, having 3 other scanners as well.

That is true of course However,
1) My diagnoses / opinions are free
2) It is the posters' call to follow any advice here, or go to a workshop to get diagnosis

All Chinese software comes with worms ? And how do you know whether MaxiECU software has worms or not ? Regardless, I have a dedicated laptop, I bought sometime ago for $20 (Dell D630), for a future possible purchase of MB Star C3 or C4, and dropped in an old disk drive. I am using it just for diagnostic purposes, nothing else. It is not even connected to internet. Now, if these Chinese worms are going to eat through my cars, I surely would love to know about them