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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 .

 

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

 

I have a TCS CDP set in hand. The OBD II connection works on any ODB II vehicle I tried but I can't get the 38-pin connection to register. It says it can't connect. Any suggestions on how to determine if it's a software fault or adapter fault or ... ? Dang, I hope I don't have to join another forum.

Aside, I expected it to do more with our '04 Toyota Sienna. It'll go deep into the engine but seemingly only the engine. I was hoping to diagnose a randomly latching AC recirc function or at least indicator light.

Sixto
83 300SD can be yours
98 E320 wagon

 

1) make sure before you start the program you disconnect from the internet.
2)Make sure you update the firmware (per instructions from the local files you copied) using the USB connection and the option on the connection menu
3)When the connection is NOT through the OBD2 port but through the 38 pin adapter cable, you should not use the OBD2/EOBD selection at the top right of the page. You need to enter the Car make / model/ year at the main page, and you will then see the modules that can be tested. You can then individually select the module (Petrol for example, and then select the engine type, and press the button selection at the right BOTTOM. Or you can select the ISS (Intelligent System Selection or something like that ) then it will pop up a window showing all possible modules applicable to your car. I found that the body controls part (the last one in the list) is not accessible and taking a long time, so I select all except the last one. Then press the PLAY (triangle) button at the right bottom. It should start testing the modules one, by one and showing the errors if found. You can then individually test and clear the error codes, once you record them (save them, print the list).

4) Make sure that the 38 pin connector is properly and fully inserted. When you get the unit powered up through the 38 pin adapter cable you will see the blue LED bars on the unit.

5) Did you get the Bluetooth version ?

6) For some reason mine does not pick up climate control module for 1998 e320. I then change the pear to 2000, then retry. It then picks up the climate control.

 

Wow, thanks!! I tried to update the firmware but it said to connect to a power supply. I don't see a port in the tester that takes power. The set comes with alligator clips that plug into the Opel adapter. Is that how to get power to the unit? How about the 38 pin adapter that makes the tester light up when connected?

Sixto
83 300SD can be yours
98 E320 wagon

 

Sure you can use the 38 pin connection, or you can connect to an OBD2 port with the ignition in acc position.

If you want to power the unit up in the house you can use the alligator clip wire set and the Opel adapter receptacle, and then connect it to a 12 V supply (with correct polarity red to red black to black). I used a portable battery booster as the power source for in-house firmware download.

Firmware will not take more than 5 minutes to update so you might as well plug into an OBD2 port and usb to your laptop.

 

The firmware is updated. Does this have to be done before each use or only once per software version?

I tried the ISS test and the gearbox test independently by selecting a '98,'99 and '00 E320 petrol. Indeed climate control shows up with the '00 E320. The tests run through their clicks and ticks and lights changing between green and blue, the progress bar advances displaying 0 faults. But each segment concludes with no system response. So I'm not there yet.

This unit has Bluetooth and it pairs. The tester doesn't register as connected through Bluetooth though.

Sixto
83 300SD can be yours
98 E320 wagon

 

You need to update it once.

You can select the mercedes 1998 e320, then instead of selecting ISS you can select the "petrol" then select engines type as M112.942 (3.2 L), the next selection should say ME-SFI as the engine controller. Then press the rightmost bottom (with engine icon) , and then a new window opens, at leftmost top shows if there are any faults , the next icon below clears the faults (do not clear anything if no faults, else it will reset your emissions readiness). The icon below allows you obtain the data from the ECU.

Make sure the ignition key is in "run" position.

You can do the same thing for the transmission. Make sure you select the gearbox, not the EWS (shifter) The shifter will not provide any data because for 1998 e320 it is not a reachable module.

DO NOT use anything other than 1998 (if your car is 1998) when testing the gearbox. Because the newer facelift models have a different TCM (EGS52) and yours is an EGS51.

For bluetooth, you need to go to the panel where you updated the firmware, and select the connection type BT and usb (2nd selection out of 3, I think) and then you need to TEST the connection which will then register in the tester.

 

I get to that point, the window shows a diagram of the 38 pin connector identifying which pin connects to what. I click OK, the tester clicks and ticks, then it says vehicle not responding. None of the systems respond. The tester gets power through the 38 pin connector but that's about it. I should look for another 38 pin adapter.

Sixto
83 300SD can be yours
98 E320 wagon

 

Try it when running the engine in Park. You may have a low battery condition that may affect modules responding. If you run ISS while the car running, there should be at least one module responding. Maybe a bad cable but I do not believe all connections are bad (apart from power and ground).

You also should realize that there is a user's manual in pdf which explains many things clearly. From the main window you can select documents------>manuals---------> MANUAL_ENG_CDP.pdf

 

Thanks. I've read the manual and I've tried with the engine running. I'm waiting for another 38 pin adapter before spending more time.

Sixto
83 300SD can be yours
98 E320 wagon

 

Another day, another inch. I tried another 38-pin adapter. This one goes as far as to say there's a failure in DAS to engine module communications (P1570?) during the engine section of the ISS test. No system response for the rest of the test and failure to connect on individual tests. Frustrating!

Does anyone have a 38-pin MB near SJC so I can test this on another car?

Sixto
83 300SD can be yours
98 E320 wagon

 

Another day, another inch. I tried another 38-pin adapter. This one goes as far as to say there's a failure in DAS to engine module communications (P1570?) during the engine section of the ISS test. No system response for the rest of the test and failure to connect on individual tests. Frustrating!

Are you using the cheap $10 38-pin adapters from E-Bay?

Don't know if this will apply to your scanner, they wouldn't work with my Autel MD802. I had to get one of these:

Benz-38 Pin Adapter For Autel DS708/MD702/MD802

 

Where did you get the new adapter from ? The adapter for the TCS (VCI compatible) maps certain pins on the female 16 pin connector to certain pins on the 38 pin connector. For example pin 1 on the 16 pin connector goes to pin 4 of the 38 pin connector for the ECU.

 

The replacement adapter has only 3 of 38 pins connected to 4 pins on the OBD end so it won't work. I tested the included adapter pin-for-pin and it checks out per the Polish sites. Still looking for another 38 pin car to test on...

Sixto
83 300SD can be yours
98 E320 wagon

 

Have you tried the OBD2 port of your car with the scanner directly connected to the OBD2 port ? In that case you need to select the OBD/EOBD button at the right top, NOT the ISS or individual tests with the lower rightmost button.

I made an adapter that maps pin 1 of the scanner white 16 pin male plug to pin 7 of the OBD2 port of the car. This allows me to run the full engine ECU values (not the limited OBD2 scan values), so that I can have live data while driving the car with the hood down .