All are pretty good, I personally think that iCarsoft has the slight edge. I have created a few iCarsoft video's and help guides that may help you decide.

 

I have an iCarsoft BMM V2.0 - so am I correct in assuming is a "one trick pony" and can only handle BMW and Mini software, not MB as well? I guess I shoulda bought the iCarsoft that could handle a bunch of software & car types

 

Thank you A1. Just need to get the proper cable attachment and I should be good. Awesome. Now just gotta figure out the roof, radio and heat 🤓

 

Just an OBDII cable for the R230.

 

I recently bought an Autel MP808 and am really impressed with what it was able to do. Scanned and picked up various stored and current faults in 38 separate "systems" within my 2006 E350 (handles other manufacturers as well). I' have no experience with Star diagnostics other than watching various you tube videos but believe the menus are same or similar (i.e. clone). I primarily used it to reset various engine actuations after balance shaft replacement and replace six airbags and three seat belts that unfortunately activated after a drive shaft failure (no crash) and it worked flawlessly. Even handled recalibration of passenger seat (separate system) that was needed to clear SRS lights. Also used to clear transmission codes after conductor plate replacement. It picked up a fault that I was unaware of involving drivers headrest (haven't addressed that one yet). Also used to clear emissions monitors needed before I had car inspected. While I didn't have any issues with radio, etc it definitely scanned system as I noticed radio turning on and off during scanning process. I think the MP808 is the least expensive Autel scanner that provides these functions and features normally associated with much more expensive tools. Uses Android system and is touch screen menus. They sell a version that includes various adapters for older vehicles for about $100 more which is good value if you need the adapters for other vehicles. I just needed the OBDII conector included with standard kit. Overall very happy with it one complaint is it seems a bit slower than other scanners but that really isn't issue for me as I'm just a DIYer. Anyway hope this helps and good luck with whatever you decide to buy.

 

don't get snap on

 

I went with the FOXWELL.

Amazon.com: FOXWELL NT510 Elite for Mercedes Benz Diagnostic Tool, All System Mercedes Scanner Bidirectional Scan Tool, All Function OBD2 Scanner w/ Suspension Calibrate ABS Bleed Oil BMS Crankshaft EPB SAS Reset : Automotive

Buy FOXWELL NT510 Elite for Mercedes Benz Diagnostic Tool, All System Mercedes Scanner Bidirectional Scan Tool, All Function OBD2 Scanner w/ Suspension Calibrate ABS Bleed Oil BMS Crankshaft EPB SAS Reset: Code Readers & Scan Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

I went with the FOXWELL.

Amazon.com: FOXWELL NT510 Elite for Mercedes Benz Diagnostic Tool, All System Mercedes Scanner Bidirectional Scan Tool, All Function OBD2 Scanner w/ Suspension Calibrate ABS Bleed Oil BMS Crankshaft EPB SAS Reset : Automotive

Buy FOXWELL NT510 Elite for Mercedes Benz Diagnostic Tool, All System Mercedes Scanner Bidirectional Scan Tool, All Function OBD2 Scanner w/ Suspension Calibrate ABS Bleed Oil BMS Crankshaft EPB SAS Reset: Code Readers & Scan Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I also went with FOXWELL. After several months of research, I selected the NT510 Elite for Mercedes based on its bi-directional capabilities and cost (<$150). Would have like to go with the ThinkTool Pros or Topdon tools, but they were too expensive for my one-off use. The NT510's full scan seems very comprehensive, and the tool helped me solve/reset several displayed faults due to batteries that I've replaced over the years. I've since added the VAG (Volkswagen/Audi/Porche) vehicle package and am just as satisfied with the capabilities contained within this application.

 

I have an iCarsoft for simple scanning and STAR system for in depth work and to access developer mode. I went cheap route on STAR and bought a C4 Multiplexer without wireless on AliExpress and then used a copy of DAS from the internet. I ended up having to buy a refurbished laptop for STAR so all in I am at around $600 plus a lot of time trying to get it all to work.

You have to think about what you want to do and how much time and effort you want to put into getting a working STAR system. On any SBC system you will need a good scanner to bleed the brakes. If you want to do things like change speed limiter, shut off ABC warning in the case of coil over, etc you will need developer mode STAR (DAS).

STAR is not user friendly to setup.

 

I’ve got an ’04 SL500 myself and went through the same rabbit hole trying to find a good scanner. I started with an iCarsoft too—it was okay for basics, but it didn’t go deep enough when I really needed to troubleshoot issues like the roof or random electrical stuff. The COMAND system gave me fits, and I had intermittent problems with the trunk and soft close doors, which didn’t show up at all with the basic scanners.

I ended up getting the YOUCANIC full system scanner, and honestly, it was a game changer. It actually talks to the modules these cars are known for having issues with—like the roof, SAM, HVAC, audio system, all of it. I was finally able to pull codes from the roll bar module and found a fault that pointed to a blown fuse I never would’ve found otherwise. Also used it to reset the soft top after a battery issue, which saved me a trip to the dealer.

If the one you’re looking at has roof and electrical issues already, I’d definitely want something that can read all those systems. This scanner gave me a lot more confidence working on this car without just throwing parts at it.

Hope that helps—these cars are amazing when everything’s working, just takes the right tools to keep them that way.

 

(...) It actually talks to the modules these cars are known for having issues with—like the roof, SAM, HVAC, audio system, all of it. (...)

Benca, is it possible for you to share more about the Youcanic's diagnosis of the Comand system? I still have OEM NTG-1 and it fails more often than not ('system not available'). I checked the MOST optical fiber ring and the connectors all seem to light up.

 

I have a cheap iCarSoft reader Benz specific but later got a MB Star/Xentry clone on AliExpress, used notebook on eBay, best solution I think.
Had an issue with a partly collapsed AC hose and Star was fantastic with systematic troubleshooting on all components involved.

 

Hi,

Just responding to quite an old thread, I researched and went X Tool D7, works great, good customer support has constant updates, it’s not restricted to only 5 cars and you can chart / graph live data and record it, like on the front brake hydraulic pressures after say a brake flush and bleed…

Quality tool

 

It seems to be a multi make and model scanner not a dedicated scanner.

For example it states key fob programming.

Will it program MB fobs, in particular R230 and W163 (ML)?

No one has to answer that, I did email them.
They are in Hong Kong it seems, so be a day or 2. Does say toyota fobs.


EDIT: Found the key list as I thought not one mercedes listed.

 

Looks really comprehensive gear.

No doubt these tools get better every year!

 

The scanners will do 90% of what you are likely to need, and a new model like the X Tool above may do even more.

 

Full MB STAR / Xentry setup, a Foxwell NT530 and a iCarSoft MB II (got a good deal on it with the intention to keep it in the car at all times).

 

Funny just yesterday i got an email reply from foxwell. I have a NT 520, I did buy it used from a benz member. I had tried to register it several years ago and had written to them telling them it was purchased used and I could not register the serial number to perform an update. I kinda let that drop.

So 2 days ago i emailed again same info. What I got back is the NT520 is discontinued and no longer supported we suggest you buy a NT530pro.

Why can't i be provided with the last available update is beyond me?

Never has it come up that we can't register this in your name because it has already been registered.

I am not saying not to buy an nt530 just if you have one or buy one update it as offten as you can because you are entitled to free lifetime updates.....right.

I don't see anything labeled NT 530 pro on their site.

Going to email back and say You said free lifetime updates, since that can not be done nor can i add a second vehicle how about sending me a 530 for free.

Reason I wanted to up date, is on the ML I was trying to get it to learn a remote fob to lock-unlock only not start and it keeps getting caught in a loop.

 

XTool offer 3 year free updates and paid updates after that