Best OBD2 Scanner for Mercedes Benz in 2020

If you have a Mercedes Benz, then you want to keep it in as good of shape as possible.

Although the German engineering does a great job already, you have to perform routine maintenance to ensure that it continues purring like a kitten.

Having a diagnostic code reader is a quick and easy way to do this, which is why we are taking a look at the mercedes benz scanner.

These devices will make it easy to monitor and diagnose your vehicle so that you can stay on top of any engine problems.

Let’s see how that can help you get the most out of your Mercedes.

Comparison Chart

IMAGE	PRODUCT
TOP PICK!	1. Autel MaxiDAS DS808 Simple and easy to use Professional-grade scanning system Read real-time data Update your car’s ECU	VIEW ON OBD2TOOL
BUDGET PICK!	2. iCarsoft Portable design Simple and easy to use Designed for all Mercedes vehicles Live scanning of auto systems	VIEW ON OBD2TOOL
	3. Launch CRP129 OBD2 Large screen for better visibility Works on all makes and models Simple and easy to set up Rugged housing for longer life	VIEW ON OBD2TOOL
	4. TOAD – Total Onboard Auto Diagnostics Comprehensive data package Works on all vehicles, not just Mercedes Check and diagnose all drivetrain systems Upgrade your car’s ECU	VIEW ON OBD2TOOL
	5. Launch X431 PRO V+ Compact and portable design Works on all car’s internal systems Wireless connection for convenience Checks and resets all dashboard lights	VIEW ON OBD2TOOL

How to choose the best OBD scanner for you

If you’re looking for insights into how your vehicle is working or what’s wrong under the hood, there’s no better way than to plug in an OBD2 scanner and read the results. After all, it’s how your car dealer or repair shop would figure out what’s wrong with your car when you drive (or are towed) in. Why shouldn’t you have the same information?

The best automotive tool provide the right mix of size, weight and the ability to read your car’s fault codes and live data. The most important criteria are:

*  Easy setup. If it takes forever to set up the scanner, you probably won’t use it to diagnose a problem early.
*  Faults and explanations. The best OBD gear not only tells you the faults your car has but also can explain the meaning so you can either fix it yourself or tell a mechanic.
*  I/M Readiness check. A good scanner will run the major engine and emissions tests to see if you’ll pass your state’s inspection.
*  Accuracy. A scanner is worthless if its results aren’t accurate, because the only thing worse than no information is incorrect information.
*  Size and weight. If the scanner is heavy and bulky, chances are it’ll stay in your toolbox and not in the car to help you on the road.
*  Live data. By tapping into the car’s engine speed, timing and other parameters, the right scanner can help track down an intermittent problem.
*  Graphs. Numbers are good, but a visual representation of it is much better, particularly if you’re comparing before and after.
*  Warranty. You expect your car to last at least eight or 10 years, so why shouldn’t your OBD2 scanner? That said, the best offer a lifetime warranty that should outlast your ride.

There’s a gas tank full of criteria used to determine which Professional Diagnostic Tool is the best one for you. The most important is whether you want one that connects with your phone or tablet’s screen over Bluetooth or a handheld unit with its own display and cable.

Next, think about longevity and get one that includes lifetime warranty or software updates so the scanner will stay current with changing automotive tech.

Then, how about screen size for a handheld scanner? Get the biggest, brightest and easiest display to read that is icon based for easy changes. If you’re clumsy, look at rugged scanners with rubber bumpers to absorb the shock of being dropped.

Look for extras Auto Scanner that are included on some models, like an electrical multimeter, the ability to read a manufacturer’s proprietary codes or export documents as Acrobat PDF files. Finally, the price for these sophisticated devices is right on par with professional-level scanners that are available for under $100. That’s barely an hour’s labor for a qualified mechanic, making it a win-win purchase.

Porsche Piwis 3 Compare With Porsche Piwis Tester 2

 

As the Piwis 3 for Porsche diagnostic & programming released, most client inquiry for the Piwis 3 to replace Piwis tester ii for Porsche new models. Some client asks what’s the difference between Piwis Tester II & Piwis 3. whether the Piwis II work with the Piwis 3 software?

The Piwis 3

The Porsche software starts automatically, but the Microsoft button functions and you can do other things at the same time such as TeamViewer or open an internet page. The VCI ( the part that connects to the diagnostic port) is smaller and the cable connecting is shorter, but it is a standard USB to miniUSB cable so you can purchase an longer one anywhere.

The Porsche Piwis 3 Tester III can be changed from after sales mode to developer mode which allows for a lot of special features ( looking at you who want to disable start stop permanently). The software installed on a SSD, is work faster and easier to use than the previous version. For example on the diagnostic program, the tester auto detects the car model. Just plug it in, turn the key on and it does its thing. For me, I’m not sure if it is a function of the unit I have or not but the guided fault finding works well. Click on any fault and press the fault finding button and the unit tries to provide you a diagnostic plan. The plan is better and the English description is better. I haven’t tried the wiring diagram software but I imagine it works as well as the previous version. There is a new ODBC program on the unit that reads standard ODBC codes, I am wondering if this unit can be used for other cars for simple code reading. I will try it on a buddy’s car next week and let you know. There is a oscilloscope function and a multimeter function but the laptop clones don’t come with these cables. If you check out the link I added you can see a factory tool and what that kit contains as compared to a laptop clone with VCI. All in all it is a better tool but really can’t do more than the piwis tester 2 can do, only faster and on cars from model year 2018 to current which the Porsche diagnostic tool Piwis 2 can’t do.

What Do the Piwis 3 updates replace Piwis 2?

Diagnostics application is used for communication with control units. You can search for, identify, code and control program units, read out the event memory, execute complex processes, change drive links and execute routines.

Guided fault finding (GFF) generates a test plan for a fault code. This test plan shows the best sequence for carrying out tests. GFF compiles a list of recommended tests, documents and wiring diagrams

Actual values/input signals functions display you the actual values and input signals of control units

Drive links/tests function displays the drive links of control units, allows you to change the parameters of these drive links and run test routines for individual control units

Maintenance/repairs function group – use this function to call up control unit-specific processes that cannot be implemented generically from the ODX data

Coding/programming function group – use this function to write coding values. Piwis 3 can code Values automatically or set manually. This function group includes (Automatic coding, Manual

coding, Customer-specific settings, and Factory settings) coding modes

Logging – use this function to activate logging for diagnostics, guided fault finding (GFF) and measuring equipment applications. Temporary and permanent working log can be created

Filter – use this function to limit the view of the control units installed in the vehicle. In the diagnostic application, you can create, edit, activate, deactivate or assign filters

Wiring diagrams application is the representation of physical connections and layouts of circuits

Measuring equipment interface work for DC and AC voltage measurement, direct and alternating current measurement, diode testing, resistance measurement, continuity/open circuit testing, showing voltage, current and resistance over time (oscilloscope function)

How to install Ford IDS V112/Mazda IDS V112 on native machine

VXDIAG VCX Nano for Ford/Mazda 2 in 1 Diagnostic and Programming Tool installation instruction

One device support both Ford and Mazda and it can support vehicle 2005- 2018 year.
Note: VXDIAG VCX NANO for Ford/Mazda not support F150, F250, F350, F450, F550, F650, F750 before 2010

Requirement on computer:
1.Computer has at least 4GB Memory
2.Computer need produced after 2000 year, too old computer can not run the software.
3.Operating system: Win7/Win8/Win10 (free to try yourself)

How to install Ford IDS V112/Mazda IDS V112 on native machine?
The diagnostic software must be installed first, and the device driver must be installed.

1.Free Download IDS V116 software fro VXDIAG Ford IDS V116
https://mega.nz/#F!fcoVnYZT!jpEjr4HHXU5Ifg8Hm0xERg Mazda IDS V116
https://mega.nz/#F!bMg1ECzT!BjEMSq1TUvdgn2aT2CKTEg Ford_Mazda IDS Patch (No need VMware)

https://mega.nz/#F!OV4RRC6B!seCWP6UCzOPWEDYlQxZ1iQ

 

 

2.Here is the installation steps:

Step 1: Install IDS setup:
A.Install IDS-112.01_Full setup

B.Accept license agreement Select destination folder
Click on Instal

C.Install IDS 112.01 installshield wizard until completed

D:Restart computer after installing setup

Step 2: Install VX Manager

A:Open VX Manager

Accept license agreement Press Next

B:Installing VCX SDK Driver

C:This will also start VXDIAG Cloud Diagnostic Service

D:VX Manager installation completed

Connect the VXDIAG Ford interface with laptop

F:Open VX Manager to check connection status (If use VCX-DoIP interface, it will auto detect and connect to laptop)

G:Select Diagnostic Software: Ford IDS

H:Install Ford IDS driver

Step 3: Install Patch & Run IDS

A:Open IDS patch

Ford IDS requires teh following information: dealer type

(Ford/Lincoln/Mercury),Dealer code (1111) and country Press tick icon to continue

Auto starts IDS software and diagnose vehicle.

Done.

How to Configure MB SD Connect C4 PLUS DoIP WiFi Wireless Connection

 

New MB Star SD Connect C4 PLUS DoIP diagnostic multiplexer enables WiFi/WLAN and USB connections.  Some of our Japanese customer reported that the doip c4 communicates fast and stable through WiFi. Check the step-by-step wifi setting guide below:

How to Configure mb sd c4 doip WiFi wireless connection?

Open Administration->SDConnect Toolkit

Select Register/configure tab

Select the name for SDconnect as 21

Enable both WLAN parameters, workshop and WLAN parameters, road option

Set up IP address, encryption type and key as following:

WLAN parameters, workshop

IP address: 192.168.191.31
Network screen: 255.255.255.0
Gateway:
SSID (network name): workshop
Encryption: WPA2/ASCII
Key: 123456789

WLAN parameters, road
IP address: 192.168.2.223
Network screen: 255.255.255.0
SSID (network name): Road24h
Encryption: WEP/Hex
Key: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (26*a)
Press Start button

You’ll see WLAN and device status turn to yellow on toolbar

You are allowed to print out the SDConnect Toolkit configuration settings as well
Close the MB SD C4 DoIP SDConnect Toolkit

Open and install Mars free WiFi Hotspot software on desktop

set the WiFi name as: workshop and password, then Save
Restart the computer !!!!
WiFi setting is done.

Now open the Xentry software on the desktop to start wireless diagnosis

i.e Runs a self-test on a Mercedes Benz C-class W204

SD Connect C4 DoIP vs Xentry Connect C5 vs Benz VCI C6 vs C6 OEM vs Benz ECOM vs VXDIAG Benz

 MB Star diagnostic SD Connect C4 is a decent Mercedes diagnostic and programming tool. But now, it’s gonna stop production.

Today, we’ll talk about possible alternatives in the market:

Benz VCI C6
Benz C6 OEM
Xentry Connect DoIP C5 (not SD C5 clone)
Benz eCOM
Alllscanner VXDIAG VCX Plus for Benz
SD connect C4 PLUS DoIP

Here’s well discuss all the Mercedes diagnosis tools

Benz VCI C6: with dongle, same look as the genuine C6
Benz C6 OEM
Xentry Connect DoIP C5: not the C5 clone of C4. Software free update by file. DoIP enabled.
Benz eCOM: good at diagnosis and programming
Alllscanner VXDIAG Benz: features DoIP compatibility
SD connect C4 PLUS: works with original Xentry XDOS, DoIP enabled

CAN & CANNOT:

CAN do:
All supports WiFi connection.
All MB tools here can work for Mercedes diagnosis, coding and programming.
All are confirmed to work with Xentry, EPC, WIS, SD media, Star Finder, PL73
All can work on new Mercedes

CANNOT do:
Benz VCI C6, Benz C6 OEM, Benz eCOM cannot work with Vediamo and DTS
Benz VCI C6, Benz C6 OEM, Benz ECOM cannot work on old Mercedes.

Detail table comparison

Name	Benz VCI C6	Benz C6 OEM	Xentry Connect DoIP C5	Benz ECOM	Alllscanner VXDIAG Benz	SD connect C4 PLUS DoIP
Image
Feature	with dongle, same look as the genuine C6		DoIP enabled	good at diagnosis an programming	DoIP enabled	works with original Xentry XDOS, DoIP enabled
Diagnosis	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
SCN coding	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Programming	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Xentry	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
DAS	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	Yes	Yes
HHT	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	Yes
EPC	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
WIS	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
SDmedia	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Star Finder	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PL73	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
DTS Monaco	Yes	Yes	NO	Yes	Yes	Yes
Vediamo	Yes	NO	Unknown(Test it yourself)	Yes	Yes	Yes
New Mercedes	YesDoIP enabled!	YesDoIP enabled!	YesDoIP enabled!	YesDoIP enabled!	YesDoIP enabled!	YesDoIP enabled!
Old Mercedes	NO	Yes, work with some old Mercedes by DAS	Yes, work with some old Mercedes by DAS	NO	Yes	Yes

The best alternative is…

SDconnect C4 PLUS, released in the year 2019
The firmware works with all Mercedes software above.
It has the best vehicle coverage – new and old Mercedes.

2019-sd-connect-c4-plus.jpg

The old SDconnect C4 and new C4 PLUS share the same look.
But the C4 PLUS with PCB updated, can communicate with vehicles with DOIP like the newest hybrid W222, W205.

Look here:

This is the new components added on C4 PLUS on PCB.

2019 SD connect C4+ PCB:

2018 SD connect C4 PCB:

2019 doip mb sd C4 PLUS features:

It’s 1:1 clone of the original

Able to work for DoIP
Compatible with original Benz dealer software
It’s the only C4 that supports ethernet communication (DoIP)
Have tested no issues on new mercedes with doip

You don’t have to install batteries for firmware update
No need worry about firmware damage in the update process

The wireless connection is stable
MB SD Connect C4 is connected automatically to WLAN for diagnostic tests
Also, remote help is available

The C4 machine has good quality
It’s waterproof, shockproof and tamper proof

A Mercedes Star Machine will give you deep level diagnostics with pinpoint accuracy and give full readout of events, current and stored faults. It will programme parts and do software updates on modules and give the user repair time estimates and how-to guides.

A good Star Machine system should have the following programs;

1- Xentry for vehicles after 2009
2- DAS for vehicles after 1999/2000 to 2009
3- WIS (Workshop Information System) a Mercedes vehicles Data software
4- EPC (electronic parts catalogue)

These 4 programs are the most essential in any Mercedes Star Machine, most will have Star finder and SD media and various key generators we also add Vediamo and DTS Monaco on request but unlike 99% of our competitors we never use Chinese software builds, we build our software in-house individually each time to insure no errors in the software.

So what the difference between the types of the Mercedes Diagnostics tools?

To answer this we need to know what each one is and have hands on experience with them all.
Lucky I have this experience.

MERCEDES BENZ C3 ( Star Diagnostics Compact 3 )

Commonly referred to as C3
It has K-line and Can protocols and uses a wired connection only
Became obsolete in 2013 very good for older Mercedes Benz comes in 2 versions 12v and 24v will have HTT virtualisation.

Mercedes Benz SD C4 ( Star Diagnostics Compact C4)

This is by far the best option its an all-round good system it has the best features and will still be working many years to come
Wireless option, K-line, Can and UDS protocols

Mercedes Benz SD C5 ( Star Diagnostics Compact 5)

There are 2 versions of this a c4 inside a c5 shell and a real C5
This the same as c4 but its expensive and very hard to update
Has all the other protocols with the latest DOIP protocol
Good option for Techs just leaving Mercedes Benz official dealers as it will have the exact same layout.

Mercedes Benz SD C6 ( Mercedes Star Diagnostics VCI)

Very fast machine good for newer cars
Has full list of protocols with wireless option
The aftermarket versions don’t seem to work well with DAS