What is the Best OBD Scan Tool for Mercedes Benz In Australia?
Date Posted:22 March 2023
Unsure which is the best OBD Scan Tool for Mercedes?
You’d be surprised how many people purchase an OBD scan tool that:
A) Is not compatible with their vehicle
B) Is not capable of the functions they require
C) Is avoidably higher than the required price point due to being more advanced than actually needed!
If you’ve found this article, I assume you’re looking for some advice on which OBD scanner is best for Mercedes vehicles to avert paying extortionate costs to your local mechanic for some pretty routine diagnostics. If you want to cut the evergrowing motoring costs and avoid the costly mistakes highlighted at the start of this article, join us for some honest recommendations and considerations from our experienced team to ensure you’re fully informed before buying.
Be sure to read on as we’ll be wrapping up with some specific scan tool recommendations for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Must know before buying an OBD scanner for Mercedes
Your simple to-the-point cheat sheet to equip you in buying the right scan tool:
(1) Vehicle make, model, and year?
Vitally important is to determine if your vehicle is OBD2 compatible. We see it so often, people buy OBD2-only scan tools for their OBD1 vehicles and get the dreaded ‘no communication’ error message. OBD1 vs OBD2 will determine the type of scan tool you need to purchase (as you’ll see in our recommendations section)
(2) What functionality do you need?
Again, capabilities vary across different scan tools (and vehicles). Do you need a basic engine code reader, multi systems scan tool, or something with advanced bi-directional capabilities and ECU programming? Also, if you’re looking for a specific service function such as injector coding, DPF regeneration, or key programming, it’s important to check this function coverage for your vehicle before buying, as with any scan tool, service functions are vehicle specific. For identifying what type of faults need clearing, a good place to start is your dashboard cluster, where you can see engine warning, ABS, airbag lights and more.
Checklist complete. OK, let’s take a look below at the best scan tool options for Mercedes vehicles.
Best OBDI & OBDII scan tools for Mercedes
1 – Vident iLink400 AU Scan Tool - Single Make - Professional
The Vident iLink400AU is a professional scan tool ideal for personal cars or specialised workshops. Instead of investing in a professional scan tool to cover all cars - which you probably will not need, the i400AU provides the opportunity to get all the features for one specific car make e.g. Mercedes Benz, for a fraction of the price of a multi-make scan tool!
Coverage - Single brand with the option to buy more car makes if needed
Compatibility - OBDI & OBDII vehicles (ranging back as far as 1998 for Mercedes vehicles)
Diagnostics - Full systems diagnosis and live data on all modules including Engine, Transmission, Airbags, Brakes, and more
Service Functions - full-service functions including Oil Service Reset, DPF Regeneration, Brake Bleed, and more
Programming - Bi-Directional & ECU Coding, Injectors Coding, Key Programming, Gear Relearn, BCM-ECU Linking, and more
Software Updates - 3 years of free software updates
Specs - 2.8"LCD colour display screen
2 - Vident iAuto730AU Diagnostic OBD Scan Tool
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The exact same capabilities as the Vident iLink400AU however the Vident i730AU comes with all of your major car makes already included. Coming in a slightly larger screen size of 4.3” TFT LCD.
3 - Vident iSmart800 PRO Diagnostic OBD Scan Tool
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The Vident iSmart800 Pro comes with all of the vehicle coverage, diagnosis, and service functions as the iLink400AU and iAuto730, however without the programming capabilities. A great alternative option if you do not need the programming capabilities and are looking for a larger touchscreen tablet design to work with.
Coverage – Multi-vehicle with over 78 Australian, American, European, and Asian makes
Compatibility - OBDI & OBDII vehicles (ranging back as far as 1998 for Mercedes Vehicles)
Diagnostics - Full systems diagnosis and live data on all modules including Engine, Transmission, Airbags, Brakes, and more
Service Functions – Variety of common service functions including Oil Service Reset, Injector Coding, ABS Brake Bleed, and more
Software Updates – 3 years of free software updates
Additional Features - Comprehensive data manager that can store thousands of vehicle records, customer data, fault codes, repair notes etc.
Specs – Android operating system with a 7" touchscreen design
4 - iCarsoft MB V.3 OBD Scan Tool For Mercedes Benz & Srinter
We would recommend the iCarsoft MB V.3 as a good scan tool option if you’re looking for general diagnosis only, as service functions can be limited there. One important thing to note is that this scan tool is compatible with OBD2 vehicles only – more on this below. Also worth noting is that this scan tool is locked into Mercedes Benz and Sprinter vehicles only, with no option to add more car makes in the future. A great plus, however, is that any iCarsoft scanner comes with free lifetime updates.
Coverage/Compatibility – OBDII compatible Mercedes Benz vehicles only (up to around 2016 models)
Diagnostics - Full systems diagnosis and live data on all modules including Engine, Transmission, Airbags, Brakes, and more
Service Functions – Some basic service and reset functions are available although better to check directly with the seller for these
Software Updates – Lifetime free updates
Specs – 4.0” TFT LCD
*The older iCarsoft MB V.2 version is also available with similar capabilities for diagnosis
For more info head over to our website and check out our extensive range of scan tools, we're sure there'll be one for you! Feel free to reach out and contact us if you need any guidance on selecting the best OBD scan tool your money can buy.
