autel vs launch vs thinkcar diag machines

[Trustmeimadoctor]

I'm after a 2 way obd diag machine specifically to use with a mercedes 213 chassis but will use on friends cars too. It would be nice if it could do Mercedes scn online programming/coding for changing functions etc

I got a thinktool mini and while it was ok it wouldn't work with the 213 air suspension the number 1 reason I want one
They have offered me the thinktool pd8 at a great price but it can't do online programming but the pros+ one will but it's circa 1k and that's ALOT!

Are any of the autel or launch ones at a reasonable pricd able to do what is like?

There is the cheap option the £20 download of mercedes xentry passthrough and a compatible dongle it will do the car perfectly as it's the genuine software but obviously no support and it's ERM well yeah you know.


Any input?

[Trustmeimadoctor]

Anyone have any thoughts?

[Equus]

I had an Autel for my S-class and it's a nice bit of kit that can read all the Mercedes-specific codes, but I don't think it can program/code functions. I think it is limited to just reading and, if required, clearing fault codes... but to be honest I never had a situation that required me to try.

I'm sure the manufacturer's user manual will be available online though, so you could download that to check.

[Paul Mann]

I have an Autel MK808BT which I've found very useful, though don't have much to compare it with other than a hooky Delphi knock off that didn't work very well at all. Supports a wide range of manufacturers and has basic coding abilities. I got it on one of Amazons flash deals for £100 off about a year ago.

[Belle427]

Paul Mann said:

I have an Autel MK808BT which I've found very useful, though don't have much to compare it with other than a hooky Delphi knock off that didn't work very well at all. Supports a wide range of manufacturers and has basic coding abilities. I got it on one of Amazons flash deals for £100 off about a year ago.

I'm a big fan of Autel tools but understand all of the ones on amazon are knock offs?
Autel themselves confirmed as much but I'd be interested to know if they work well.

[Paul Mann2]

Just logged into reply and says I am banned for trolling? Only made a couple of posts since I signed up, so not sure what is happening. Edit: Just had a thought that I always use a VPN, maybe that's not permitted?

Anyway I bought the MK808BT from the Autel store on Amazon and had to register it with Autel using serial number etc. which all worked fine. Wasn't cheap enough to warrant it being a knock off either.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

They do warn of grey imports from Ali etc but hey if your saving several 000's do you care

[Belle427]

Trustmeimadoctor said:

They do warn of grey imports from Ali etc but hey if your saving several 000's do you care

I contacted Autel uk about it a while ago and they told me they didn’t sell on Amazon etc so they were Chinese clones.
It wouldn’t bother me personally if they worked ok, I just wondered about the updates etc and what you do with it in the event of a problem.