Code scanner query

[dasbus]

I am looking at getting a code scanner for our '96 E320. Does anyone have any experience with these from Alpha-Bid on eBarf?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-Scanner-computer-Diagnostic-chip-tuning_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43989QQihZ014QQitemZ330020427303

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-S-E-Class-Code-Reader-Scanner-OBD-2-EOBD_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43989QQihZ014QQitemZ330021614977

If they work it would be worth it, they are less than an hour or 2 of shop time, but I'm always a little leery of the sellers on eBarf.

Any recommendations on scanners that work well would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Doug

1980 300SD 155k
1976 VW Westy ?45k
1996 E320 130k
1987 BMW K100RS 100k

[sixto]

The second scanner looks like a plain old OBD II scanner. Nice MB logo but if all it does is display codes then you can get a garden variety OBD II scanner that does the same thing. That said, that's a good price for a basic OBD II scanner. The generic scanner I have cost something like $45 on sale a year or so ago.

Sixto
93 300SD

[Matt L]

"Alpha-bid does not offer tech support for this product."

That is a red flag to me. It looks to come with a connector for the MB diagnostic port as well as the OBD-II port, but it gives no clue as to its functionality.

You can get all of the engine codes (perhaps transmission codes, if applicable) from the OBD-II port, but nothing else. The MB scanner is something like $9K for the first year including license, and $3K/year for the license fees for subsequent years.

Phil has a product for a grand, but I haven't yet called the manufacturer to find its exact specifications.

[dasbus]

Good catch on the "Alpha-bid does offer tech support for this product" I missed that. I just bought a generic scanner from Harbor Freight for $40. Should work well enough for my needs without the hassle of eBarf.

Thanks,
Doug
'96 E320
'80 300 SD
'76 VW Westy
'87 BMW K100RS