I know there are quite a few threads out there on diagnostic scanners. But I cannot seem to find a conclusive answer on my question. What is the lowest cost scanner or code reader that can read the Mercedes specific diagnostic codes? My cheap OBDII reader can do just fine with the generic codes, but I am not seeing the Mercedes-specific codes that I know are there (my code reader gives me P0200 on my 1997 E300D, but I am pretty sure that there is a P1975 code lurking in there that I cannot see, based on information from a scan that was done at the dealership). I know Mercedes has their $10K+ diagnostic Star system, but what is the lowest cost unit for us DIY's to get these codes? How about the SnapOn MT2500..can it do it? It is pretty reasonably priced.

ODB2 scanners give you generic engine codes.

The "factory" scanner covers the complete car.

There are many scanners on e-bay for $1200-$2000 that will scan just like dealer scanners. SDS OR DAS are the acronyms for "factory" scanners.

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I've seen quite a few of those sub-1K DAS clones on e-bay from China, has anybody actually bought one and tried it?

I'm skeptical to say the least, and of course when you have a problem I'm sure the technical support is top-notch.

I have a MT-2500 and its not a bad tool for the price but the software is a bit flaky - not all the advertised options work as described and some of them don't work at all. Some of them will work on Monday but won't work on Wednesday, even on the same car.

But overall its an improvement over say a generic OBDII reader. The live data components can give you valuable guidance and the ability to manually activate EGR valves, air injection systems and fuel tank purge valves is invaluable when troubleshooting.

As far as the code values goes it varies with the year and chassis. For the newer cars the engine codes are mostly OBDII codes however transmission codes seem to be MB specific. For the pre-obd years the engine codes are MB specific. But I've found that the software tends to be the most bug-prone on the older (90-95) year cars.

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