Hello all,

I have been driving, servicing and restoring old classic cars for many years (Lotus, Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, etc.), but am relatively new to Mercedes-Benz (only one prior, a SLC 5.0). In terms of diagnosing a problem, I'm great with pre-OBDII cars. As far as 1996 and newer, while I have borrowed code readers and fixed numerous things on Jaguars and Volkswagens before, I have never really "taken the plunge" to really learn OBDII cars.

Recently, I have taken a liking to the early CLK W208 coupes, and I purchased a couple of them -- a 1998 and a 1999, both CLK320 Coupes. They are both in good condition, and it is my intent to keep them for a long time -- one as a daily driver, and another to be treated as a collector car.

So I just bought the '98 CLK 320 last weekend and drove it home to Toledo, Ohio, from Atlanta, Georgia. Car operated flawlessly. I have been driving around town the past few days, too, with no issues. Today, under absolutely normal conditions with no perceptible change in vehicle behavior, the Check Engine Light came on, with the message warning about "Engine Electronics".

To satisfy my initial concern, I will stop at the local AutoZone and read the codes; however, I want to make a one-time investment in a good diagnostic tool specific to Mercedes.

I have searched Google and this forum to gain a basic understanding of what is out there as far as diagnostic tools, but I am unclear as to which system will work best for my car (iCarsoft, Autel, Star, etc.). It seems to me that as a '98 and '99, my cars are too early for some of them.(?) When I look at eBay, I see a wide range of prices, and am not sure what components I would need, or if I am even looking at tools that are compatible with my car.

So your input on what is the best tool for specifically a 1998 and 1999 CLK would be much appreciated. Also, what I should expect to pay, who are the trusted sources to purchase from, etc. I would love to buy something in the $200 range (aftermarket tool); or if I were to pay more for the Star system, I am really clueless after looking as what I would need if I were to go with the Star system, what to expect to pay, and what the benefits are (and if I would ever really need them).

If you have read this far, thank you, and I appreciate your advice!

- Tony K.


P.S. -- Anyone here in the Toledo or Cleveland, Ohio areas?

Obligatory pics of my new-to-me cars:

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Have a look at this thread and be aware that these are copies not OE:

What Xentry DAS Package Does Anyone Recommend?

An OBD2 scanner will get you limited ( Govt mandated engine ) info but you really need a more involved tool to access the cars other systems.

Dig around a bit to see if you have an under hood 38 pin connector, this will dictate what type of scan tool you nee to get.

The 97 to 02 CLK ( w208 and C208 ) was built on the 95 to 00 C class ( W202 ) pan so I'd expect much of the electrics to be the same. At least up to 97, the C has a 38 pin connector.