diagnostic hardware and software suggestions

[slimchance]

I am looking into Diagnostic H&S for diagnosing of my C220 with obdll. Does anyone have a suggestion? I would like to keep it @$300 or less.
Thanks Slim

[Skooter]

I too have been looking for an inexpensive, yet useful OBDII scan tool. I think I may have found it....
http://www.obd-2.com/

The software is free to download and take a look. It runs on any old laptop you may have lying around (even old 386 machines).
For $122 he supplies a cable to hook to European models with ISO compliant plugs (includes Mercedes).

I downloaded the software and took a look, it seems pretty good, and I like the logging features to track down "mystery" codes. I have an old Toshiba laptop that just might fit the bill.

If I order it (and I think I will soon), I will post a mini-review of it once I figure out all the features.

-Earl

I have the EASE Diagnostics software Personal Edition from obd-2.com. I have had it a few years and I have been very pleased with it.

If you already have a laptop to use, you will get much more for your $300 this way. You not only can draw a code with lots of information about the code, but you also can have real time trend charts on any sensor or parameter in the OBD-II system. You also can store the history of all the vehicles that you connect. Over time this becomes useful because you can see what has happened and how often with a particular vehicle.

Good luck and Merry Christmas,

[Skooter]

Excellent feedback, thanks Larry!

I think I will get myself an xmas gift and go to the OBD-2.com site today.

Thanks,
-Earl

[tower]

Larry

I've got a 95S420 & a 95E320. Both are OBD i. Will these testers map into these vehicles and do all the wild and lovely things?

This system does not do OBD I, but if you will call the 800 number found on the website and ask for Tom, he can tell you what to add to your system to make it work.

Yes, mine only does generic codes on everything except Toyota. I originally bought it for my wifes four runner, and it has ALL propietary stuff for Toyota. Unless they have added it later, I don't think they have any enhanced product for MB.

The generic codes will got the job done on most any problem.

Have a great day,

[stevebfl]

EASE has enhanced mode for all the domestics and Toyota.

The current buzz word in diagnostics is "pass through". I am currently involved with a tech group and BMW using such a device to monitor the whole BMW including programming modules for 20 dollars a day (and the interface). The one that has succeeded so far is here: http://www.ime-actia.de/frame.htm

In a discussion lead by the head of EPA compliance it was noted that MB has already successfully done the same. I know of no one who has, but the MB site appears to be set to do it as the BMW one has.

When the leg work is accomplished a very simple standardized interface will hook anyone to OEM pay for view sites that will accomplish just about everything that real tools now accomplish.

This will be for all cars (after 1996 at least).