Any opinions on the Launch X431 scan tool?
 

While I probably don’t NEED something so comprehensive, I did buy a late model ex-salvage Mercedes project that’s going to need some diagnostic work and I don’t want to take it to a repair shop every time I need a system scanned. I don’t want a dedicated Mercedes tool either since I also want to be able to work on BMW, VW etc. I have a used Assenmacher Retriever with a VW cartridge bought off Ebay and I don’t want to spend another $1,000 on a Mercedes cartridge especially since they discontinued the whole line and I won’t be able to upgrade. Their new PC Retriever is about $1,000 plus another $1,000 for the Mercedes software plus the price of a laptop or close to $3,000 to do just Mercedes. I can get the Launch for wholesale at around $2,550 and it does most European and Japanese vehicles.

The X-431 is a good tool for the money, if you need software access to a number of different "makes" then this is not a bad investment. Just keep in mind that the tool was developed on a horizontal platform therefore it will be limited on the depth of coverage in any one make of automobile.

In my opinion it is a tolerable investment, and if you “bill labor time” every time you connect to a vehicle.............you'll get your money back in no time. ;)

Does this Ebay auction for a Launch look like a scam?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4623896810&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AAAQ%3AUK%3A1

1) Looks like just a stock photo
2) Zero feedback seller
3) When I asked about shipping, he said $300 to the U.S.A.

Check out my scanner package. See link below in my signature.

Does it work on all the body systems like soft top and power windows etc.? How much to upgrade to '02-'05 models?

I'm not exactly sure what it's capable of diagnosing on late model cars. I only used this scanner on my early 90's Mercs. I heard you can download the latest software on the cartrage's but I don't know what that would cost. If your interested you can call Snap On and they would be able to give you answers to your questions.