Diagnostic tools
 

Where i can buy- and WHAT-..some kind of diagnostic tools to help me repair my c220/95 or better some software for my computer?

Dear bobynan:

You can get the Actron III at Kragens, Pepboys or Autozone. It costs about $100 and is very good.

Eric

thank you.. what about something more complex?

Before buying a scanner you need to determine if your car is OBDII compliant. ALL cars sold in the US beginning in 1996 are. SOME 1995 MB's were. You need to find out before you lay down your hard earned money.

I think you can determine this by going to: www.obd2.com.

Good luck,

yes, it is OBD2 ..thank you guys for your replys...

It is good that you understand that OBDII is less "complex". Try just about useless.

Funny thing about knowledge. A little bit can go a long way. The first hurdle any potential technicain passes is the first point of understanding. Such a light appears in their eyes, they think they understand the universe. That is the point many stay.

To become a technician one needs to pass from that state of euphoria to the depression caused by realization that what was just understood is a grain of sand in a desert of knowledge. When he understands what he doesn't know, he becomes a technician.

Ninety percent of the car is not covered with a OBDII scanner, ninety percent of what is covered is not covered by an OBDII scanner. Except for specific information I would be all over any of my techs who performed a money requiring repair from an OBDII based diagnostic. Would it be professional to charge for digging a ditch with a hand trowel.

If you wish a real tool the smallest price combo I know is the Snap-On MT2500 w/MB module. I hear the newest module now does cover some common body and chassis functions like AB and ABS.

There is a program called Carsoft that works from a PC that claims many of MBs scanner functions.

An amazing professional tool that has just hit the markets is the Launch X431. At less than three grand it is right up there with the best aftermarket tools and it covers most other euro and asian cars.

And if you are in the "Ultimate Garage" crowd, you probably should just get a MB "Basic" and do it all for just under ten grand.

Also take a look at . . .
 

the AST (Assenmacher Specialty Tools) line of diagnostic tools.

They have a model called the 'Retreiver'. At $2k street price, it with the 5704F cartrirdge does all DTCs plus live data and adaptation.
http://www.asttool.com/html/cars/mercedes/diagnosis/dia1.html

AST has just introduced a version that works with a laptop.
http://www.asttool.com/html/new_tools/diagnosis/pcr/pcr_main.html