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OBD2 scanners are a necessity for present-day vehicles as they help in monitoring the vehicle.
They not only help you keep track of the functioning of your Mercedes, but also will improve its working.
Here is a review of the best OBD2 scanners for you to keep your Mercedes in the best condition.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for OBD2 Scanner For Mercedes
- OUR TOP PICK: iCarsoft MBII
- Autel Maxidas DS808
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: iCarsoft Genuine Mercedes Benz I980
- Launch CRP129
- FOXWELL NT510
Comparison Chart of the Best OBD2 Scanners for Mercedes
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Our Top Pick  |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
Are All OBD2 Scanners The Same?
All of the OBD2 scanners are not the same as they have different functioning types. Code reader and tool scanner are the two most common types of OBD2 scanners that Mercedes supports.
Code readers are the basic type and have a simple layout. They connect with the OBD2 of your Mercedes directly and read the Diagnostic Test Codes from there. The codes have an alphabet and 4 digits, indicating different conditions.
Meanwhile, scan tools are slightly more expensive and have an advanced layout. They are easier to use as they display the condition of your car and not only the codes.
Will Any Scanner Work With a Mercedes?
Mercedes vehicles come with modern OBD2, and they can work with almost all OBD2 scanners. You can use a simple code reader on them if you know how to work your way around the DTCs. However, if you do not feel comfortable with a plain code reader, then a tool scanner can be good too. It will help you identify the problems directly without having to refer to the DTC manual all the time.
Still, the best OBD2 scanner for your Mercedes is the Star Diagnostic Scanner (SDS). It is designed especially for Mercedes cars and looks deep into the engine and other parts of your vehicle.
How to Choose an OBD2 Scanner
Choosing an OBD2 scanner is no hard feat if you know the right things to look for. We have brought you a list of the factors that you have to keep in mind while getting one for yourself.
Features
The foremost thing that you have to look for is the features that an OBD2 scanner offers. It should make monitoring your car easier and simpler. It should also control the “Check Engine Light” signal to avoid distractions and discomfort.
Pricing
Your budget is also a major factor that determines which OBD2 scanner you are going to buy. The scanner should be affordable for you, and it should also meet the requirements that you have for it.
Apps
The compatibility with vehicle monitoring apps is also important, so you should keep it in mind. The app has to be able to operate on your device, irrespective of whether it is Android or iOS. It should also have a simple interface that you can get the hang of easily.
Layout
The layout and software of the OBD2 scanner have to be simple and good enough for you. If you are a pro, then you can deal with complex interface too, but you need a more basic layout of the scanner if you are a non-techie.
Quick Take - Best OBD2 Scanners for Mercedes
In a hurry? Here's a snapshot of the best OBD2 scanners for Mercedes:
Review of the Best OBD2 Scanners for Mercedes
An OBD2 scanner can potentially change the way you have been driving your car lately. It makes driving easier and safer for you, so you need to get the best one. Here is a complete review of OBD2 scanners for Mercedes vehicles to help you choose the right one.
Best Overall:
iCarsoft MBII
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers had a great time using this as it helped them increase the safety of their Mercedes. They reported a particularly better experience due to the reduction of distractions by the Check Engine Light. They also liked it for the electronic throttle system, which has a very smooth working ability.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us because of its ability to support multiple languages, which makes it good for people globally. The data streaming for both reading and clearing the DTCs is also amazing. Above all, its SAS calibration makes it one of the most competitive OBD2 scanners in our eyes.
Who Will Use This Most
The OBD2 scanner is best for those who have Mercedes cars as it has SDS in it. The star diagnostic scan is specifically for Mercedes vehicles, and it holds true to its promise of improving the driving experience. It is also great for those who have cars from other brands as well since it has an extensive range in terms of compatibility.
Bottom Line
To sum up, the iCarsoft OBD2 scanner is the best one in its league, as it makes driving much easier. The sensors are fully operational and have the best technology to support them. Its display is good too, so there is hardly anything about it that you wouldn’t want.
Runner-up:
Autel Maxidas DS808
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The people who bought the Autel OBD2 scanner lately found it very helpful in terms of control. The ECU information helped them know all the problems with their cars instantly. The ECU adaptation further improved its working as it helped them take the necessary actions to solve those issues.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This scanner makes it to our list as the runner-up due to its high compatibility with all Mercedes models. It has great mechanisms in place for oil control and for enhancing engine performance. The oil reset light helps in this regard the most, making us like the scanner even more.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the most useful for those who have Mercedes vehicles with models after 1997 as they are quite modern. They have complicated engine functioning and have more safety features in them. It gets hard to keep their track, but this scanner makes doing it so easy that you will be impressed.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on this is that it has all the right features that you might want. It is not only going to help you read the DTCs but also delete them. It will also have automatic updates, making it easier for you to stay ahead of the game.
Best for the Money:
iCarsoft Genuine Mercedes Benz I980
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers found the iCarsoft OBD2 scanner well worth their money as it satisfied all their needs. They loved it for being so lightweight and easily portable. Buyers also recommend it for its blockage of Check Engine Light, which minimizes the difficulty in driving.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its lifetime free software updates make it quite prominent to us. This leaves the users free of worries about paying for upgrades whenever there are any tweaks in the software. It also catches our eye with its time freeze and oxygen sensors, which improve your vehicle’s monitoring.
Who Will Use This Most
Being more compatible with 2005 to 2017 models, it is most useful for people who have Mercedes from these years. The diagnostic codes are functional for all Mercedes and non-Mercedes cars, but they work best with these. So, it is an ideal choice for you if you haven’t purchased your car recently.
Bottom Line
It’s the best for the money OBD2 scanner on our list both due to its pricing and the features offered. It has some of the most sensitive sensors in it, which you are sure to benefit from for a long time. Hence, you can invest in this unit without any reservations if your Mercedes model is compatible with it.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The latest users found it best for professional use as it refreshes data so well. No matter how many cars they had to check in a day, the scanner did not disappoint them. In addition to this, they liked the scanner for its working with 12 voltage diesel models too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us because it supports multiple languages for menu and diagnosis. It supports several languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and Italian. It is also so good because of the efficient data streaming controls.
Who Will Use This Most
The people who do not have English as their native language will find it very useful. Most other OBD2 scanners do not support multiple languages, but this one does. So, it is great for people across the globe who want to monitor their Mercedes.
Bottom Line
The expert opinion on this Launch scanner is that it is highly rich in features. It has an easy-to-read TFT screen too, which works best for those who like having a good display on their units for convenience.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have given very positive remarks about this scanner after using it. They loved it due to its multiple functions, which are the best for their price range. They also reported a great increase in their travel safety with this.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The FOXWELL has an ergonomic design, which makes it distinguish itself from other OBD2 scanners. Its easy security access makes it more likable to us and to the users as well. The ABS module activation is also better than its rivals, which is why we have added it to our list.
Who Will Use This Most
This is most useful for people who have newer models of Mercedes, as it is more suitable for those. The sensors are pickier in this one, so they are great for newer models. It is also good for mechanics, as it has a high rate of data refreshing.
Bottom Line
Overall, it’s a nice OBD2 scanner that is equipped to pinpoint all the major and minor issues in your Mercedes. It is sure to help you recognize any issues and to solve them promptly. So, go for it if you want to avoid any losses.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
With so many OBD2 scanners on the market, it is difficult to choose one. This is why you need proper guidance before you make a purchase. Here are some aspects that you have to consider before buying a unit.
Warranty
While you are investing in an OBD2 scanner, you should be careful about its warranty. After all, you are paying your hard-earned money, and it should be worthwhile. So, go for a scanner which promises a higher warranty.
Software
The software that scanners use is also important to consider as it affects the ease of usage. The complementary computer or mobile apps should also come with a workable software.
Sensors
An OBD2 scanner has to check your car thoroughly, so it has to have some amazing sensors. The oxygen scanner, temperature sensor, and other monitors should be highly sensitive.
Compatibility
The compatibility of the OBD2 scanner with your Mercedes cars is of primary importance. The scanner should be easy to connect with your car’s OBD2, no matter if it uses a USB cable or Bluetooth. The app and the scanner itself has to be highly compatible with your car’s model.
Conclusion
All in all, OBD2 scanners are a great way of making sure that you have a safer driving experience. This is why you have to be very careful when it comes to selecting one. Keep all the above-mentioned points in mind and select an OBD2 scanner that has the best sensors.
