I have a 2024 AWD. Was professionally converted to campervan. I plan to travel to remote places and want to be prepared if check engine light comes on. I am not planning to repair the van myself, but just want to be able to call in to dealer to tell me what the code means and if safe to continue to drive and what next steps should be. My understanding is that only a few code readers can provide specific MB codes. So given this, which code reader should I buy? Thinkdiag and AP200 are the ones that seem to come up most in this forum, but not sure if they are overkill for my situation. Please direct me to previous threads that I may have missed.
Very confused on scanners/code readers
- Thread starter MassNHVan
- Start date
Ivan Borisovich
Well-known member
You can go with ThinkDiag or Launch X431 Elite 2.0 Pro for Mercedes.
LAUNCH X431 Elite 2.0 Pro Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner Fit for Mercedes-Benz MB Sprinter Maybach,2024 Full System Diagnostic Scan Tool, All Reset Service, ECU Coding, Auto Vin, Lifetime F-Ree Update https://a.co/d/ikM7QmZ
AP200 is not on par with the 2 I mentioned above.
LAUNCH X431 Elite 2.0 Pro Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner Fit for Mercedes-Benz MB Sprinter Maybach,2024 Full System Diagnostic Scan Tool, All Reset Service, ECU Coding, Auto Vin, Lifetime F-Ree Update https://a.co/d/ikM7QmZ
AP200 is not on par with the 2 I mentioned above.
I ordered the Launch and seems pretty intuitive. Did the system updates, health check and emailed results to myself. A few things showed up but nothing looked major - haven't even bothered trying to review with dealer service department since I don't have any check engine light on. We will see what happens when I actually do get a check engine.
PoliteGesture
New member
Hey everyone,
Thank you for always helping me.
I'm considering purchasing a diagnostic tool for my 2013 Mercedes-Benz S350 W221 with the OM642 TurboDiesel BlueTec 4MATIC engine. I need a scanner that can:
Does anyone have experience with either of these scanners on similar vehicles? Also, if anyone knows of any ongoing promotions or discounts, I'd love to hear about them.
I noticed @Ivan Borisovich often provides great insights—any thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Thank you for always helping me.
I'm considering purchasing a diagnostic tool for my 2013 Mercedes-Benz S350 W221 with the OM642 TurboDiesel BlueTec 4MATIC engine. I need a scanner that can:
- Manually regenerate the DPF
- Troubleshoot and reset codes for SRS, DEF, EGR, SCR, etc.
- Perform Stage 1 ECU tuning
- Program additional key fobs
- Be compatible with future vehicles (possibly Toyota)
- LAUNCH X431 PAD V Car Diagnostic Scanner – Offers comprehensive diagnostics, J2534 ECU programming, bi-directional control, and over 50 service functions. Supports DPF regen and key programming.
- LAUNCH X431 PRO5 – Provides OE-level diagnostics, J2534 ECU programming, and supports DPF regen with bi-directional control.
Does anyone have experience with either of these scanners on similar vehicles? Also, if anyone knows of any ongoing promotions or discounts, I'd love to hear about them.
I noticed @Ivan Borisovich often provides great insights—any thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Ivan Borisovich
Well-known member
You want to spend $200 on a scanner that can do keys and stage 1 on your S350? Be realistic!!! Why did you link the $200 scanners but you changed the names of the links with higher end Launch scanners? Looks like you are confusing yourself on purpose.
Launch X431 Pad V Elite - J2534
LAUNCH X431 PAD V Elite, J2534 Protocol Tool, ECU Coding, Online Coding, Topology Map, Full Diagnostic Tool with CANFD/DOIP, Bi-Directional Control, 60+ Services,HD Truck https://a.co/d/10X9JXy
Launch X431 Pro 5
LAUNCH X431 PRO 5 Scan Tool: 2025 J2534 Reprogramming Tool, ECU Online Coding, Topology Mapping, Upgraded of X431 V+, Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scanner, with SmartLink C CANFD & DOIP, 2 Years Update https://a.co/d/hO9Wsdb
None of these scanners can do tunes/stages. As far as key/fob for a 2013 S350, additional Launch programmer is needed and it depends on what drive authorization your vehicle has. Does your car have a FBS3 or FBS4 drive authorization? If it is FBS4, dealer only. No aftermarket solution is available yet.
Launch Key Programmer that works with Pro 5 and Pad V.
LAUNCH X431 X-PROG3 Advanced Scan Tool with EEPROM Adapter,for X431 V/V+,PRO3S+,Pro3,Pro5 and PAD III/PAD V,etc. https://a.co/d/ga9CVjO
Launch X431 Pad V Elite - J2534
LAUNCH X431 PAD V Elite, J2534 Protocol Tool, ECU Coding, Online Coding, Topology Map, Full Diagnostic Tool with CANFD/DOIP, Bi-Directional Control, 60+ Services,HD Truck https://a.co/d/10X9JXy
Launch X431 Pro 5
LAUNCH X431 PRO 5 Scan Tool: 2025 J2534 Reprogramming Tool, ECU Online Coding, Topology Mapping, Upgraded of X431 V+, Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scanner, with SmartLink C CANFD & DOIP, 2 Years Update https://a.co/d/hO9Wsdb
None of these scanners can do tunes/stages. As far as key/fob for a 2013 S350, additional Launch programmer is needed and it depends on what drive authorization your vehicle has. Does your car have a FBS3 or FBS4 drive authorization? If it is FBS4, dealer only. No aftermarket solution is available yet.
Launch Key Programmer that works with Pro 5 and Pad V.
LAUNCH X431 X-PROG3 Advanced Scan Tool with EEPROM Adapter,for X431 V/V+,PRO3S+,Pro3,Pro5 and PAD III/PAD V,etc. https://a.co/d/ga9CVjO
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PoliteGesture
New member
Hi @Ivan Borisovich,
Thanks again for your detailed response and for pointing out the confusion with the links. I appreciate your patience and expertise. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience.
To clarify, I realize that expecting full ECU tuning and key fob programming for $200 isn’t realistic—my main goal is to find a diagnostic tool that can handle:
It seems the LAUNCH X431 Elite 2.0 PRO (AliExpress is selling it for $114.71) is still the best option, even though it doesn’t handle key fob programming.
I also found the KINGBOLEN store on AliExpress, which lists various scanners. If you have time, could you take a look and let me know if any of the models there could meet my needs? Here’s the link: KINGBOLEN Official Store on AliExpress
As for the drive authorization system (FBS3 vs. FBS4), I’m in the process of confirming which one my vehicle has. Since my S350 is a 2013 model, I believe it’s likely FBS3 based on online resources. But I’ll double-check to avoid surprises.
At this point, I’m leaning toward the LAUNCH X431 Elite 2.0 PRO unless you have other suggestions for cost-effective ECU tuning solutions.
Really appreciate your insights!
Thanks again for your detailed response and for pointing out the confusion with the links. I appreciate your patience and expertise. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience.
To clarify, I realize that expecting full ECU tuning and key fob programming for $200 isn’t realistic—my main goal is to find a diagnostic tool that can handle:
- DPF regeneration
- Clearing/resetting codes (SRS, DEF, EGR, SCR)
It seems the LAUNCH X431 Elite 2.0 PRO (AliExpress is selling it for $114.71) is still the best option, even though it doesn’t handle key fob programming.
I also found the KINGBOLEN store on AliExpress, which lists various scanners. If you have time, could you take a look and let me know if any of the models there could meet my needs? Here’s the link: KINGBOLEN Official Store on AliExpress
As for the drive authorization system (FBS3 vs. FBS4), I’m in the process of confirming which one my vehicle has. Since my S350 is a 2013 model, I believe it’s likely FBS3 based on online resources. But I’ll double-check to avoid surprises.
At this point, I’m leaning toward the LAUNCH X431 Elite 2.0 PRO unless you have other suggestions for cost-effective ECU tuning solutions.
Really appreciate your insights!
Last edited:
I decided to buy a Launch Creader Elite V2.0 instead of renewing the annual subscription on the Thinkdiag. Seems more convenient for having on road trips where phone reception can be sketchy, not to mention no more dipping into my pocket each year for updates. But oh my gosh that Launch is slow. Are you all experiencing the same thing?
vreihen
🇺🇸 2014 NCV3 170" cargo with OM651
It seems about the same speed as Thinkdiag2 on my burner Android phone that I purchased just to run TD2. If you are referring to annoying waits while the scanner communicates with the Sprinter's controllers, that is just the nature of the communications bus. For example, it takes over a minute to read the config from my NCV3's instrument cluster.....
Kajtek1
1922 Ford T. No OBD
When I did not have to use scanners for some time (knock on the wood) the $49 HP/AP200 did very nice troubleshooting when my 2.1 had HP fuel pump failure.
Seems that on newer scanner subscription cost more, than scanner purchase, so review your option carefully.
I also have MaxiEcu, who is very advanced scanner, but European oriented, so newer US models are not included.
Having newer Land Rover, I ordered newer MaxiEcu for $160 as my 10 yo model (with cable) would not cover newer models.
ME offers free lifetime updates, what is heck of the difference.
Seems that on newer scanner subscription cost more, than scanner purchase, so review your option carefully.
I also have MaxiEcu, who is very advanced scanner, but European oriented, so newer US models are not included.
Having newer Land Rover, I ordered newer MaxiEcu for $160 as my 10 yo model (with cable) would not cover newer models.
ME offers free lifetime updates, what is heck of the difference.
filmcan99
Well-known member
Hello Ivan,
I want to get the Launch Creader scan tool for my 2020 VS30 907 Sprinter. But I am seeing 3 different (but similar) Creader tools on Amazon. I want to get the most versatile DIY scan tool. If possible, I also want to be able to do variant coding for the J51 fuel gauge algorithm (on a VS30). Does anyone know the difference between the following three Creader tools?
Amazon.com: LAUNCH X431 Creader Elite 2.0 BBA OBD2 Car Scanner for BMW/Mercedes-Benz/VW/Audi/Maybach/Mini/RollsRoyce, Full System Bidirectional Scan Tool, ECU Coding, Full Reset Services, Lifetime Free Update : Automotive
Buy LAUNCH X431 Creader Elite 2.0 BBA OBD2 Car Scanner for BMW/Mercedes-Benz/VW/Audi/Maybach/Mini/RollsRoyce, Full System Bidirectional Scan Tool, ECU Coding, Full Reset Services, Lifetime Free Update: Code Readers & Scan Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Ivan Borisovich
Well-known member
1 and 2 from the top are the best out of the 3 options you posted.
Has anyone here used the Launch X431 PROS Elite?
I’m considering picking one up and wanted to see if anyone has real-world experience with it—specifically on a VS30 Sprinter.
I’m considering picking one up and wanted to see if anyone has real-world experience with it—specifically on a VS30 Sprinter.
- Does it communicate well with all modules?
- Any limitations with coding or bidirectional functions?
- Overall reliability on Mercedes systems?
vreihen
🇺🇸 2014 NCV3 170" cargo with OM651
Your success with any third-party scan tool on a VS30 is currently dependent on the model year. MB began locking down a lot of stuff in the last two years for hacker/security reasons, so you can't get a home mechanic grade scanner that does everything on those models without stepping up to the professional models with expensive subscriptions for authorization via the MB mothership.....