Which scanner can diagnose 1999 Mercedes E430 W210?

Topic:

looking for an inexpensive diagnostic scanner to troubleshoot a 1999 E430 W210

(as well as other older Mercedes models with 38-PIN round diagnostic socket).

Working experience:

I recently purchased an Autel MD808 Pro under the belief that it could, among other things, clear the “Service Engine Soon” instrument cluster readout on any Mercedes with OBD II. Per Autel Tech Department it can clear codes/instrument cluster readouts through the OBDII port…but only for years ’08 and newer, which I (frustratingly) discovered AFTER I had purchased and attempted to use it.

I saw there is a “Autel 38 Pin OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner Adapter Connector Cable for Mercedes Benz” their own product. So i want to find out if it will work with the DS808 Pro in all claimed capabilities.

 It’s confirmed. There is no way to interface the 38 pin connector to the OBD II 16-pin connector with an “inexpensive” Autel scanner.

According to said tech department, there is NO ADAPTER that can be used to interface the MD808 Pro to the 38-pin connector. For that matter, the technician intimated that the tool that Autel produced that COULD interface and clear the instrument cluster readout was a >$4K model. That’s way to expensive for me.

The technician further explained that the ’99 Mercedes was a little ahead of its time, having BOTH the 38-pin connector found under the hood in the fuse box and the OBD II port under the dash. From what I understand, the OBD II port will allow the reading of ENGINE-specific data…but just about any inexpensive OBD II scanner can do that.

If there is an inexpensive scanner that can read ALL the data/systems AND clear the instrument cluster readouts, I would be interested in hearing about it/them.

Obdii365.com recommendation:

Anyone who buys those $4 to $10 OBD2 to 38-pin adapter cables and expect to access all the modules is dreaming.

You need Mercedes special diagnostic scan tools.

1). Foxwell NT520 with Benz software pre-loaded + 38 PIN connector

This 38-PIN multiplexer adapter allows you to connect your Mercedes equipped with the older, round 38 PIN connector to a compatible Foxwell NT520 PRO diagnostic tool.

Foxwell NT644 Pro and GT80 with 38-PIN adapter certainly will do, but they are out of price range.

NT520 Pro Mercedes Benz model list:
A Class: 168 , 169 , 176
AMG GT: 190
B Class: 245 , 242/246
C Class: 202*(As of 06/97), 203 , 204 , 205
CL Class: 140*, 215 , 216
CLA Class: 117
CLC Class: 203
CLK Class: 208*, 209
CLS Class: 218 , 219
E Class: 210*(As of 03/97), 207 , 211 , 212
G Class: 461 , 463
GL Class: 164 , 168 , 166
GLA Class: 156
GLC Class: 253
GLE Class: 292, 166
GLK Class: 204
M Class: 163 , 164 , 166 , 292
Maybach Class: 240
R Class: 251
S Class: 140*, 220 , 221 , 222 , 217
SL Class: 129*(As of 09/99), 230 , 231
SLC Class : 172
SLK Class: 170(up to 2001)*, 170(after 2001) , R 171 , R 172
SLS Class: 197
SLR Class: Series 199

 

 

Check: Foxwell-nt520-benz-function-list.pdf 

2). MB Star SD Connect C4/SD Connect C5 multiplexer 

If you want to access ALL the modules for your car, a MB Star C3 /C4/C5 clone is a way to go.

 All MB SD control units are accessible, like engine ECU, ABS, Airbags, SRS, Aircon, Immobilizer, Keyless Entry and the rest of 40+ control units used in MB cars. You can Read / Delete Faults, Live Data, perform sensor actuation, read current configuration, initialization and a lot more.

All MB from late 80’s to 99 = HHT-WIN

All MB from 2001 to 2009 = DAS

All MB from 2010+ = Xentry

The latest MB star diagnostic system is compatible with HHT-WIN software for old Mercedes troubleshooting.

Related article: HHT-WIN Manual: Vehicles & Modules Support, SW Install, Reviews

3).

Some people use Delphi system for old Mercedes. i.e I use it on a 1998 E320, and I can access Engine computer, Transmission Control Unit, Instrument Cluster, Restraint System, Ignition (EIS), Climate Control, ABS/BAS, but it will not read body control modules, like SAM, PSE, door control modules, lower/upper console modules etc. This is good enough for me.

If you need the delphin system, please contact us via PM.

Disclaimer:

Parts of Mercedes owners prefer icarsoft scanners.  iCarsoft MB II is the fact that it will not work on older models past 1993. It will not work on models that require a 38 pin connector such as the E 320 and CLK 430. In these models it can only read the ECU (check engine light). You also want to skip MB i980 which can only do ECU and SRS / Airbag diagnostic.

http://blog.obdii365.com/2019/05/28/inexpensive-diag-scanners-for-1998-1999-mercedes/

MB Star Xentry retrofits and modifications review

I bought a mb star diagnosis and Xentry.
I have already retrofitted several times in my cars the Comand.

You can do several modifications.


Remaining liters, tank contents, remaining liter display, date in the instrument cluster (164, 251, 171, 211, 203, 209, 219, 230)


AMG menu in the AI ​​(all)


AMG menu in NTG5 Comand (all)


Turn off the Gurtwarner (all)


Adjusting the beacons (204, X204, 212, 207)


SBC brake read the actuations and of course reset the counter and clear the EEPROM reached for service threshold. (211, 219, 230)


M mode (204, 218, 219, 211, 212, 207, others on request.)


Vehicle dynamics package (204, 218, 212, 207, others on request.)


Closing confirmation (212, 204 Mopf, 218 and all m EDW)


display various pictograms in the AI, pre-glow indication in the AI ​​and attachment note as picture (164, 171, 251, 211, 203, 209, 219, 230)


Unlock cornering light (depending on models 203, 164, 212, 218, 245, 211, 204, 230, 169, 171 etc.)


Radio lag, the radio / COMAND remains off after removing the ignition key for a few seconds. (all types)


KI reprogram brake instead of brake symbol (all models)


activate various comfort functions (all)


Enabling Bluetooth Audio on the Audio 20 (212, 207, 218)


Warning signal with engaged R (some models eg 212/207/218)


Pointer wiping at start (AI) (some models eg 231/172/246/176/166)


Curvmatic (NTG1 211, 230, 220, 219)


DVD and TV activation while driving (some models via software, NTG1 211, 230, 220, the rest per module)


Activating reversing camera (NTG 2 (only 164) / NTG 2.5 / NTG 3 / NTG3.5 / NTG 4 / NTG4.5 / NTG4.7 / NTG5)


Program daytime running lights, (special 204/212/218) Speedometer lights on for all KIs in conjunction with side lights


Programming the footwell lighting, brighter, (spec 204, 212, 207, 218)


Cancellation of the Vmax limitation with some model (eg 204, 212, 207, 218, 216, 221, etc. USA and AMG engines, also 220 CDi)
New software also newer models possible !!!


Coding for conversions, even those Mercedes does not release, Comand USA / ECE swap.


US-COMAND NTG 4 and 4.5 imported in the W204 / 212 from the US to ECE.


Mapcodes / Mapcodes for all NTG 4.5 a. NTG 5.


Modification US-Meilentacho on ECE scale, incl. Coding. At 164, X164 u. 251 pure coding on Km.


Air conditioning fan indicator (all with LCD climate indicator)


Permanent activation of tacho lighting (all vehicles with 3-tube tacho with color display)


Permanently deactivate ECO (start / stop) (all vehicles with ECO)


Learning to use second-hand tachos with Assyst also possible modifications. (all)



Increasing the volume of the radio and after-running of the radio (NTG 2.5, NTG 4, NTG 3, NTG 4.5)


Parktronic warning tone in the yellow area (only new models eg W212 / 207/218/176/246/231/222/172)


Lower Airmatic (all)


Encoding of the SAM in the 204 / X204 / 221 when retrofitting the MOPF rear lights, without replacing the SAMs

Helfe also in the search and correction of errors.


All functions are tested and can be removed at any time.


Some retrofit pictures attached:

https://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/mb-sd-connect-compact-4-star-diagnosis.html

Benz eCOM DoIP and SD connect C4 Comparison

Look here: What’s the difference between Benz eCOM DoIP diagnostic tool and MB Star diagnostic SD connect c4 multiplexer?

Mercedes diagnostic tool	eCOM DoIP	SD connect C4
Image
Price	899	469
Software compatibility
Xentry	Yes, Xentry 03.2019	Yes, Xentry 05.2019
DAS	No	Yes, DAS 05.2019
Vediamo	Yes	Yes
DTS Monano	Yes	Yes
EPC	Yes	Yes, EPC 11.2018
WIS	Yes	Yes, WIS 11.2018
SDmedia	Yes	Yes
HHT-WIN	No	Yes
Star Finder	Yes	Yes, Star Finder 2008 & 2016
Price List (PL)	No	Yes, PL73
Functionality
Diagnosis	Yes	Yes
Online programming	Yes	Yes
Offline programming	No	Yes
Online SCN coding	Yes	Yes You should pay for SCN coding
Protocol compatibility
CAN1 (high speed)	Yes	Yes, CANBUS
CAN2 (high/low speed)	Yes	Yes, CANBUS
K-Line	Yes	Yes
USD		Yes
LIN	Yes	No
Ethernet DoIP	Yes	No
KL15	Yes	No
Vehicle coverage	Newest vehicles Only (after 2009 – w204 and up) Serial 200xxx Special for DoIP programming on the latest E and S series. Perfect for Mercedes COMAND NTG5, NTG5s1, NTG5s2, NTG5.5 flashing/programming	Car, Bus, Truck, Sprint, Smart 1989-2019

In summary,

New car: eCom DoIP
eCom – laboratory\development tool. Most cheap and light. Can’t be used with DAS\HHT vehicles. Need luck with kline communication. Need to be specially setup on any diag sw installation.

Normal: Clone SDConnect C4SDConnect – workshop\robust tool. Most universal in use. The only limitation is kline communication in Vediamo from ver5* Easy to setup. In most cases work as is.

Good to know:

Actia eCOM DoIP Box Multiplexer Kit supports DoIP for the latest E and S series, and it’s perfect for Mercedes COMAND NTG5, NTG5s1, NTG5s2, NTG5.5

ECOM is the diagnostic and swipe communication interface used by daimler-benz’s production and r&d department. It supports the after sales diagnostic software Xentry, Vediamo, and the Monaco DTS, the exclusive development software, with higher access rights than SDconnect (C4).

ECom supports the CAN/DoIP network, which CAN be used for the diagnosis and brushing of new car audio and video entertainment systems. Vediamo for Mercedes engineers is an engineering software used by Mercedes engineers to develop diagnostic software, that is, Xentry and DAS now in use is developed based on Vediamo and delivered to general after-sales dealers. For this reason, using the Mercedes super engineering version is open to all diagnosis /coding/retrofit/flashing programming features. It is possible to add or reduce SA codes freely without going through VEDOC(the process of the original factory applying for modifying the equipment code), so as to achieve the purpose of modifying the vehicle equipment, such as adding SA500 electric rearview mirror.

Xentry and DAS Developer mode, commonly known as: exploit data engineering version after 2010, has added many restrictions on functions. Therefore, people may encounter that the vehicle version is too new to enter the control unit, or they cannot make any special modifications after entering the control unit. For example, the w204/212 2012 meter may need to be configured in the regional language, or turn on other convenience functions.

The database of diagnosis /coding/retrofit/flashing for the Mercedes engineer version USES the Xentry database, so the Mercedes engineer version is dependent on the Xentry version. As long as the database is new, the Mercedes engineer version can use the V4.00 version on the new model, and compact3 & SDconnect does not support the ODX document. The latest V5.00 supports ODX files with eCom. It is recommended to use eCom with DoIP function, which is faster and more stable.

http://www.obdii365.com/service/benz-ecom-doip-vs-sd-connect-c4.html