The best scanner for Mercedes-Benz

I want to start my own bussnies and focus on VAG and MB. Witch scanner should I choose? Is there some food alternatives to the original?

Regards Jan-Arne

I’ve been down that road myself. I mainly work on Mercedes and a few VAG cars, and like you, I didn’t want to go straight for the factory tools due to cost and complexity—especially when just starting out.

After trying a few options, I landed on the YOUCANIC full system scanner. It’s not an “original” factory tool like Xentry or ODIS, but it gets you deep access into nearly all the control modules on Mercedes and VAG cars without the subscription headaches. I’ve used it to scan and diagnose air suspension issues, roof faults, and transmission problems on MBs, and it’s handled VWs pretty well too—reading SRS, ABS, and other systems most generic tools miss.

What I really appreciated was that it’s beginner-friendly, but still powerful enough to use professionally. For someone starting a business, it hits the sweet spot between capability and cost.

Hope that helps, and good luck with your new venture!

I will be clear right out the gate that I do work with the company who distributes this tool. (iScan)

In terms of Benz the options are limited.

You can buy a pirated version of the Benz software from Ebay. This will allow you to have accurate fault code descriptions, guided fault finding, wiring diagrams, parts, and workshop information system repair information. The offline Xentry/DAS software will not allow you to do programming or coding.

The tool I work with is called the iScan3 or iScan NX by Autoland Scientech. While being a full fledged multi-car line scanner, its main focus is Euro. On top of being a scan tool, it allows people with the real Mercedes Xentry system to tie into the tool and provide programming for you through a service called Support on Demand. This also allows for remote programming on JLR/VAG/Porsche and a few random asian/domestic brands. The remote programming is an additional charge per case.

Autologic is another company who does use J2534 Xentry subscriptions, yet they are extremely limited.

Topdon and Autel also have remote programming services, however they pretty much hire people from overseas to work on your car with engineering type software like Vediamo or DTS Monaco.

iScan is easily the most viable option in terms of programming and coding replaced modules, or updating original modules.

Or of course you can spend $40k and get the real deal .

Cheers,
Connector