Launch x431 - are some of them even real? Kingbolen legitimacy?

Hello, I have been looking into scantools under 1k$, and have seemingly opened a can of worms with no end. What I have found so far is the best options in this "entry level pro range" are launch'es followed by autel's. Launch seems to be the more viable option with newer hardware (autel's look like legacy hardware with android versions of 4.xx and so forth as well as having poorer range on Euro's and less functions) while the newer Launch x431 V, Diagun V and Pro Mini seem to bee running on android 7.0-9.0. While still not exactly up to date, it does seem much better. The launch V 4.0(pro), Diagun V and Pro mini seem to have quite good functionality for the price as well as decent Euro coverage which is what I am after. The V+ seems like the best option as it seems to be able to connect with a truck module among other features, however onto the questions.

Are the V Pro 4.0, V+, Diagun V and Pro Mini even original versions? more specifically the ones currently on sale on kingbolen tools site. It seems to be one of the only semi-legit looking stores selling them in Europe, however there are still questions raised. I have seen posts on this forum about both the pro mini, and kingbolen store, however apart from one or two posts that's it.

Is the software used on these devices the same as on the ones currently on sale with official distributors? This is another thing I have noticed, is that if going by distributors in Europe that state they are official retailers, versions like the diagun, V or mini are no where to be seen, only having entry level launches (sub 200$) and higher level pro (1500-4000$) tools.

Will there be no problems activating, updating and using the software for a longer period of time? Problems mentioned on other forums of people buying clones of amazon and ebay (interestingly same verions in the kingbolen store are sold on both sites, only further raising questions of their legitimacy) and having their software not update or lock can be weird to say the least, especially when almost 1k$ is at stake.

What is the deal with the proposed 30% "discount" kingbolen claims to give you if you leave a review on amazon? This seems even more detering, as 30% of for example the Vpro is almost 250$, I can't imagine a single review on amazon would be worth losing what is probably their entire profit margin. This would bring the price down to an amount which is very highly suspicious.

Thanks in advance, any replies are greatly appreciated, as I don't seem to be the only one with these problems, however solid answers are slim to none.

Hey Entinker! I'll give you all the solid answers I have on owning a Launch. I got my Pro Mini from Kingbolen (via Amazon) in 2019. Been using it professionally ever since.

Hello, I have been looking into scantools under 1k$, and have seemingly opened a can of worms with no end.

Better get used to it! :lol: Aftermarket scan tools are a can of worms in general. But there's also a TON more selection now than there was 10 years ago, especially in the sub-$1000 market.

Will there be no problems activating, updating and using the software for a longer period of time?

Generally, no, I have not had any issues activating and getting software updates. Once activated, it's usually just a matter of hitting 'update' and having a solid WiFi connection. Updates are frequent and worth checking for regularly.

I've really only had two issues. One is the updates themselves. Sometimes it's a great thing, sometimes it's two steps backwards. :silly: I'll use the Nissan software as an example. For the first two years, the Launch had a big advantage over my other scan tools because the automatic vehicle ID function was lightning fast. From zero to a full vehicle scan in seconds. About a year ago, a new update rolled out and completely eliminated the auto ID function. In the case of Chrysler, the software has gone from almost unusable to a rock star!

The other issue is memory capacity. A few months ago I started getting updates cancelled because of insufficient space. Offloaded all the screenshots, scans and such. Didn't help that much. Had to go in and delete most of the Chinese makes (since I'll likely never see one) to free up enough space. Of course, that didn't solve the problem, it just postponed it.

What is the deal with the proposed 30% "discount" kingbolen claims to give you if you leave a review on amazon?

I couldn't say? Either they didn't have that program going when I bought mine, or I didn't know about it. :blush: I picked mine up during Black Friday and got a decent discount that way.

Are the V Pro 4.0, V+, Diagun V and Pro Mini even original versions?

Is the software used on these devices the same as on the ones currently on sale with official distributors?

I lumped these two together because, for me, it all circles back to the same issue. :silly: My (vague) understanding is that these products are not 'official' products. I've heard secondhand from other technicians that if you call up Launch USA about an issue with your Diagun V, they'll politely tell you to kick rocks. Again, not my experience.

Is the software the same? Generally yes. The shop I work at has an x-431 Pad II, which I believe is a genuine Launch product. Aside from some differences related to the hardware, the software is pretty much identical. Similar enough that I wouldn't be swayed one direction or the other.

For whatever it's worth, at this price point, I can make a couple other suggestions. The Autel MaxiCheck MX808 is a fantastic little scanner that's swinging way above its weight class. The MK808BT is similar. Last I knew they were selling on Amazon for about $500. It's definitely an older hardware platform, like you noted, but still comes packed with functionality.

If you're willing to step up in price, the Bosch ADS 525x is also great value. The integrated J-box is a BIG plus.

Thank you for your reply!

Better get used to it! :lol: Aftermarket scan tools are a can of worms in general. But there's also a TON more selection now than there was 10 years ago, especially in the sub-$1000 market.

Tell me about it haha, it seems like you have to get a degree in diagnostics to be able to purchase one without getting scammed.

The other issue is memory capacity. A few months ago I started getting updates cancelled because of insufficient space. Offloaded all the screenshots, scans and such. Didn't help that much. Had to go in and delete most of the Chinese makes (since I'll likely never see one) to free up enough space. Of course, that didn't solve the problem, it just postponed it.

The newer versions with android 9 do seem to have 32gb with expandability via I'm guessing microSD, so MAYBE that wouldn't be an issue.

I couldn't say? Either they didn't have that program going when I bought mine, or I didn't know about it. :blush: I picked mine up during Black Friday and got a decent discount that way.

Yeah, it's interesting (not necessarily in a good way though). They messaged me on FB with this offer of 30% refund via paypal if I were to leave a positive review with photos, but am quite unsure it would actually go through.

My (vague) understanding is that these products are not 'official' products. I've heard secondhand from other technicians that if you call up Launch USA about an issue with your Diagun V, they'll politely tell you to kick rocks.

Yeah, it is very interesting though, as I have found on one of the "official LAUNCH websites" here , the ones sold on amazon listed as "Online products" and the official ones sold at authorized dealers listed separately as "pro diagnostics". It's like they know about them, but don't fight, or are they simply made in a different factory or something? idk its interesting and the answer seems not to be for the mortals to know :lol:

The Autel MaxiCheck MX808 is a fantastic little scanner that's swinging way above its weight class. The MK808BT is similar. Last I knew they were selling on Amazon for about $500. It's definitely an older hardware platform, like you noted, but still comes packed with functionality.

I have looked into these devices too, and while they're suffering from clones is slightly lesser, they are slightly more poorly speced (atleast on paper), and (again on paper) lack some functions which the x431 platform provides. The MS906 I think it is seems to be the closest to x431 capability, however the price is quite a bit higher, as iirc the cheaper ones lack bi-directional controls.


Also, quite an important one to me is, what's the deal with the separately bought functions 99$ each? it seems the available functions range from 11 to 16 (i think) from the mini to the Pro3s+. Are these paid functions (iirc egr adaptation, windows calibration and such) needed for professional use, as in are they used commonly enough they pay for themselves?

Thank you again in advance, as finding viable info on this is again quite the task.

Entinker wrote:

Also, quite an important one to me is, what's the deal with the separately bought functions 99$ each? it seems the available functions range from 11 to 16 (i think) from the mini to the Pro3s+. Are these paid functions (iirc egr adaptation, windows calibration and such) needed for professional use, as in are they used commonly enough they pay for themselves?

Can you link me to the $99 functions you're seeing? I didn't know they had some kind of pay-per-test system going. :huh:

Can you link me to the $99 functions you're seeing? I didn't know they had some kind of pay-per-test system going. :huh:

Sure thing, it is said here about the pro mini "X431 Pro Mini scanning tool supports SAS/Brake/EGR/Oil/IMMO/Injector coding/TPMS/BMS/ABS exhaust/ETS/DPF/AFS/Gearbox learn/EGR/ Air level calibration(The last 4 need to be paid)" and here about the V4.0 "And equipped with 15 free reset functions, injector reset, IMMO, battery register, ABS bleeding, electronic throttle reset, DPF, gear learning, oil/EPB/TPMS/ AFS/EGR/gearbox/sunroof/SAS reset. 16 paid reset is EGR Adaption,A/F,Coolant Bleed,NOx Sensor,Seats Calibration,Transport Mode,Tyre Reset,Windows Calibration,AdBlue Rest,A/C relearn,Intelligent Cruise Control,ENG Power Balance Monitoring,Motor Angle Calibration,High Voltage Battery Diagnostics,GPF regeneration,Resrt Program."

There is also a youtube video comparing the Mini to the PRO3S+ here which showcases the difference in availability of purchasing these additional reset functions in the so called "Mall" app.

That's interesting. :huh: I'll check my Pro Mini when I get back to the shop on Monday. I've been to the Mall app several times and never saw an option to buy 'add on' functions...

Man isn't everything about these grey market Launches just "interesting" Okay thanks, if you can, glance at my previous reply with the list that kingbolen claims the current version Mini to have "free", and see how it compares to the reset functions available on yours. I wouldn't be too surprised they made more functions paid on recent versions, however that would be unfortunate in my case

Had a look at the Mall today. I explored all menus, and only found this option available:



$599. :ohmy: Almost the cost of the tool. I think I'll let this one lapse for now.

So if I understand correctly yours has all of the features listed in my previous reply free?

Entinker wrote:

So if I understand correctly yours has all of the features listed in my previous reply free?

I think so? :huh: I've never seen a prompt in the tool that said, "Hey, you want to do *really cool* button pressing? Pay $XXX and we'll let you!"

They may have changed that with newer generations of the same tool. In the case of the Pro Mini, I can say confidently that the hardware/tablet shown in that link you posted is not the same as the hardware/tablet I own. It's been updated since I bought mine.