There are four stages of diagnostics really...
A generic code reader from Ebay for £30 which will usually give very basic engine codes on all makes of cars but not cover other systems well or at all. For me near useless.
Then the £80-£150 make specific code reader (what I have for Mercedes, BMW & VAG) which usually cover all systems such as ABS, airbags, climate, gearbox and many many more in addition to engine. Plus they did deeper with regard to what the likely issues might be.
Then there is the indie mechanics pro version of such things... more tablet or PC based type gear costing into many hundreds and more.
Then the dealers top level stuff.
The "pocket" ones I have are iCarsoft and Foxwell.
This...www.gendan.co.uk/product_FXNT500.html
and this... www.icarsoft.com/web/icarsoftus/allproducts/benzscantools/2012/201212/20121228230032r1i3z_1.html
and this... www.icarsoft.com/web/icarsoftus/allproducts/bmwscantools/2012/201209/20120903132152wpq0p_1.html
They have proved invaluable for my DIY but even if you aren't going to do the work yourself it's nice having an idea where the problem might be when you take it into the dealer.
Last edited by: Fenlander on Wed 20 Sep 17 at 21:37
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