I happened across a review on YouTube and it sounds like a nice tool (it’s not bidirectional)....

TOPDON ArtiDiag800BT OBD2 Scanner Wireless All Systems Scan Tool, 28 Maintenance Services Free Lifetime Software Upgrade Android 10.0 Diagnostic Car Scanner for DIY, DIFM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TR5PS5V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4SYSFZ96F55T4S72RE8E

 

IDK, but I'd sure like an update on what OBD2 scanner/diag to use. So many out there that all do different things and some read more than others when it comes to Crossfires. I tried an Innova 5512 yesterday and returned it. It read my Crossfire VIN and wouldn't read half the systems advertised, and since it reads and checks according to VIN I couldn't force it to check for SLK320 systems which I understand will allow more checks. I'm at a complete loss.

 

I just bought a Launch X431. Its flat out overkill for most people especially at $900 but it does about anything I would ever want a scanner for.

Ive been trying to find something it wont work with and so far its won out. F250 diesel (very few scanners will even see it), bmw, crossfire, c4 corvette, etc.

 

Eep, $900 does sound a bit steep. I would expect it to reset my TPMS for that price. 😉

Back on topic, I’ve looked at the Autel & Innova scanners and the reviews are a mix of great or “it’s a rip-off” for the same tool. I’ve decided that bidirectional would be helpful and I want to see real-time data and have access to the code database (you have to subscribe for the ones that I looked at). We have a mix of cars from a 2003 Toyota truck, a 2005 “GMC” Saturn Vue, a 2022 Hyundai Kona and the Crossfire.

Any suggestions are always appreciated. I did try the $99 plug in using your phone variety, but, they stopped supporting real time data and bidirectional support. It took forever to connect and I never made it to the point of reading codes. My budget is somewhere between $300 & $500, depending on the features.

 

Once I get done with the radio upgrade Im doing this week Im going to do a test to see just what all my foxwell can really do with the crossfire. It seems to do a good bit but I havent had time to really test it all the way.

Ive got a few different scanners so I can see which ones can do what and I'll make a list of features each claims it can do. The only drawback is Im only willing to go as far as what it can see. Since there is nothing wrong with my car I dont intend to mess it up trying to program stuff

I'll use the X431 as a reference to see what the lower end scanners can see/claim to be able to do vs it.

Lets hope the foxwell stacks up ok since dollar for dollar its a good solution for most people especially at its sub $200 price.

 

Have you had a chance to do any testing? I’m very interested to find a good scan tool that doesn’t cost me a ton of money.

Thanks,
- Brian

 

My foxwell reads it but I havent done much else with it. You have to set it to mercedes software.

 

If you purchase the Foxwell in years past you could get two downloads for it for the initial cost. After that you can add more programs for up to I believe four makes on the one scan tool. That may help you with some of the other makes/models of cars you have. The Foxwell when scanning A Crossfire goes thru something like 25 system ( scanning as a Mercedes R170), but it can only find 18 or something like that when used on a Crossfire as the systems are different between the two cars. I have no idea what it can or can't find in the way of the roadsters roof; I would think the SLK hard top and the Crossfires rag top are different switch and hydraulically. I also have a 2005 CLK 500 and the Foxwell works really well with it, scanning something like 39 systems. Don't get the Chrysler down load as it is useless with the Crossfire; use the Mercedes. The Foxwell is a lot of tool for the money, but nothing like a DRB III emulator if you can figure out how to get that to work it seems to be the best, for the least amount of money.

 

I agree the DRB 3 emulator is the best deal but sometimes it gives you a code that doesn't tell you anything useful/helpful. I would say a DRB 3 emulator and an Autel 802 would be the most economical combo.