How to choose a car diagnostic tool & software

After years of research and money invested, I would like to share and describe my collection of hardware and software.

1. Genuine licensed Delphi DS150e Cars and Trucks: pretty much the main tester I use because of simplicity and fast response. Only tool suited for Iveco Daily.2. KTS540 licensed with ESI2.0 (One-time-purchase licence): I use it only on cars Delphi can't diagnose properly. Good on Euro5 onward cars, BMWs.3. Launch easydiag 2.0 activated PRO online: Always in my pocket for fast diagnosis, key programming on Ford, module configuration on Mercedes, diagnostic on latest Ford Mustang 5.0 and USA imports, suspension adaption on Range Rovers, Mercedes Sprinter. Not good for module reflash.

   4. Actia Multidiag XS 2G (2nd generation), currently with its base program (latest version v2018 43.51), it is a bit slower and the interface not that friendly like Delphi, but it is special because its passthru compatibility. I also use it via Passthru with:

• Mercedes-Benz Xentry Passthru 2018.12 (tested and sees all modules on X-klass 2018, works with DAS as well on older cars. The only way to diagnose this car among all my testers)
• Forscan
• SDD JLR (v156 current version)
• Toyota Techstream

5. OPCOM 2018 (Revision D+): powerful and cheap tool, covers cars until 2018.6. VCDS 18.2: for all VAG cars: encountered a UDS communication problem on a Passat B8 2.0 Bi-TDI7. Multiecuscan 3.9R1 with ELM327, mostly for Ducato euro5, but it works flawless on any Fiat, Alfa, even Suzuki SX4 1.9JTD etc. It covers dealer functions.

   8. VAS5054a and VAG CAN PRO: reflashed modules on VAG. VAS5054a can be used with Xentry Passthru.

   Every tool has its capability. For example, I can do full coding on PSA with Launch, I can do coding on Renault/Dacia with Actia, on Passat B8 Bi-TDI i could do function tests on AdBlue only with KTS. Delphi covers pretty much everything.

9. BMW INPA

I would suggest to purchase cheap leads from obdexpress.co.uk instead of trying to use pass through. That way you can use any of the many guides available on the internet. Also I believe the seller is selling the leads with software slightly modified to allow very easy installation.

The thing to note - for E series, earlier cars need pins 7+8 joined, while late E series need pins 7+8 separated. I bought my leads long time ago so I have 2 separate leads, however now you can purchase lead with switch to change this. Also you can use INPA with some F series models, but for that need ENET lead and need to modify a setting in a file. Both leads are available very cheap.

10. Nothing beat the factory equipment. All you ever need is:
    1). Launch scanner for quick functions
    2). Alldata/prodemand
    3). Factory software! Xentry, Ista, Odis, etc.

To be continued...

Enjoy.

Thanks to @AfXv237 (a member of mhhauto.com) for his sharing. 

www.obdexpress.co.uk