Nope, not for R170, don't waste your money IT will waste your time and more money

 

No, don't say that @Dave2302, I was going to try and sell him mine!!!!

PS I have now sold mine. I must add that customer service from Foxwell is very very good.

 

@Dave2302 you are correct when pointing the best tool!
However the question was decent tool.
Plus USA market has OBD|| on 1998 edition of r170. I guess 2002 USA is "advanced" technology compared to 1996-2000 EU/UK edition.
I am not willing to be rude or anything, how many USA market cars you have been working on?
And another factor that people do not take into consideration (example only) one handheld device(fox*something) Vs laptop, chargers, boxes, cables, patience, knowledge, time...

SO 142$ is not tooooooooo expensive, but does not guarantee "job done" compared to SDS is my final answer, as a consumer!

On the same foot 10$ OBD|| Bluetooth dongle could do the same*
*as a side note on OBD||, my cheap blue small thing for 3.50£ was able to clear many errors. That applies for BMW, TOYOTA and MB-ECU.

 

Plus USA market has OBD|| on 1998 edition of r170.

I know fine well that OBD you are referring to only reads the engine ECU very basic codes and data, the UK Cars had that too ..............
As for the other circa 13 modules, no dice I'm afraid !! SDS is the only .............................................

Please feel free to prove me wrong tho .................................................

 

I guess it boils down to what the OP is hoping to accomplish with his "decent" tool.

Maybe @Michael Dee can provide some of the issues (ie DTC's) that he is experiencing (if any) and the experts can advise further.

 

Thanks for the advice. Just window shopping, as of right now I don't have any problems or concerns. Bottom line, if I am having a problem that exceeds limits of a handheld unit, off to the shop I go to let the pros have at it. Keeps the economy moving.

 

Maybe worth posting the following, where some of the positive aspects of the Foxwell have been noted

Foxwell nt520 pro R170 1997.

Been searching around for a few mth now. A few say foxwell nt520 pro works on 38 pin odb on a R170 1997 230 comp. Most of the readers i have tested only read ecu and nothing more. The only product that can read R170 BEFORE 2000 is Mercedes own star system. Does anyone have any knowledge...

www.slkworld.com

and

'98 SLK 230 P0600 P1747 P1605 B1041 (O), CEL, SRS...

I'm trying to get this car running after I got it last summer after having sat for a few years. The car drives fine, but the ABS system is not working (no pulsing on loose gravel braking) and I get a bunch of dash lights and codes, as mentioned in title. It seems to shift ok - no limp mode. It...

www.slkworld.com

 

I read through the Wikipedia pages on OBD again in the light of various comments. One point emerges is that OBD2 required the diagnostic port to be within 2 feet of the steering wheel. Bearing in mind this was introduced in the States, it explains why my German 1997 SLK only had a cut out in the under dash panel for a connector and why it is reported that some US models had both the 38 pin and the normal connector fitted. The other thing of course is that it seems only 8 pins were/are specified as part of the OBD2 set and other pins can be used by manufacturers as they wish.
Certainly likely to add to the confusion

PS I've just looked at a circuit for a US model 230K. 38 pin connector and OBD both present. 38 pin has about 15 pins connected and the OBD just 4, so it complies with US regs at that date.

 

Hi Dave, I have a R170, where do I get an sds ?

 

Read this?

SDS Buying Advice, (very long but lots of answers to...

This is a very long post, I have given consideration to trying to trim it, but tbh as SDS can be a minefield when considering buying, I feel it is well worth a member looking for the kit to read all of it, as there are so many answers to common questions in this post !! It would be a good idea...

www.slkworld.com

 

Current advice post #45 onwards :-

BAS ESP Light

Hi I have a 2001, 230 6 speed manual that I keep at my holiday home in southern France which has now got its BAS/ESP light on. This came on whilst driving back from its MOT, it goes out when I turn off the ignition, but comes on every time I reach around 10mph. I have done the following :- A...

www.slkworld.com

I will link in @i860 as he is the Guru to set it all up software wise

 

So i go to the local auto electrician for a small fault . He has a Launch , which is a step above mr foxwell , being a retro copy of sds , blackmarket but widely advertised and accepted . He says glitch fixed and codes cleared . But hello some modules are not reset , so the merc man turns up and a half hour later his xentry sds has reset everything and look at the codes he will clear to finish the job . I show the local AE the findings , he is a bit upset that his beloved Launch isn't practical on an R170.

 

Yes Launch X431 is a very good machine, I'm guessing around 26 years ago it was the first machine I had at my Transmission Rebuilding firm.

Later. with the advent of the Electronic Transmissions we got SDS because we had to.

Launch is good, but SDS it is not

 

C4 SD Connect Multiplexer with full lead set, you don't need DOIP, but either works so if a DOIP one is cheaper go with that. Buy from Ali Express.

DO NOT BUY the HDD / SSD (software) from China.

@i860 is the guru, regarding Software install, take his advice re laptop and software etc.

 

For my '01 SLK320 I use Torque Pro and a $12 mini (to clear knees) BT dongle from AZ. Can perform a Mode $06 test and send email from phone.
For in depth scanning I use an Autel Diaglink with the Benz module also from AZ (note coupon). Can send saved results to a PC. Was able to trouble shoot a BAS/ESP issue down to Brake Pressure Sensor #1.

 

For in depth scanning I use an Autel Diaglink with the Benz module also from AZ

Hi,

Can you please tell me, when you do a full Car scan, how many computers (ECU's Modules call 'em what you will) do you see ?

 

Hoo boy, I'd have to count them but a Whole Bunch of modules in Powertrain, Body, HVAC, Chassis, and a couple of other groups. Each can display the module identification, codes, erase codes, and live data. Each code is given as a Base code and then sub-codes identifying the specific code.

For example Bas/ESP was on. "C1141-8 MIL ON & Stored & Current
Pressure sensor :Zero point offset error of component B34/1 (ESP pressure sensor 1)"

Replaced pressure sensor 1 ($18) and light is now off. Actually was a bunch of codes mostly pointing to sensor 1. Replaced and all codes went away.

Also gave:
Control unit ESP
MB number 193 545 01 32
Supplier Teves
Hardware status 33/02
Software status 33/02
Diagnosis identifier 128/5
Date of manufacture 15.09.03

Tried many but never found better that could also connect and download to a PC.

 

We are tallking R170 here (and the Chrysler version that we mustn't mention) ? Not later cars like R171 (or other OBD compliant cars 2004 up Fords, Chevys etc) ?

On Mercedes R170 I'd expect it to have ....

Motor ECU
ABS / ESP
SRS / Airbag
Transmission

I would be surprised, very surprised if it got ATA, PSE, CCM, Audio, VR, ICM, Audio and a few others I can't think of now, because I've never come across anything that can emulate HHT
I actually evaluate new machines for a local motor parts wholesaler, so I get to see all sorts and always try them on R170, W638 and any other old MB's I might have laying around waiting on parts

I came across this before with iCs and R170, an owner was seeing a list of modules but could not get any data out of most of them (i.e. fault codes / live data / actuations etc) that guy had assumed that was because there were no faults, when in actual fact the list was just a list, but no connection to the actual modules

May be worth you checking if you can get any temperature info for HVAC, door switches in ATA, stuff like that

IDK, like I say, just curious

 

Is not Torque Pro more so for Displaying your cars performance ,temp blah blah on your Mobile phone while driving as well as if it can read codes but debatable if it will clear many ?
a very basic basic diag and well for £4.95 App 😱😱
Prob the only nice function is to Display your cars revs, temp , Oil pressure in multitude of random Colours or layouts .

£4.95 mmmmm
My Diagnostic case costs more than that. 😎😎

 

I have both, '01 SLK320 and an '04 (early) unmentionable coupe. For both I must select SLK/SLK320/LHD/6 pin. Both read the same modules (many). Pretty sure I've seen ones you mentioned. Was looking at door locks and got this:
Ecu Ver Name Ecu Ver Value
Control unit RFL
MB number 170 820 18 26
Supplier Siemens
Hardware status 47/00
Software status 22/01
Diagnosis identifier 0 / 1

Read Codes
B1000 Stored&Current
N54/3 (Radio DAS control module)

System Status
Ecu Ver Name Ecu Ver Value
MIL Status OFF
Codes Found 0
Monitors N/A 1
Monitors OK 3
Monitors INC 6

101 Tml.30 -Y-
102 RF/IR transmitter key last 8
used
103 Transponder amplitude 23.51 v
104 Partial scopes of version YES
coding inhibited
105 Writing vehicle ident nember YES
inhibited
106 Workshop proramming inhibited YES

 

BTW I collect scanners and have both Torque Pro for quick and dirty & parameter display while driving. My go to scanner is an Autel Diaglink with the Benz module (note $10 coupon) that does more internal modules than I can count (think full list is on Autel's web site). And an Autel MS-906 but prefer the DiagLink. Also have some PC based scanners including the MicroPod. Am thrying to find out if my Carly for Mercedes covers R170 now but have been communicating since 23 Feb (at least 10 emails) and verified I have a license but so far have failed to receive needed credentials.

 

I net you cant connect it to 170


Now An Autel 906 Model is a great little machine and improving on each newer model that gets released every year ,

 

This is what I got after doing my due diligence. I have little knowledge and fewer tools BUT it has helped ME resolve some issues (ie repairs that I could do) and gave me some idea about what's wrong before I took it to the shop.

At $140 CDN, it allowed me "pretty good" access on 3 rides so far (one "free" s/w download and $10 per mfg after that (covers all lines sold so all MB or all Honda or etc)

Will it work with an 2002 R170? Dunno but probably. It does work with a 2003 civic so ........

 

And that may very well be true but it gives OP an idea of cost he can expect not to go below

 

True but 906 depends on wireless. Only have because was free. My DiagLink downloads directly to PC. Also 906 subscription is $500. Since my new car is a 2012 and go back from there, $88 Diaglink with Benz, Chrysler (Jeep), and GM modules (first free, others $10 ea) is a better choice for me.

 

Regarding the Autel, I thought it would be easier to ask them. Here is the reply. The download link does list the 38 pin socket model for the R170 and the modules it will access. (It's listed after the R171).
"It needs more vehicle details to check which device can work on your vehicle, so here we attached a coverage link for your reference, please click below link, then select a model and vehicle information to check what function the device can support:
Vehicle Coverage | AUTEL

Besides, Diaglink is a basic device, and there is no further development plan for it, if in need, it is suggested take other more advanced device into consideration, such as MX808S."

PS The MX808S is about the same price I paid for SDS...... which I have still to use in anger.....

 

Understand their position, they want to sell new products. As mentioned the MS-906 does everything for all cars and has a $$$ subscription available. If needed something newer for many lines then the ML629 would be my choice.
However since I have no desire for any car made after 2014 my Diaglink with 2018 Benz, GM, and Chrysler covers all of my OBD-2 cars.The current version is updated to 2023 (see link) and is still $88 with coupon and the Benz module.
BTW the MS-906 and the Diaglink both seem to have the same software for my SLK320. It is identical in setup and operation.

 

As mentioned the MS-906 does everything for all cars and has a $$$ subscription available

Only if they are OBD Compliant, it will not do all on R170 and similar tech Cars !!

 

Every Autel machine will do more or less more than its cheaper model as you go up the ladder and cost
try installing rear Electronic brake pads on diff Brand Cars for example or activate rear windows per side or test all rear light indicators on a SLK 171 or …..

All depends what you req it to do and you will always find it does not cover or reset x or code y module.

A cheap Diagnostic is well cheap for a reason as the ever evolving Car Electronics get more & more complicated.

Now give me Diagnostics to go in to Cars Electronic Electric car battery Banks . 😎😎

 

a) I also have the 38 pin adapter.
b) Guess you missed "I have no desire for any car made after 2014 "

 

Neither 38 pin nor the 16 pin R170 Cars are OBD Compliant. In plain English that means they do not speak the same computer language that the OBD Compliant Cars do !!

Therefore the Machine will never achieve everything that the serious DIY owner of a Mercedes car that is between 19 to 27 years old will want / need to do .......

Autel gear is very good stuff, I have Pro version, also Snap On and Delphi, but SDS they aren't !! Those that have bitten the SDS bullet will know what I mean, those that haven't probably won't be able to use it anyways, and if you have SDS then you will know what I mean.

Nowhere does it mention K Line protocol. Yes it is a good machine for OBD Compliant Cars, although, like a lot of items there are better.

I have wasted far too much of my valuable time on this, and many other posts period, end of, I'm done here !!