MB Medic Mercedes-Benz Repair Guides, Service, How To DIY
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Quick answer: The iCarsoft MB II reads and clears faults in most modules on 2000s Mercedes-Benz models and shows live data, but it cannot program, has very few service functions and has been replaced by the MB V4.0. For dealer style diagnosis with a topology map, AI fault analysis and 1,000+ special functions, the UCAN-II Pro is the stronger tool.
In this guide (9 sections)
Overview of iCarsoft Scanners
When this review was written in 2016, the iCarsoft scanners were capable troubleshooting tools with few reviews online, so we did an in-depth review of the iCarsoft MB II. The early models of the iCarsoft scanners such as the i910 for BMW, i930 LandRover /Jaguar and i980 for Mercedes-Benz have been around for a while and many of you loved these scanners. Now several more powerful, second-generation scanners are available from iCarsoft.
The iCarsoft OBD II diagnostic scanners provide in-depth diagnostic functionality that you can’t reach with simple OBD II or ELM 327 Bluetooth scanners. We reviewed the Mercedes-Benz version, designated as iCarsoft MB II, but iCarsoft scanners for other vehicle makes have similar functionality. A complete list of all iCarsoft scanners and corresponding make is provided below. While there was room for improvement, at its 2016 price it was a strong choice for a single make.
iCarsoft scanners provide troubleshooting of multiple systems such as transmission control unit, airbag control unit, ESP control unit, including the ECU, SRS, ABS and check engine light. We tested this scanner on one of the most technologically advanced cars of its time, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211. Our video on activating and deactivating the SBC brake system with it is further down the page.
iCarsoft scanners by vehicle make
- Audi / Volkswagen / Skoda >>> iCarsoft VAG II
- Porsche >>> iCarsoft POR II
- Ford / Holden >>> iCarsoft FD II
- LandRover / Jaguar >>> iCarsoft LR II
- Opel >>> iCarsoft OP II
- Citroen / Peugeot >>> iCarsoft CP II
- Fiat / Alfa Romeo >>>iCarsoft FT II
- Volvo / Saab >>> iCarsoft VOL II
- Toyota / Lexus / Scion /Isuzu >>>iCarsoft TYT II
- iCarsoft CR Plus ( 43 Vehicle Manufacturers) Includes: America: GM, Chrysler, USFord Europe: Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter, Smart, BMW, Mini, VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Porsche, LandRover, Jaguar, Opel, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, Dacia, Volvo, Saab, Fiat, Lancia, Alfa-Romeo, EUFord Asia: Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Subaru, Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, Acura, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Isuzu, Daewoo, Hyundai, Kia Oceania: AUSFord, Holden
Advantages
- The main advantage of iCarsoft scanners is that they can diagnose and reset fault codes for most of the control systems in your car, including airbags, ABS, and transmission.
- Advanced troubleshooting. You no longer need to visit the workshop.
- Shows current and stored codes that are typically only available to dealer scanners.
- Can display actual sensor values, readiness status, and stream live data.
- Affordable scanner. If this scanner saves you at least one trip to your mechanic, it will already pay for itself. We believe it will save you more than one trip though.
- You no longer need to go to the dealer to reset the airbag light, scan the ABS System, or perform dealer-exclusive diagnostics.
- If you love to do further troubleshooting, you can also stream live sensor data. It can do this not just for the Engine Control Unit (ECU) but also for the following multiple systems such as:
- Transmission Control Unit (TCU)
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Control Unit (ESP)
- Airmatic Suspension
- Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) / (TPC)
- Airbag Control Unit (SRS Light Reset)
- Headlights
- Seat Control Modules
- Shifter Module
- Door control Units
- Accessory Control Module
- and more
The list goes on and on.
- Receive free software updates
- Depending on the model it will allow you to reset the oil service reminder. If that function is not available for your model, it will provide step by step instructions on how to manually reset the reminder if that is possible. May not be available for all models.
Disadvantages
- No programming capabilities.
- Not for older models, pre-1996. On Mercedes-Benz, it will not work if your car uses a 38-pin connection for diagnostics.
- Can not reset the service reminder on all models.
- You will need to know the chassis of the car that you are working on. For example, for a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320, you need to select W211, or on a 02 BMW 525i, enter E39.
- Check compatibility with your car model. It may not be able to access all the systems on certain models. For example: Even though the scanner can access the Body Control Module (BCM) on Mercedes-Benz, it can not do so on all MB models.
- Does not store codes. You will only be able to look at the fault codes while the scanner is connected to the vehicle. Make sure to write down the fault codes before you disconnect the scanner.
Video: How to Activate and Deactivate the SBC Brake System
Covered Systems
Here is a list of the systems that iCarsoft can troubleshoot. Please note that this list varies based on the model and the control units installed on your specific model.
| Engine | Chassis | Body |
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|
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Which Mercedes-Benz models does the iCarsoft MB II work with?
This scanner does cover most of the models built after the year 2000, that do not require a 38-pin connector. Here are the models that it works with:
- E-Class: W211, W207 and W212. No support for W210 other than ECU.
- G -Class: 461 and 463
- A-Class: 168
- B-Class: 246
- C-Class: W203
- CL-Class: 215, 216
- CLK-Class: W209
- CLS-Class: W219, W218
- GL-Class: W164, W166
- GLK-Class: 204
- M-Class: 163, 164, 166
- S-Class: 220, 221,
- SL-Class: 230, 231
- SLK-Class: 171, 172
- R-Class 251
Where to purchase iCarsoft Scanners
The links below go to iCarsoft scanners on Amazon. Its predecessor, the i980, and the current model are covered in our iCarsoft MB V4.0 review.
Conclusion
In 2016 this was a capable OBD II scanner for the DIY owner. It allows you to access the Engine Control Unit and almost any other systems on the car. The iCarsoft works on vehicles 1996 and newer. The only drawback is that every make has a specific iCarsoft model; see the list at the beginning of the article. For one make, it was a good investment at the time. When you think about it, just one diagnostic at a repair shop costs more than the price of this scanner. That initial diagnostic at your auto repair shop is just a scan for fault codes, which you can easily do yourself.
Where the MB II Stands Now
This review dates from 2016. iCarsoft has since released the MB V2.0, the MB V3.0 and the current MB V4.0, which we cover in our iCarsoft MB V4.0 review. The MB II’s coverage is what is listed above: it reads and clears faults across most modules on 2000s Mercedes-Benz models and shows live data, but it does not program, and on a car with the 38 pin connector it sees the engine only. For what the dealer tool actually is and costs, see our Star Diagnostic scanner guide.
iCarsoft MB II vs UCAN-II Pro
| Feature | iCarsoft MB II (2016) | YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Makes | Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Sprinter | 140+ makes |
| Read and clear all modules, live data | Most modules on 2000s models | Every control unit, current and older models |
| Topology map | No | Yes, on supported vehicles |
| AI diagnosis | No | Yes, explains causes and ranks likely fixes |
| Active tests | Very limited | 3,500+ |
| Service and special functions | Oil service reset on some models | 40+ service functions, 1,000+ special functions, adaptations and relearns |
| Coding and programming | None | Injector, battery, TPMS and select key coding |
| Pre 2001 cars (38 pin) | Engine only | Mercedes 38 pin adapter available to UCAN-II owners |
| Stores reports | No, write codes down before unplugging | Yes, saved scan reports |
| Updates | No longer developed | Free for the life of the product, no subscription |
Why the UCAN-II Pro Is the Upgrade
The MB II was built to read codes. The jobs that still send Mercedes owners to the dealer are network faults, module problems and adaptations after a repair, and those need more than a code list.
- Topology map. The UCAN-II Pro draws the vehicle network so you can see which modules answer, which are faulted and which are offline, much like the quick test view in the dealer’s Xentry.
- AI diagnosis. After a full scan it explains what the codes mean together, the likely causes and which fix to check first.
- Depth closer to Xentry. 3,500+ active tests and 1,000+ special functions, adaptations and relearns, including jobs like SBC deactivation and brake counter reset.
- Every car in the driveway. 140+ makes on one 7 inch tablet, with US phone support.
What it does not do is online SCN coding of new control units, which still needs the dealer. For everything short of that, the UCAN-II Pro is the closest DIY tool to the dealer experience.
Comparing more options? See our 10 best diagnostic scanners for Mercedes-Benz.
We sell the UCAN-II Pro. The function comparisons above come from each manufacturer’s own documentation so you can check them yourself.
HI there, i see that your model list doesn’t show W140 models. Will it work on 96 – 99 W140? I have a 97 and want this scanner
No iCarsoft MB II will not work with your W140 or any other model that has the 38 pin connector. For the older model look at the article Top 10 Scanners for Mercedes. There are a couple of recommendations there.