An automotive scan tool is one of the best investments you can make, whether you’re a professional mechanic, a car enthusiast who enjoys working on their own cars, or just someone who wants to avoid expensive diagnostic fees at your local dealership.
And having an OE-level scan tool, it means having tools and equipment that allow your team to perform the same level of analysis, diagnosis and repair as the OEM dealer.
But the market is teeming with a variety of products, each with its unique specifications and functions, so choosing the right one for your needs can be an arduous task.
Today, we’ll break down everything you need to know to find the perfect OE-level scan tool for your vehicle, in this comprehensive guide of TOP 5 OE-Level scanners on the market.
LAUNCH V+ 4.0, Faster, Stronger & Top Powerful
4.6 / 52021 OE-level advanced functions with plenty of extra features for professionals. The ideal option for millions of car repair shops and workshops.
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As one of the most well-established brands in car scan tools, LAUNCH is a name you can trust.
The X431 V+ 4.0 (the 4th generation) is among their best products and is a highly functional and versatile device that is packed with a ton of features.
Easy to use and long-lasting, the V+ 4.0 promises a stellar performance and makes for a worthy purchase.
The PROS of LAUNCH V+ 4.0
- A highly sophisticated device that ensures top-notch functioning of your car.
- Helps in online coding for popular and high-end brands such as Porsche, Benz, Hyundai, and Audi.
- Includes 30+ reset functions, ECU coding, and also supports operative solenoids and active testing.
- Functions well with a number of systems such as ECM, TCM, SRS, fuel systems, and wiper systems to name a few.
- Adept at reading and clearing DTCs and live data.
- An 8-inch tablet that offers a thorough inspection of the vehicle.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
- Comes with a 5-year warranty.
- Excellent customer support team
The CONS of LAUNCH V+ 4.0
- Lack of an instruction manual.
- Not always included in the package as advertised.
For the tech-savvy, this is certainly the way to go.
Autel MK906BT, Enhanced Pro-Level Diagnostic Tablet
4.8 / 5Based on the Android operating system with the best possible coverage of OE-level diagnostics and ECU coding capability.
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Autel is a brand that is well-loved and trusted across the industry.
Versatile in functioning and easy to use, the device makes for a smart choice for the ardent automobile connoisseur.
This is an excellent scan tool to consider if operational efficiency is your first priority.
The PROS of Autel MK906BT
- Highly versatile and functional device that combines multiple services into one nifty package.
- Incredible OE-level functioning and an HDMI port to boot
- Access the subsystem and component tests of specific vehicles. (*This is dependent not only on the manufacturer and model but also on the tests displayed in the menu of the scanner.)
- Gives the user prompt access to the car’s systems for servicing and maintenance issues.
- Includes ABS Auto Bleed, fuel injector sync, and comes with a connect kit.
- Adept at determining the response capacity of the ECM with respect to the given commands.
- Reads live data, code, and ECU information.
The CONS of Autel MK906BT
- While there are no inherent functional issues with the scanner, Users may face a lack of storage (only 32GB; it is prone to fall short of expectations considering the number is higher in some of its counterparts.)
Overall, this OE-level tool makes for a handy piece of equipment with high utility and good value for money. We’d focus on the functionality of the tool where it outdoes many of the other models in the market.
TOPDON Phoenix Plus, Designed with Technicians in Mind
5 / 5Boasts high-quality features with easy workflow to tackle the complex vehicle diagnostic issues for most modern vehicles worldwide.
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This is the product by TOPDON, a new-emerging brand on the automotive aftermarket.
Their Phoenix Plus is equipped with features that are even more sophisticated than its predecessor, TOPDON Phoenix.
It excels as a diagnostic scanner on many fronts and offers a high degree of operational efficiency while at it. Versatile and sturdy, the unit makes for a worthwhile addition to your toolkit.
The PROS of TOPDON Phoenix Plus
- The unit impressed us with its versatility.
- With 28+ reset functions, including oil and SAS reset, ABS bleeding, injector coding, BMS, and TPMS reset, etc.
- Adept at ECU coding which further enhances its utility in mechanics.
- Decode and clear DTCs as well as live data, etc.
- Suggest maintenance recommendations for various components of the vehicle such as the engine, transmission, brake, fuel, and emission systems.
- Compatible with a wide range of brands of cars; no less than 150!
- A true workhorse; comes with a battery life of up to 8 hours.
The CONS of TOPDON Phoenix Plus
- It’s difficult to find technical errors in the product; it’s nearly perfect.
Needless to say, this is a scanner that not only takes care of the essentials but also goes the extra.
Autel MP808, Same Functions as Autel MP808K/MS906 but Cheaper
4.6 / 5A state-of-the-art, fast, smart, intelligent bi-directional scanner; a great investment to get more maintenance options and improved efficiency.
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Next up is another excellent scanner from Autel.
Powerful and high-functioning, it carries out a number of tasks with efficiency.
As the upgraded version of the DS708, it makes for a handy tool for any automobile owner and comes fitted with a number of features that ensure an enhanced performance.
The PROS of Autel MaxiPRO MP808
- As powerful as the MS906 with accurate diagnostic capabilities.
- Cover over 80 brands across the USA, Asia, and Europe.
- OE-level system coverage makes it highly attractive among buyers.
- Fully equipped to read and decode codes, live data streams, and active tests.
- Performs a number of essential functions such as oil reset, EBP service, TPMS programming service, SAS reset, and more.
- Has automatic software update option, and in the first year of purchase, it is available free of cost.
- Adept at carrying out specialized tasks; time-efficient while working.
The CONS of Autel MaxiPRO MP808
- The customer service could certainly improve.
Certainly, the MP808 moves ahead of its predecessors by a considerable margin.
Autel Maxisys Elite, More Effective than MK908P/MS908S Pro
4.4 / 5One of the most powerful diagnostic scanner offers you the fast operation speed and a quick diagnosis more than ever.
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If you’re looking for something on a professional level, this vehicle diagnostic tool is a fantastic option.
Autel Maxisys Elite offers the ability to diagnose your vehicle issues so that you can potentially fix them yourself, or at least have more control over what mechanics work on.
The PROS of Autel Maxisys Elite
- A bi-directional scan tool that does almost everything you would need in large repair garage.
- Cover 80+ different vehicle models, reads every code available, and performs a wide array of maintenance functions.
- Advanced diagnostic tool that can do ECU coding and programming.
- Read a BCM, PDM, EPS, or any other vehicle modules.
- Provides an array of maintenance functions for ABS bleeding, pump testing, engine oil resets, and so much more.
- 1-year free software update keeps it up-to-date with all the newest vehicles.
- Handy tablet-style design that is very easy to use.
The CONS of Autel Maxisys Elite
- Updating is troublesome and may even cause the device to crash.
- Doesn’t function on all the vehicles listed (*it is important that you check compatibility with your car model before buying it).
- The price tag is high.
We think that OE-level scan tools are absolutely worth it for amateur and professional mechanics.
These tools can greatly simplify a vehicle technician’s life and can complete jobs that are usually long and tedious in a matter of minutes.
Though these scan tools are generally more expensive options, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be disappointed after picking up your own OE-level scan tool.