Review on 🔧 Autel Maxisys Elite Scan Tool (2021 ELITE Upgraded of MK908P): J2534 ECU Programming, Bi-Directional Scanner, 36+ Special Functions, 2-Year Free Update by Noah Lewis

For clarity and based on my personal experience here is some useful information about MaxiSys Elite that many of you may already be aware of. Programming functions for BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles require an active and valid service subscription from Autel. With the MaxiSys Elite you get 2 years free with the purchase of the device (unless otherwise stated) and I believe 1 year with most other Autel models. When your subscription to a Service ends, so does the Devices' ability to perform those specific functions, unless of course you renew your subscription. Renewal costs range from $1,000 to over $1,200 per year, which is not cheap. The scanner itself will still work, but you won't be able to code and program like you used to. Second, you will need WiFi (internet connection) to proceed with most of the coding and programming procedures. If you don't have WiFi (Internet connection) in the vehicle while working, you can take out the scan tool and go to a place where you can get a WiFi signal (if prompted), download the necessary files (related to the procedure to be performed) and then return to the car to complete it. The device and the built-in software allow you to do this. If there is no Wi-Fi, you will not be able to perform the procedures. What you can actually code and program really varies from model to model and the MaxiSys Elite, while complete, should not be viewed as a dealer-level replacement for a scanner. Features and functionality are always being added through updates so it will only get better over time, but don't expect it to be able to do everything you could possibly need. If you have a specific task to accomplish, always contact Autel and give them information about the vehicles and exactly what you want to do. I personally found it to adequately meet most of my general coding and programming needs. If I had to give him a number between 1 and 10, with 1 meaning not at all capable and 10 meaning dealer level, I'd give him a solid 6 for BMW and a solid 5 for MB. Also, in some cases, a particular coding option may be available for one model and year but not another. For example, a particular function can be performed on a 2008 BMW 335 but not on a 2009 BMW 335. It can be quite frustrating when this happens, so do your due diligence before purchasing to make sure this does what you need. Another alternative to dealer level coding and programming is to use the included J2534 passthrough and your own PC if the MaxiSys Elite cannot do the work itself. . Of course, you have to download the manufacturer-specific software, which is often mostly free, but you have to pay a certain subscription fee to use it. Fees and plans vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and can be expensive. The good news is that almost all of them typically have daily or weekly plans, making them much more affordable for everyday DIYers. The downside, however, is that the software can be difficult to navigate, not to mention that it's sometimes not even available in English. I should also point out that because of the level of access these programs give you, you also run the risk of permanently damaging electronic components if you don't know what you're doing. Use extreme caution when using these programs and software. When coding and/or programming a newer model vehicle it is always recommended that the voltage in the vehicle remains above 12.50 volts. In general, a voltage of 13 volts will ensure that you will not have any problems. To do this, you need to connect an automatic charger or service device to the vehicle battery. This is often a step that many people skip or just don't know, and failure to do so can lead to a range of problems from incomplete coding/programming to complete failure of the vehicle's electrical equipment and modules. Get a screen protector! Get protective film! I cannot stress enough how a small investment of $5-$10 can help protect your screen from scratches, smudges and smudges. Let's face it, most of us will be using this device with dirty hands, and since it's a touchscreen device, it can be easily damaged. Autel screen replacements can be very expensive, so get a screen protector to avoid those costs! The storage box that comes with this device is quite large. With everything firmly loaded inside, it's also a heavyweight at just over 25 pounds. You probably don't need everything in the box every day. So if you're into mobile tech, you might want to invest in a smaller padded case or backpack to carry your device along with just the cables and adapters you need. Just because a device lists a specific feature known as "hot" doesn't necessarily mean it's available for use with your particular make and model of vehicle. Many of these options have limited access to vehicles. Just because it says it can perform a specific function, check out Autel to see if it can actually perform that particular procedure for your application. I have found that some of these functions only cover 10% compared to the manufacturers and models programmed into the device. As a comprehensive OBDII scan tool, this is an excellent product. It leaves no stone unturned in this category, and its vehicle coverage is pretty good. Although I have encountered situations where a vehicle may not be detected using the Auto Scan feature, I have never been able to connect to a suitable vehicle using traditional manual input. Once connected, the tool works fast! One of the fastest I've ever worked with. Finding a date takes seconds and I can often get what I need done faster. When time is money, nothing beats a slow scanner. The Elite's battery is pretty good, but be aware that it will drain under heavy use. When doing heavy or extensive coding/programming, always connect it to a constant power source. You can use the vehicle's power source, but just make sure the vehicle itself is powered by an automatic battery device as above. Unlike some other tools of this type, updates are performed wirelessly over Wi-Fi and do not require special or bulky dongles. , or connect to a PC. As long as you're within your maintenance and subscription period and have an available Wi-Fi signal, updates are quick and easy. When your subscription has expired, your device will notify you and offer a renewal option. Another myth or rumor I often try to debunk is that once the service or subscription plan expires, the device will stop working. expired. In other words, you can't use it at all, which is totally wrong! When a subscription to a service ends, the only features that will no longer work are its ability to perform certain coding and programming. It's still bi-directional, allowing you to perform dozens of functions and diagnostic tasks. You can also use it as a powerful OBDII compliant diagnostic tool on many platforms. So let's say your plan ended in January 2019, but you have a 2020 car that you want to scan. This device will scan this vehicle with no problems, but if additional features have been added since your last update, you will not be able to access those new features for that particular year and model. Last but not least, it is worth a lot of money. ? The answer is yes and no. Compared to other scanners with such capabilities, IMO has a much cheaper price. I've worked with scanners that cost two to three times as much and offer equal opportunity at best. Of course, some of the really high-end systems that cost in the $15,000-$20,000 range will do a lot more leverage and compression for the dealer, but the next part of this equation is, do you really need all of that? I've found that most technicians who buy these really powerful systems end up using less than 50% of their skills. Autel offers a good mix of basic and high-end features that should be enough for most. You really need to do some homework and figure out what you need to do and what types of vehicles. There really is no such thing as a perfect solution in a system, but after careful analysis and research you can opt for something like the Autel MaxiSys Elite that comes very close. Looking at the bigger picture, Elite IMO is exceptional value as long as you use it as intended. For someone who just wants to look at trouble codes and clear them, this is undoubtedly overkill. For everyone else, Elite might be the answer.