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Review on πŸš— Thinkscan Max: Comprehensive Car Diagnostic Scan Tool with 28 Maintenance Functions & AutoVIN/IMMO/EPB/BMS/SAS/ABS Bleeding/TPMS Services by Matthew Maxwell

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Professional features at a do-it-yourself price

I have used various diagnostic tools over the years. I currently have about a dozen, ranging from a phone to full factory diagnostics (the same ones dealers support). After using the Thinkscan Max for a week, I think I've found the perfect portable diagnostic tool. It's amazing that so many features and designs come together at this price point. While there are professional features like plotting, additional features like encoding and bi-directional control are available for an annual license fee. But for most DIYers, such advanced features are a rare necessity. Why is Thinkscan Max good? First the packaging - the Bluetooth module is built into the case. Throw it in the car and leave. It's easy to hold in one hand and the touchscreen works flawlessly. It then places all essential functions on an easy-to-navigate display. Thanks to the intuitive design, it took me a few minutes to get used to the full range of functions. The third feature is the convenience of creating and sharing reports - Thinkscan Max can upload the health report to the cloud, provides a QR code to share and access the report, and also gives you the option to send an email with a link to the report to obtain . . Very handy when you need to share the report with someone else for diagnosis! Don't let the small packaging fool you. It comes with lifetime software updates and supports a large number of vehicles. The Thinkscan Max can automatically read the VIN, determine what make and model of vehicle it is scanning and its speed is impressive. With the BMW X5, 32 modules were scanned for a status report in just 18 seconds! In addition to full diagnostic capabilities for all modules connected to the vehicle, Thinkscan Max can read and display sensor data in real time. You can view the data as numeric values or select sensors and view them as a real-time graph so you can compare values. The product description shows the full range of functions, but some of them are particularly interesting for do-it-yourselfers. : Register new batteries, code new injectors, bleed the brakes, various system resets (such as oil, SAS, etc.). Just one diagnostic session, a few resets, and you paid for this tool instead of taking it to the dealer or mechanic. Is there something I would like to change? Well, compared to the Foxwell tool I owned in the same price range, it's much more versatile and easier to use, hard to ask for more. Includes USB-C charging (thanks, a modern port!), 5GHz WiFi support, and at least 36 hours of use on a single charge. It would be nice to be able to look up code explanations directly on the Thinkscan Max, but I'm picky at the moment. In general I am very satisfied - well designed, nicely packaged and at a good price!

Pros
  • Enjoyable
Cons
  • Good, but not great