PDL996

I know that Durametric is still the best tool, if you want to carry a laptop around.

I’m wondering what the best portable ODBII scanner would be for my. 997.2 GT3?
Looking for maximum functionality, such as service reset, brake caliper function, ect..

Models being considered: Foxwell NT510, iCarsoft II, Scwaben (Foxwell)
Any recommendations?

Thank you!

GTorTT

I have been happy with the iCarsoft. Doesn’t limit you to three vin numbers.

jackb911

+1 on the iCarsoft

JB911

Try reading through the 991 forums too-it seems Durametric doesn't work with some of the newer cars. For my Audi S3 I use Obdeleven, and wish they worked on Porsches. I believe they started work on BMW, and hopefully soon on Porsches.

A friend of mine runs an indie shop and he has Autel's top of the line very expensive one, in the $2-4K range I think(?) So Autel has so many different scan tools I started reading this article:
https://obd2pros.com/scanners/autel/

Perhaps one of the models priced in the range of the Durametric Pro might be worth buying-

Best regards,
JB

Spyerx

The guys at durametric have done fk all keeping their software current. It’s good on 997 cars and for basic stuff on later models.

some of these Chinese software clones seem to be decent.... i just end up going to shop for piwis.

steve porter

I got the schwaben from pelican when it was on special and have used it a couple of times to reset the service indicator, I have scrolled through it a bit , but haven’t had to do anything else with it yet

JB911

Autel is a serious competitor in the professional field-
I just spent some time on their site, and to compare some of the models it does take quite a bit of research. These will scan most car manufacturers/models. I was checking the 808 series and 906. The ones above go into the $2-3K price range.
The 808 models start at the $600 range, wired or bluetooth interface, some do full TPMS programming, etc:
There's a page to compare some, specifications, etc:
https://www.auteltech.com/mk3/3233

The 906 models, with programming features:
https://www.auteltech.com/mk3/3219

rbahr

I have a Launch Pro Mini - does a lot, works on both my 996's as well as a bunch of other cars.

Ray

boisenelson

The new Foxwell NT530 with the Porsche 997 software is very good ( ) and the iCarsoft PORII works very well too. I have both and for the minimal investment you can't go wrong with either as long as you're not looking for advanced coding that the Durametric Pro can do.

JB911

I had a crazy issue with my Audi S3 recently, and with the obdeleven software and my tablet, I was able to determine with live data that the speed sensor on the right rear wheel failed. This was with only about 20K miles and car just out of warranty. Bought a new wheel sensor($45) and installed it myself.
Apparently these sensors fail. Obdeleven is still not available for Porsche-

For the GT3 I have a Durametric enthusiast to reset service and check codes.
I've been looking at the Autel MP808TS, it costs around $840 and it's really amazing-not sure what the Durametric Pro costs these days($700?)
The autel can even program fob keys, TPMS service, live data for just about everything, etc and work on just about every car and Porsche model
https://www.auteltech.com/vehicle-coverage/coverage2

The user manual:
https://www.auteltech.com/u/cms/www/...061228l83q.pdf

rbahr

The Foxwell was on my short list - I wanted more than 3 primary options though.

Be careful with the Autel equipment - they have recently changed their subscription policy so you must buy a unit from a local dealer or you cannot register your device.

Ray

PDL996

Happy New Year!

Thank you for all of your replies! I appreciate everyone’s input.

I like the Autel unit, Amazon sells them for $999, It looks like you need to pay a subscription for it (probably for updates, one reviewer mentioned $300/yr).

Between the Foxwell NT530 (997 Software, ~$170) and iCarSoft POR II (~$145), I think that the Foxwell NT530 might have the advantage, due to TPMS support.

The ODBeleven looks very interesting, offers ultra portability. I hope that they can work out a Porsche solution.

Durametric for the Professional version runs about $675-$795, supports most vehicles except 991 GT3, according to their website.
A friend might sell me his copy of Durametric Pro, since he sold his Porsche and doesn’t need it anymore.

Thanks again for the input. Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Spyerx

I’d pay a subscription for my durametric if those guys committed to develop,ent. No updates in near a YEAR. from my POV it’s a dead tool and only good on 997 and prior in,ess you just want basic odb and maint resets.

if the autel is really near piwis capability i don’t mind paying a subscription.

the problem with all these damn tools is you have to try them first and see what actually works and doesn’t. The documents on is crap, on all of them.

rbahr

I would suggest that you compare Autel against Launch. I went through this process last summer, and ended up with:
The down side with all of these tools is that NOTHING is near the capability of the PWIS tool, the 2 closest WRT 2 way control are Durametric and the AutoEnginuity folks. Both Autel and Launch have minimal 2 way support. WRT Subscriptions - usually you get 1 or 2 years of free upgrades, then it will cost...

Ray

JB911

The Autel MS906BT is probably the best choice, or the MP808TS. It's a year free subscription, and that encompasses all cars, European, domestic and asian. And I doubt there will be any 997 updates since they're 10 years old or more, so no issues if you don't want to subscribe-
I searched their site for authorized vendors and turns out Walmart is one of them. As expected, a bit cheaper there, and I'd say there's some advantages to buying from their site. Some people buy from Amazon or other online sites but read that you want to get it from an authorized US dealer in case of warranty repairs1 year warranty)

There's a guy that repairs for a living and on youtube that uses the 906BT- he said it rivals the $12K snap on and Bosch ones-he works reprogramming cars for insurance companies/body shops(replaced air bags, ecu and other damaged accessories, fob keys, etc)
I'm considering getting one of these. For my Audi the obdeleven was instrumental in fixing a nightmare that a $45 wheel sensor created. Dealer would have charged at least $300. The Vagcom Ross-Tech cable, equivalent to Durametric to VWs, has gradually been replaced by the obdeleven on a tablet or android phone, and the professional level Autels are way beyond it in the functions. I checked Duramatric for updates and there hasn't been one in a while.

Obdeleven supports VW, Audi and Lamborghini but not Porsche. They will implement BMW soon. Replacing a battery on my Audi requires coding a new one in, and I've been able to code oil temp display on the dash and quite a few things. But even that isn't as advanced as the Autel. For the obdeleven I purchased the bluetooth device and an android Samsung tablet so it cost around $300 total. So considering what a durametric pro costs, the 808 or 906 seem like a really good choice-