Launch X-prog3 (aka GIII), Autel XP400 Pro and VVDI Prog which is the best programmer for starters?
First of all, check the table comparison among these tools.
| Item | Xhorse VVDI Prog |
Autel XP400 Pro |
Launch X-prog3 (Hardware work with Tablet) |
Launch X-prog3 PC Software |
| Read/Write EEPROM | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read/Write MCU | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read/write key | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unlock/renew key | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Mercedes Key | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Simulator | Need key tool | Need KM100 | Yes | Yes (part of) |
| VAG IMMO4 Dump Mode All Keys Lost | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read ECU on bench mode | Yes | Need to work with G-box | Yes | Yes |
| Read ECU in Boot mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VAG IMMO4 All key lost without login | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Read and Write Gearbox TCU | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copy remote | No | No | No | No |
| Read/Write Key | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read BMW ISN code | Yes | Need to work with G-box | Yes | Yes |
| Read BNW CAS4+, FEM chip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read Audi EZS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OBD Read MED17 ECU | No (VVDI2 Yes) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VAG IMMO4 UDS engine replacement | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| VAG MQB ECU, TCU, ELV replacement | No | Need to work with G-box | Yes | Yes |
| Renew Mercedes Engine/Gearbox | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read VW Audi IMMO5 and MQB Gearbox FLASH & EEPROM | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Read VAG MQB NEC35XX IMMO Data | Yes (need to activate license and work with VVDI2) | Yes (need NEC35XX adapter) | Yes, with built-in sync data calculator | Yes |
| Read and write BMW FRM (Repair Footwell module) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Standalone | on PC | with Autel tablet or PC | No, with Launch X431 Tablet | on PC |
| Renew BMW F series 6HP | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Renew BMW F/G series 8HP | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Renew BMW E series 8HP gearbox | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Clone VW, Audi engine ECU | No | Yes (but sometimes car does not start after cloning.) | Yes | Yes |
| Mercedes key learning | No（Need VVDI MB） | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Update | Free update online | Update via Autel’s tablet, need subscription when free update expires | Update via Launch X431’s tablet, need subscription when free update expires | 1 year free update, need subscription later |
In sum:
Each device has its pros and cons. VVDI-Prog is good for mcu and ecu chip reading.
Xp400 PRO has more reliable IR function, more chips reading capabilities and has powerful immobilizer function when working with MaxiIM tablets.
Launch x-prog3 is good for ECU/TCU cloning. It also has built-in MQB AKL sync data calculator.
Related reading:
