Here are one of our customers’ first experiences and impressions with the Otofix D1 Lite diagnostic scanner on a Mercedes Benz T245 B200:
“The system was already preset to German when I turned it on for the first time.
After I connected it to my Wi-Fi, the Otofix immediately requested 33 updates, which I was able to download straight away after registering the device with Autel.
The 64GB storage capacity seems sufficient at first. I have all the latest updates installed and there’s still 23GB free. Additionally, you could also insert a 32GB SD card.
The Wi-Fi module in the Otofix isn’t the fastest. It only runs at up to 5 MB/sec., so you can easily allow 30 minutes for all the updates to be downloaded and installed. When connected to Wi-Fi, it can operate not only in the 2.4 GHz but also in the 5 GHz band. Perhaps it will run faster using the included USB-C/RJ45 network adapter if you connect it to the PC via that.
I’ll also set up an email account on the tablet so that I can also send error reports as PDFs.
Now for the first time, I got to the car, plugged in the VCI, and the VCI also wants an update. Okay, I started that too. However, updating the VCI requires a USB-C to USB-C data cable, which, of course, isn’t included in the delivery. (Luckily, I had one at home and was able to continue with the VCI update without any problems.
Next, it was time to diagnose our Mercedes T245 (B200). The chassis number was read directly from the vehicle using the “AutoVIN” function. After adding further vehicle information that was requested (year of manufacture, left-hand drive), the diagnosis continued immediately.
The “AutoScan” finds ALL control units installed in the vehicle during the diagnosis; in the case of our B200, that’s 22. I compared it 1:1 with an older protocol from a short test of a Mercedes MB Star Diagnosis, and the control units match 100%. Two errors were found, the exact error codes and texts of which can then be viewed. All in understandable German. I immediately deleted the errors. I’ve attached the error report, which I sent to myself via email.
I haven’t tried the actuator tests on the B200 yet, but I have on my E400 (S212). There, I accessed the front left door control unit and, for example, operated the window regulator via the Otofix and switched the mirror indicator LEDs on and off. It works perfectly.
You can’t program/code control units with the Otofix D1 Lite. For that, you would need at least the Otofix D1. The Otofix website has a complete overview via a search mask of what can be done with which device on which vehicle. If you export the lists to Excel, you can also compare the functionality of the individual devices.
Pros:
Worth the price – I bought it from obdii365.com for $315. I don’t see the functionality offered by other manufacturers that are more expensive.
Updates are not as expensive as other manufacturers .
Small and handy.
The German translation is relatively understandable, which is something I’ve seen differently with other manufacturers.
You can access all the control units (ES) that the vehicle has.
Errors are well described .
Error analysis is carried out using live diagnostics and diagrams of actual and target values.
It describes when a component is defective and up to what value it is still OK (DPF ash quantity).
The diagnosis and the programming are quite quick.
The connection to the car is very stable; I was about 10m from the car.
The battery lasts a long time and lasted me the whole day.
Feels like a normal tablet in the hand. Doesn’t feel cheap.
Cons:
No stand or holder.
You have to figure out the functions yourself; the descriptions for the functional areas are somewhat indirect.
The updates that had to be done at the beginning were often interrupted and you had to repeat them many times.
The touchscreen is not sensitive to operation (you do need to apply light pressure).
Impact protection, very thin.
There’s no screen protector.
Despite VIN recognition, you still have to select the some vehicles.
Conclusion:
For my purposes, the D1 Lite is absolutely sufficient and, in my opinion, for a multi-brand tool that, in addition to comprehensive error diagnostics, even includes actuator tests and numerous service functions, offers unbeatable value for money in its class. After two years, updates are subject to a charge (119 USD / approx. 150 EUR per year), but as far as I’ve read, an update isn’t absolutely necessary, so you can continue using the Otofix without further updates.
Since Carly had another software bug and was no longer able to detect all the control units in my vehicles (it’s since returned to normal), I’ll only carry the Carly adapter in my glove compartment for emergencies. For comprehensive troubleshooting, the Otofix is far superior. For diagnostics and other vehicle functions, the Otofix is definitely worth the price.
So, in my opinion, a clear negative point for the Otofix is the rather slow Wi-Fi connection. Luckily, you don’t need it too often; only for updates or if you want to send a report via email.”
