The Autel MaxiPRO MP808BT PRO is a versatile, professional-grade diagnostic tool designed for automotive technicians and enthusiasts who need advanced features without the hefty price tag associated with high-end scanners. Here’s a detailed review of its features, performance, and usability.
1. Design and Build Quality
The MP808BT PRO is designed with portability and durability in mind. The scanner features a rugged, rubberized casing that can withstand the rigors of a workshop environment. The 7-inch LCD touchscreen has a resolution of 1024×600 pixels, providing clear and sharp visuals, although it’s not as high-resolution as some premium models. The physical buttons complement the touchscreen, ensuring easy navigation even with greasy or gloved hands.
2. Connectivity and Wireless Capabilities
One of the standout features of the MP808BT PRO is its wireless connectivity. The scanner uses Bluetooth to connect to the vehicle’s OBD2 port via a VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface). This allows technicians to move around the vehicle or the workshop without being tethered by cables. The wireless range is about 10 meters, which is ample for most workshop environments.
3. Vehicle Coverage
The MP808BT PRO offers extensive vehicle coverage, supporting over 80 makes and models, including American, Asian, and European vehicles. It’s capable of diagnosing most vehicles manufactured from 1996 onward. The scanner supports all OBD2 protocols, which means it can communicate with a wide range of vehicles, making it a versatile tool for multi-brand workshops.
4. Diagnostic Functions
The diagnostic capabilities of the MP808BT PRO are impressive, offering both basic and advanced functions. It supports full-system diagnostics, which means it can read and clear codes from various vehicle systems, including the engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and more. The scanner also offers:
- Active Tests/Bi-Directional Control: Allows users to send commands to various systems and components to test their functionality. This is crucial for diagnosing issues with actuators, sensors, and other systems.
- Service Functions: The MP808BT PRO offers over 30 service functions, including oil reset, EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) reset, SAS (Steering Angle Sensor) calibration, DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration, and more. These functions simplify maintenance tasks and ensure that the vehicle systems are functioning correctly after repairs.
- Advanced Coding and Adaptation: For certain vehicles, the MP808BT PRO can perform advanced coding and adaptations, such as ECU coding, which is necessary for installing new components or modules.
5. Software and Updates
The MP808BT PRO runs on the Android operating system, which provides a familiar and user-friendly interface. Autel provides regular software updates, ensuring that the scanner stays up-to-date with the latest vehicle models and diagnostic protocols. Updates are delivered via Wi-Fi, and the device comes with one year of free updates. After the first year, users need to pay for continued updates, which is common with most professional diagnostic tools.
6. Performance
In terms of performance, the MP808BT PRO is fast and responsive. The boot time is quick, and the scanner handles diagnostic tasks with ease. The bi-directional control and active tests work seamlessly, providing real-time data that’s crucial for accurate diagnostics. The battery life is decent, lasting several hours on a single charge, but it can also be used while plugged in, ensuring it doesn’t run out of power during a critical task.
7. Usability
The MP808BT PRO is designed with usability in mind. The touchscreen is responsive, and the interface is intuitive, even for users who are not very tech-savvy. The wireless connectivity adds a level of convenience that makes it easier to work on vehicles, especially in a busy workshop setting. The extensive vehicle coverage and diagnostic functions mean that it can handle almost any diagnostic task, making it an all-in-one solution for many users.
8. Price and Value
Considering its features and capabilities, the MP808BT PRO offers excellent value for money. It’s priced lower than some high-end scanners, yet it provides many of the same functions, making it a cost-effective option for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. The ongoing cost of updates is a consideration, but this is standard for professional-grade diagnostic tools.
9. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide vehicle coverage with support for over 80 brands.
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth for increased mobility.
- Comprehensive diagnostic functions, including bi-directional control and service functions.
- User-friendly interface with regular software updates.
- Rugged design suitable for workshop environments.
Cons:
- Limited screen resolution compared to high-end models.
- Ongoing cost for software updates after the first year.
- Battery life could be improved.
Conclusion
The Autel MaxiPRO MP808BT PRO is a robust and feature-rich diagnostic tool that strikes an excellent balance between functionality and cost. Its wireless capabilities, extensive vehicle coverage, and advanced diagnostic functions make it a valuable asset for professional technicians and serious DIYers. While there are more powerful scanners on the market, the MP808BT PRO offers a solid range of features at a more accessible price point, making it a smart investment for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile diagnostic tool.