Autel MaxiCOM MK908 vs MK908P

In this Autel MaxiCOM MK908 vs MK908P comparison, we’re going to check out the capabilities of both of these exceptional diagnostic devices. They are mainly for professional use and they offer a wide range of functions including basic ECU coding, part adaptations, active tests, key programming, battery programming, tire size change function, and so on.

As you can see from the specification lists below, both devices communicate through Bluetooth and they’re pretty much identical, meaning that there are no major hardware nor software differences. However, there is one somewhat significant advantage of MaxiCOM MK908P and that is a J2534 programming adapter that bumps up the price of the package.

The particular programming device allows you to update the existing software on different electronic control units of the car, a program in new electronic control units, and fix some of the common drivability as well as emissions issues. But there is one problem and it is a big one. Even though programming device might be able to code different brand’s ECUs, all of the mentioned functions are supported only for BMW and Mercedes cars, which means that the J2534 programming device might be useless if you do not work on these particular brands.

While MK908 does not come with a J2534 programming device, if you decide to additionally purchase it, it will work with your tool. All of this means that you might be better off with MK908 if programming is not one of your regular tasks, and it’s our winner of this MaxiCOM MK908 vs MK908P duel because it’s simply better value for money.

Capabilities

Both of these devices are exceptionally capable but before we discuss any of the functions there is one thing you have to remember. While the list of functions is practically endless, the ability to perform a certain function will depend on car manufacturers, models in question, and year of manufacture.

For example, while you might be able to change tire size on one car, or register a new key, you might not be able to perform the same function on another. The same goes for transmission adaptation, electronic parking brake recalibration, etc. One of the biggest qualities of both of these devices is the ability to scan any electronic module in the car. Both will also allow you to read out and erase codes on each particular module like ABS, SRS, driver’s seat module, air suspension module and so on.

If this still doesn’t impress you, you might be impressed with the active tests you can do on pretty much any ECU(electronic control unit) in the car. For example, you might be able to test out parking sensors individually. Another big quality is preciseness. If we scan the ABS module for example, and if we have a malfunctioning ABS sensor, the device will tell us that we have a malfunctioning sensor on the rear right wheel for example, which means that we don’t have to test all four.

Both devices will also allow you to connect the oscilloscope and inspection camera which are purchased additionally. As we stated above, all of the mentioned functions, and numerous ones we didn’t mention, performance-wise will heavily depend on manufacturer and model, but most importantly on the year of manufacture. While both devices will be able to perform numerous functions on different models regardless of the manufacturer, the age of the vehicle plays the biggest role.

We’ve tested these devices on both American, European, and Asian cars, and they performed wonderfully, however, every time we hooked up an older vehicle, regardless of manufacturer, we got fewer functions available, which is logical, since technology back then wasn’t as advanced as the one today.

This also plays a big role when it comes to communication speed, and ECU codding. Basic communication with ECUs of the new car will be significantly faster compared to its older counterpart, while you’ll also have more basic codding functions as well. For example, you’ll be able to perform factory adjustments like the auto-lock, bell chime, easy exit, and the list goes on.

Conclusion

To conclude this MaxiCOM MK908 vs MK908P comparison we have to say that both of these devices are the latest generation from the Autel family and they are as capable, if not more, as the competitor’s devices from SnapOn, Bosch and others, and for the fraction of the price. While it’s always good to have multiple diagnostic devices at the garage, each of these devices will be able to satisfy your garage needs by itself. As mentioned above MK908 is our winner primarily because the ability of the MK908P does not surpass it significantly. J2534 programming device is the only difference and its capabilities are something you should consider before choosing the one.