OTOFIX D1 Lite Mercedes W212 Review

 Our findings so far in brief:

• Otofix is ​​an attractively priced subsidiary of Autel. Otofix devices run proven Autel software.
• The OTOFIX D1 Lite is the "entry-level model" of the Otofix testers (although that's almost an understatement) and is priced under $450.
• The Otofix D1 Lite can perform actuator diagnostics (function was added via update)
• The Otofix D1 Lite doesn't support coding! (This only works with the D1 and higher models .) So, for my case, I can currently only compare the error diagnostics, actuator tests, and "Special Functions."
• 2 years of updates are included
• After 2 years, a 1-year update currently costs approximately 142 USD (+ exchange rate / PayPal or credit card fees) and can be booked and paid directly via the device.
• My D1 Lite also has 42 service functions. The range of "Special Functions" seems to be larger (at least with Mercedes, where I've been able to test them so far) than with competitors (e.g., Topdon ArtiDiag 800BT / 900 Lite / Pro, Thinkcar Thinkscan MAX (2), Mucar VO7 (S), or Launch CRP919E/X). Otofix and Autel seem to have a completely independent database here, unlike the aforementioned devices (their "Vehicle Coverage" lists are also largely identical in direct comparison; Otofix and Autel have their own "Vehicle Coverage" lists).
• The D1 Lite displays freeze frame data for many errors. For example, the Mucar VO7S (which I can directly compare with) often lacks freeze frame data.

I had the D1 Lite attached to a Mercedes E-Class W212 for a long time today.

I found the following worth mentioning:

• The diagnostic software on the Otofix D1 Lite is an app on an Android system (sure, that's almost always the case). However, with this device, you can simply close the app and then access the native Android system running in the background. It sounds simple, but it doesn't work on my Mucar VO7S, for example, and that can be quite annoying because it means you don't have access to the device's "original" settings, for example, but only to those that the manufacturer of the diagnostic app has implemented in its interface.
• Reading the VIN is really fast. My Mucar VO7S sometimes takes 15-20 seconds to read the VIN. The D1 Lite does it in just under 5 seconds and has already read the engine and transmission numbers at the same time. Sometimes, however, the VCI doesn't automatically connect via Bluetooth (perhaps always if it was previously connected via cable...?), in which case you have to briefly go into the VCI management app to initiate the connection process. Afterward, however, it connects immediately.
• As I've mentioned before, Mercedes' diagnostics work amazingly reliably. I read out several errors in different control units. All errors were correctly classified (current/stored), displayed in perfectly understandable German, and freeze-frame data was displayed for each error (a snowflake next to the error entry). I've had completely different experiences.
• The measured values ​​in the live data are updated surprisingly quickly. It feels like at least 4-5 times per second, maybe even more often. This makes it very easy to work with.
• The German translation is well done and consistent. I didn't find a single menu today that was in English or translated into incomprehensible German.
• I've downloaded and installed all available brands and still have about 17 GB of free storage. While that's not a huge amount, it's fine for now. I hope, of course, that future brand programs won't become significantly more extensive/larger.

Comparison of features:
D1 Lite corresponds to MX808BT.
D1 corresponds to DS808BT.
D1 Pro corresponds to MS906 PRO.
TPMS functions are available, but only those that work via OBD. This includes manually entering, deleting, and changing IDs, activating relearn, etc.
Activating, reading, and programming via radio, as is possible with Autel's TS devices, is not possible.