It can be challenging to know the difference between automotive scan tools in the same line. There are many features you have to consider when buying. But with our review of the Autel IM508 vs. IM608 vs. MaxiSys Ultra, it becomes easier.
The Autel IM508, IM608, and MaxiSys Ultra are full systems scanners of the same brand. You can save on the cost by choosing the most appropriate one.
With this review and comparison of the three products, you will understand the differences and make a better decision when buying.
Autel IM508 Vs. IM608 Vs. MaxiSys Ultra: Complete Comparison Table
 Autel IM508 |  Autel IM608 |  Autel MaxiSys Ultra |
|
| Customer Rating |  |  |  |
| Price |  | | |
| OBD2 Functions | 10/10* | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| System Diagnostics | All systems | All systems | All systems |
| Service Functions | 25+ | 31+ | 31+ |
| 5-in-1 VCMI | N/A | N/A | Included |
| Bi-Directional Control | -- | ✔ | ✔ |
| Coding/Programming | Key Generation Key Learning Remote Learning Backup / Restore IMMO Data IMMO ECU Reset / Adaptation IMMO ECU Refresh / Coding Injector Coding. | Key Learning/Programming IMMO ECU Reset/Adaption IMMO ECU Refresh/Coding ECU Coding Equipped with XP400 Key Programmer and MaxiFlash J-2534 VCI to offer complete IMMO coverage and programming. | ECU Programming is for BMW/Benz Injector Coding. |
| Specialties | XP200 Key Programmer. | XP400 enhanced to read transponder data, make exclusive keys, read and write EEPROM data, etc. | MaxiFLASH VCMI with built-in Oscilloscope, Multimeter, Signal Generator and CAN Bus tester. |
| Features | 7-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with 1024x600 resolution 1 GB RAM and 32 GB On-board Memory 3.7 V/5000 mAh lithium-polymer battery Android™ 4.4.4, KitKat powered by Cortex-A9 processor (1.6 GHz). | 10.1-inch LED capacitive touch screen with 1920x1200 resolution 2GB RAM & 64GB On-board Memory 15000 mAh 3.8 V lithium-polymer battery Android 7.0 powered by Samsung Exynos8895V octa-core Processor (2.3GHz Quad-core Mongoose + 1.7GHz Quad-core A53). | 12.9-inch TFT-LCD with 2732 x 2048 resolution & capacitive touch screen 4GB RAM & 256GB On-board Memory 18000mAh 3.8 V lithium-polymer battery Android 7.0 OS powered by an Octa-core processor (2.3GHz Quad + 1.7GHz Quad). |
| Supported Vehicles | OBD2 cars, SUVs, 12V trucks | OBD2 cars, SUVs, 12V trucks | OBD2 cars, SUVs, 12V trucks |
*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2
Autel IM508 Vs. IM608 Vs. Maxisys Ultra: The Similarities?
OBD2 Functions
Autel IM508, IM608, and MaxiSys Ultra support all 10 OBD2 functions. You may not be looking for these advanced coding and programming tools for the mentioned purpose, but you will find them ideal for handling such tasks. You can stream live data, automatic VIN, read and clear DTCs, among other functions.
Advanced System Diagnostics
Autel IM508, IM608, and MaxiSys Ultra are professional tools that perform all system diagnostics. You can find faults in the engine, transmission, and all electronic systems. If that’s the main factor to consider, IM508 will be a more affordable option.
Vehicle Coverage
| Autel IM508 | Autel IM608 | Autel Maxisys Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| AUDI, BENZ, BMW, DACIA, EU FORD, Ford, LANDROVER, MINI, OPEL, PEUGEOT, RENAULT, SEAT, SKODA, VW, VOLVO, SMART, JAGUAR, BENZ SPRINTER, SAAB, FIAT, ABARTH, LACIA, ALFA ROMEO, VAUXHALL, MAYBACH, BENTLEY, BUGATTI, PORSCHE, GM, CHRYSLER, FORD, SUZUKI, KIA, DAWEOO, ISUZU, TOYOTA, SUBARU, SCION, NISSAN, MITSUBISHI, LEXUS, INFINITI, HYUNDAI, HONDA, ACCURA, MAZDA, etc. | AUDI, BENZ, BMW, DACIA, EU FORD, Ford, LANDROVER, MINI, OPEL, PEUGEOT, RENAULT, SEAT, SKODA, VW, VOLVO, SMART, JAGUAR, BENZ SPRINTER, SAAB, FIAT, ABARTH, LACIA, ALFA ROMEO, VAUXHALL, MAYBACH, BENTLEY, BUGATTI, PORSCHE, GM, CHRYSLER, FORD, SUZUKI, KIA, DAWEOO, ISUZU, TOYOTA, SUBARU, SCION, NISSAN, MITSUBISHI, LEXUS, INFINITI, HYUNDAI, HONDA, ACCURA, MAZDA, etc. | AUDI, BENZ, BMW, DACIA, EU FORD, Ford, LANDROVER, MINI, OPEL, PEUGEOT, RENAULT, SEAT, SKODA, VW, VOLVO, SMART, JAGUAR, BENZ SPRINTER, SAAB, FIAT, ABARTH, LACIA, ALFA ROMEO, VAUXHALL, MAYBACH, BENTLEY, BUGATTI, PORSCHE, GM, SUZUKI, KIA, DAWEOO, ISUZU, TOYOTA, SUBARU, SCION, NISSAN, MITSUBISHI, LEXUS, INFINITI, HYUNDAI, HONDA, ACCURA, MAZDA, VOLKSWAGEN, etc. |
Autel IM508, IM608, and MaxiSys Ultra support over 80 vehicle brands and 10,000+ models of American, European, and Asian cars. However, you should confirm your specific model and year of make before purchasing any of these tools. Some old and new models may not be supported for some functions.
Autel IM508 Vs. IM608 Vs. Maxisys Ultra: The Differences?
Bi-Directional Control
Bi-directional control is only supported by the Autel IM608 and MaxiSys Ultra. If you are looking for a programming tool with this functionality, then any of the two can be the best choice for you. They can control subsystems, actuators, or components to test and confirm their working status. The tools will report any defective parts that require repair or replacement.
Autel IM608
Autel MaxiSys Ultra
Advanced Service Functions
| Autel IM508 | Autel IM608 | Autel Maxisys Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 25+ service functions: ABS Auto bleed, Oil Reset, Reset Parking Brake Pads after replacement, DPF Diesel Particulate Filter Reset, SAS Calibration, TPMS Sensors ID Relearn, BMS, Throttle Adaptation, Gear Learning, Electronic Park Brake Reset, TEC DR relearn, A/F setting, Transmission adaptation, headlamp, Suspension, etc. | 31+ service functions Oil Reset, EPB, TPMS, BMS, Brake Bleed, DPF, IMMO Keys, Injector, SAS, Suspension, Throttle, WIN DR ROOF, Seats, Lang Change, Headlamp, CHG Tire Size, TEC Learn, ABS/SRS, Cylinder, Crankshaft Position Variation Learn, Turbocharging, Limit, Clutch, Trans Adaption, Airbag Reset, etc. | 40+ service functions: Oil Reset, Elec. Throttle Adaption, Steering Angle Reset, Battery Matching, ABS Bleeding, Brake-pad Reset, DPF Regeneration, Gear Learning, IMMO Service, Injector Coding, TPMS Reset, Suspension Matching, BMS Reset, Anti-theft Matching, Gearbox Matching, Topology Module Mapping, AFS Reset, A/T Learning, Sunroof Initialization, EGR Adaption, Airbag Reset, Transport Mode, A/F Reset, Stop/Start Reset, NOx Sensor Reset, AdBlue Reset (Diesel Engine Exhaust Gas Filter), Seat Calibration, Coolant Bleeding, Tire Reset, Windows Calibration, step-by-step repair guidance, DTC Analysis, Technical Service Bulletin (OEM Info), feature customization, car modifications, etc. |
Autel IM508, IM608, and MaxiSys Ultra have 25+, 31+, and 40+ service functions, respectively. You can buy any of these tools considering that difference, but for professionals who are in need of the most comprehensive scan tool, the MaxiSys Ultra is your best choice.
Autel MaxiSys Ultra
Coding/Programming
Autel IM508, IM608, and MaxiSys Ultra all have coding and programming capabilities but at varying levels. Autel IM508 can program car keys and other comprehensive IMMO-related functions. The IM508 Key Programmer Tool has all IMMO functions as IM608, except for the following:
- Support for Benz 3rd Generation IMMO
- Support for BMW CAS4 Key Learning
- Support for VW/Audi MQB (VDD & JCI) Add Key, IMMO V A4/A5/Q5 2015+ Key Learning.
Autel IM508 can also perform IMMO ECU coding and injector coding, all of which can be done by Autel IM608 and MaxiSys Ultra. The last two can additionally perform advanced IMMO and key programming on many vehicle models but come at a higher price.
The Autel IM608 can perform ECU coding. That allows you to update the onboard vehicle computer software and reprogram some adaptive data on components after repair or replacement.
For ECU coding and programming, you are better off choosing Autel MaxiSys Ultra. However, it also means paying more for it. The other two programmers cannot program ECU, which puts them one level below the MaxiSys Ultra. The supported vehicle brands are BMW and Benz. With ECU programming, you can fix all software-controlled drivability problems and emission-related issues.
Specialties
Autel IM508 comes with XP200 Programmer. That allows it to access the key chip, read and write information, and perform other key-related functions. The Autel IM608, on the other hand, is XP400-enhanced to read transponder data, make exclusive keys, read and write EEPROM data, etc.
The Autel maxiSys Ultra has a new MaxiFLASH VCMI with an in-built 4-channel oscilloscope, multimeter, signal generator, and CAN bus tester.
Supported Protocols
| Autel IM508 | Autel IM608 | Autel Maxisys Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| ISO9141-2, ISO14230-2, ISO15765, K/L-Line, Flashing Code, SAE-J1850 VPW, SAE-J1850 PWM, ISO11898 (Highspeed, Middle speed, Low speed, and Singlewire CAN, fault-tolerant CAN), SAE J2610, GM UART, UART Echo Byte Protocol, Honda Diag-H Protocol, TP2.0, TP1.6. | ISO9141-2, ISO14230-2, ISO15765-4, K/L-line, Flashing code, SAE-J1850 VPW, SAE-J1850PWN, CAN ISO11898, Highspeed, Middle speed, Low speed and Singlewire CAN, GM, GM UART, UART Echo Byte Protocol, Honda Diag-H Protocol, TP2.0, TP1.6SAE J1939, SAE J1708, Fault-Tolerant CAN. | DoIP, PLC J2497, ISO-15765, SAE-J1939, ISO-14229 UDS, SAE-J2411 Single Wire Can (GMLAN), ISO-11898-2, ISO-11898-3, SAE-J2819 (TP20), TP16, ISO-9141, ISO-14230, SAE-J2610 (Chrysler SCI), UART Echo Byte, SAE-J2809 (Honda Diag-H), SAE-J2740 (GM ALDL), SAE-J1567 (CCD BUS), Ford UBP, Nissan DDL UART with Clock, BMW DS2, BMW DS1, SAE J2819 (VAG KW81), KW82, SAE J1708, SAE-J1850 PWM (Ford SCP), SAE-J1850 VPW (GM Class2). |
There’s a difference in the protocols supported by the three key programmers. The Autel maxiSys Ultra list includes more items than the other two. It also supports more high-end and new cars up to 2021.
Pros And Cons
Pros And Cons Of Autel IM508
Pros
- More affordable.
- All system diagnosis.
- Advanced IMMO functions.
- 25+ special service functions.
Cons
- No bi-directional control.
- IP problems when used outside the United States.
Pros And Cons Of Autel IM608
Pros
- Bi-directional control.
- ECU coding.
- All system diagnosis.
- Supports up to the latest 2021 vehicle models.
- Advanced IMMO and enhanced ECU coding.
Cons
- No ECU programming.
- Relatively expensive.
Pros And Cons Of Autel Maxisys Ultra
Pros
- Both ECU coding and programming supported.
- Bi-directional control.
- All system diagnosis.
- In-built 4-channel oscilloscope, signal generator, and CAN bus tester.
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best vehicle key programmer and diagnostic tool saves money but is a daunting task. With the information presented in this article, you can now make a better decision. We recommend an IM508 programmer if you are working on a tight budget. Otherwise, you can choose the Autel MaxiSys Ultra because it’s the tool that will allow you to program and code ECU.
FAQs
What will be the differences in functions between Autel IM508+XP400 and IM608+XP400?
IM508+XP400 will have the same IMMO and Key Programming capabilities as IM608+XP400. However, the latter has more special service functions and can perform bi-directional control. The IM608+XP400 will also support ECU Programming with J2534 Programmer on BMW and BENZ.
Can Autel IM508 program keys for Jaguar and Land Rover after 2014?
Yes, IM508 is compatible with most Jaguar and Land Rover models up to 2018. However, we advise you to confirm with the technical support team if your specific product is supported or not before buying.
Does IM508 require an internet connection to program keys?
No. The only time you require an internet connection is when you are updating the firmware. You will be prompted when a newer version is available. You can diagnose your vehicle and use all the functions when offline.
Can Autel MaxiSys Ultra work on resetting the cruise control module?
Yes. The tool is supposed to perform all system diagnosis on a wide range of vehicles currently in the market. However, we advise you to contact the seller to confirm your specific model.
Does IM608 program key fobs? If so, how many companies and up to what year?
Yes. It can program the key fob. IM608 can cover over 80 vehicle brands, including American, European, and Asian cars up to the latest 2021 models. For specific responses regarding support for your vehicle, please contact the seller with your VIN.
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