You need to pay attention to ECU programming when it comes to choosing between Autel MK906BT vs. MK908 vs. MK908P. These three scanners are differentiated by their ability to program the ECU in specific vehicles like the BMW.
Autel MK906BT, MK908, and MK908P are advanced professional scanners. They are tailored for professionals who want to diagnose multiple vehicles for a wide range of issues.
We will take a look at a comparison table to highlight the products’ features. Furthermore, this detailed review below will show you the best of the bunch and let you know which one is the perfect for you.
Table of Contents
Autel MK906BT Vs. MK908 Vs. MK908P: Complete Comparison Table
 Autel MK906BT |  Autel MK908 |  Autel MK908P |
|
| Customer Rating |  | |  |
| Price |  | | |
| OBD2 Functions | 10/10* | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| System Diagnostics | All systems | All systems | All systems |
| Service Functions | 31+ | 31+ | 31+ |
| Coding/Programming | ECU coding, Key Fob programming, Injector coding. | Injector coding, Key Fob programming, ECU coding, J2534 ECU programming | Injector coding, Key programming, ECU coding, and J2534 ECU programming |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB |
| Storage | 32 GB SSD | 64 GB SSD | 64 GB SSD |
| Battery Storage | 10,000 mAH | 15,000 mAH | 15,000 mAH |
| Specialties | Has 8.0” LED IPS display that has 1024 x 768 resolution. | Has a 10.1” capacitive touch screen with 1920 x 1200 resolution.Supports Advanced Driver Assistance systems (ADAS). | Has a 9.7” LED capacitive display with a resolution of 1024 x 768.Comes with TS401 TPMS relearn tool. |
| 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 MK906BT Vs. MK908 Vs. MK908P: The Similarities?
Full OBD2 Functions
Autel MK906BT, MK908, and MK908P have 10 full OBD2 functions. You should expect full OBD2 functions on professional scanners (more than $100) such as these since they are designed to be as versatile and flexible as possible.
The support sets them apart from basic scanners, usually containing a few of the OBD2 functions like reading and deleting diagnostic trouble codes. Professional technicians can comfortably use any of these tools for essential tasks on multiple vehicles.
Full Advanced System Diagnostics
These scanners support all the system diagnostics in multiple vehicles. The supported systems in vehicles include the alarm, engine, TPMS, steering, wheel, fuel, AT, ABS, SRS, IMMO, Air conditioning, etc.
You will not go wrong with the Autel MK906BT, MK908, or the MK908P if you want a scan tool that can perform all the system diagnostics in your vehicle.
Autel MK906BT
Autel MK908
Autel MK908P
Bi-Directional Control
Bi-directional control is available in the Autel MK906BT, MK908, and MK908P, as is expected of any professional-grade car scan tool. The functional tests for each vehicle manufacturer vary depending on the model and year of make. If you do not see a specific bi-directional test when using any of these scanners, then your vehicle is not supported for that test.
Bi-directional control enables functional tests (active tests), which help access specific component tests and car-specific subsystems. The control enables the user to send commands to the ECU and monitor actions from components in real-time to easily and quickly fix any issue.
Supported Protocols
| Autel MK906BT | Autel MK908 | Autel MK908P |
|---|---|---|
| It supports all of the communication protocols. These protocols include: ISO 9142-2, ISO 14230-2, ISO 15765-4, K/L-Line, Flashing Code, SAE-J1850 VPW, SAE-J1850 PWM, CAN ISO 11898, Highspeed, Middle speed, Low speed and Singlewire CAN, GM UART, UART Echo Byte Protocol, Honda Diag-H Protocol, TP 2.0, TP 1.6, SAE J1939, SAE J1708, and Fault-Tolerant CAN. | It supports all of the communication protocols including: ISO 9142-2, ISO 14230-2, ISO 15765-4, K/L-Line, Flashing Code, SAE-J1850 VPW, SAE-J1850 PWM, CAN ISO 11898, High-speed, Middle speed, Low speed and Singlewide CAN, GM UART, UART Echo Byte Protocol, Honda Diag-H Protocol, TP 2.0, TP 1.6, SAE J1939, SAE J1708, and Fault-Tolerant CAN. | It supports all of the communication protocols including: ISO 9142-2, ISO 14230-2, ISO 15765-4, K/L-Line, Flashing Code, SAE-J1850 VPW, SAE-J1850 PWM, CAN ISO 11898, High-speed, Middle speed, Low speed and Singlewide CAN, GM UART, UART Echo Byte Protocol, Honda Diag-H Protocol, TP 2.0, TP 1.6, SAE J1939, SAE J1708, and Fault-Tolerant CAN. |
There are only five protocols integrated into OBD2 compliant vehicles; SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850 VPW, ISO014230 (KWP2000), ISO9141-2, and ISO15765-4/SAE J2480. The protocols are different in different vehicle brands, but the Autel MK906BT, MK908, and MK908P support these protocols and their variants.
Vehicle Coverage
| Autel MK906BT | Autel MK908 | Autel MK908P |
|---|---|---|
| It supports over 80 vehicle brands which include Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, For GM, Jeep, For Abarth, Alfa, Citroen, Fiat, Lancia, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Saab, Vauxhall, Volvo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Benz, Sprinter, BMW, Bugatti, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Maserati, Maybach, Mini, Rolls-Royce, Seat, Skoda, Smart, VW, VW CV, Dacia, Ford EU, LT3, Acura, Daewoo, Daihatsu, Honda, Hyundai, Hyundai CV, Infiniti, Kia, Lexus, Maruti Suzuki, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Nissan GTR, Samsung, Scion, Ssang Yong, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Isuzu, Mahindra, Perodua, Proton, TATA, HINO, UD, and Fuso. | It supports over 100 car brands which include Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Jeep, Abarth, Alfa, Citroen, Fiat, Lancia, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Saab, Vauxhall, Volvo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Benz, Sprinter, BMW, Bugatti, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Maserati, Maybach, Mini, Rolls-Royce, Seat, Skoda, Smart, VW, VW CV, Dacia, Ford EU, LT3, Acura, Daewoo, Daihatsu, Honda, Hyundai, Hyundai CV, Infiniti, Kia, Lexus, Maruti Suzuki, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Nissan GTR, Samsung, Scion, SsangYong, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Isuzu, Mahindra, Perodua, Proton, TATA, HINO, UD, and Fuso. | It supports over 99% of vehicle makes in the market today with OBD2 protocols. |
The vehicle coverage between MK906BT, MK908, and MK908P is adequate since they all support 80 vehicle brands. The number of supported vehicles also increases with the help of adapters and future software updates. You will not go wrong with any of these scanners if you want a tool to use on multiple vehicles.
However, ensure to check with the manufacturer when it comes to special functions and system diagnostics. Some functions are limited to specific vehicles and models. You can easily find this information by sending your VIN number to auteloffic[email protected], specifying your request to check compatibility.
Autel MK906BT Vs. MK908 Vs. MK908P: The Differences?
Advanced Service Functions
| Autel MK906BT | Autel MK908 | Autel MK908P |
|---|---|---|
| It supports over 31 reset and service functions including: Oil reset service Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) service Throttle adaptation ABS bleeding Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) service BMS service Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) Gear learning Seat match A/F adjust Language- change Airbag Reset Headlamp DPF regeneration Suspension matching Transmission adaptation Aftertreatment Window Door Floor Odometer CHG tire size TEC learn Cylinder VGT learn Speed and PTO Clutch Injector coding IMMO services Key Fob Coding EGR reset, etc. | It supports over 31 reset and service functions including: Oil reset service Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) service Throttle adaptation ABS bleeding Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) service BMS service Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) Gear learning Seat match A/F adjust Language- change Airbag Reset Headlamp DPF regeneration Suspension matching Transmission adaptation Aftertreatment Window Door Floor Odometer CHG tire size TEC learn Cylinder VGT learn Speed and PTO Clutch Injector coding IMMO services Key Fob Coding EGR reset, etc. | It supports over 30 reset functions including: Oil reset service Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) service Throttle adaptation ABS bleeding Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) service BMS service Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) Gear learning Seat match A/F adjust Language- change Airbag Reset Headlamp DPF regeneration Suspension matching Transmission adaptation Aftertreatment Window Door Floor Odometer CHG tire size TEC learn Cylinder VGT learn Speed and PTO Clutch Injector coding IMMO services Key Fob Coding EGR reset, etc. |
There are a lot of similar advanced service functions in these three scan tools. Some of the common reset functions include: oil light reset, SAS service, battery configuration, TPS reset, DPF regeneration, Injector coding, ECU coding, gear learning, AFS reset, EGR adaptation, Brake-pad reset, IMMO service, seat calibration, Airbag reset, ABS bleeding, etc.
The Autel MK908P is more equipped than MK906BT and MK908 since it has TPMS service functions while the other two do not.
Coding/Programming
There is ECU coding, Key Fob programming, and Injector coding in the three models. Autel MK908 and MK908P take it a step further by including ECU programming for BMW and Benz models. ECU coding is a function that helps re-flash the car’s control modules. This will enable you to update the onboard computer software and also reprogram data or specific components after repairs.
On the other hand, ECU programming helps you program unique/new ECUs, replace the current firmware or software on your ECU, and get rid of software-related issues. The ECU programming in Autel MK908 and MK908P is done with the help of a tool called the J2534 ECU programming tool.
The interface tool is SAE J2534-1 and SAE J2534-2 compliant. It acts as a connector between the onboard computer and the scan tools to perform the ECU programming functions. Autel MK908P comes with the J2534 ECU programming tool in the box, but you will have to purchase it separately for the MK908 scanner.
Autel MK906BT
Specialties
Autel MK908 was upgraded from the MK906BT with a wider screen, longer battery life, and more significant storage memory. MK908 features a 10.1’ inch screen which is bigger than the display size of the other two. Moreover, the MK908 screen has the best resolution among the three.
Both MK908 and MK908P come with 64 GB SSD memory storage twice as big as MK906BT’s. The battery is more than sufficient in MK908 and MK908P, making them the ideal choice for power users who want more screen time.
Pros and cons
Autel MK906BT
Pros
- Bi-directional control.
- ECU coding.
- Cheaper than the other two.
- OE-level diagnostics.
- No IP restriction.
Cons
- Cannot perform TPMS service functions.
- Key Fob programming is car specific and limited to low-grade anti-theft vehicles.
Autel MK908
Pros
- Has a bigger screen, more significant memory, and bigger battery than the MK906BT.
- Bi-directional control.
- ECU coding.
- ECU programming.
Cons
- Cannot perform TPMS functions.
- You will be required to buy a J2534 programmer separately for ECU programming on Mercedes Benz and BMW.
Autel MK908P
Pros
- Comes with advanced online ECU programming and online ECU coding.
- Has TPMS functions unlike Autel MK906BT and MK908.
- Covers more than 99% of OBD2 compliant vehicles.
- Bi-directional control.
Cons
- More expensive than Autel MK908 and MK908P.
- ECU programming is for Benz, and BMW makes only.
Final Thoughts
The Autel MK908P is the champion when compared to the other two Autel scan tools. It is equipped with all the features a professional need, over 99% OBD2 vehicle coverage, comes with ECU programming and full TPMS diagnostics.
However, no matter which of the three scanners you end up choosing, you won’t be dissapointed.
FAQs
What is the cost of updating Autel MK906BT after one year of free updates?
You will be charged $695 per year to get an update.
Can the ECU programming feature be used in any vehicle?
The Autel MK908 and MK908P support ECU programming for BMW and Benz alone.
Do these scan tools come with a case?
Each of these scan tools is packaged with a protective case. You will also find a protective cover on the display that keeps the screen scratch-proof.
Is the software in these scan tools safe from viruses?
You will not worry about viruses on the Android 4.4.2 Kitkat that is on these devices. The software is stable and free from malicious viruses so long as you stay clear from unsafe sites and applications.
Are these scan tools meant for professionals alone?
Autel MK906BT Autel MK908, and MK908P are professional-grade scanners meant for advanced diagnosis and services. However, the interface is intuitive and easy enough for any car owner to use. Feel free to get any of them for your regular car issues.
Read More: Autel MK908P Honest Review: Take It Only If You’re A Professional
