If you’re in the market for an advanced and comprehensive scan tool, your best bet lies between Autel MS906 vs. MS906BT vs. MS906TS. These scan tools are known for their high value and extreme user-friendliness; it’s no wonder professional mechanics love them.
This post lays out their distinct functions, including their similarities and differences. Keep in mind that Autel MS906TS is the most expensive of the three. But is it so unique to have a premium price tag? I’ll answer this question and more as I define the three scanners.
Let’s take it to the end, guys.
Table of Contents
Autel MS906 vs. MS906BT vs. MS906TS: Complete Comparison Chart
 Autel MS906 |  Autel MS906BT |  Autel MS906TS |
|
| Customer Rating |  |  |  |
| Price |  | | |
| OBD2 Functions | 10/10* | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| System Diagnostics | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Advanced Service Functions | 31 | 31+ | 31+ |
| Bi-directional Controls | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Coding/Programming | ✔ | ECU coding, key fob programming | ECU coding, key programming |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery | 10,000 mAh Battery | 10,000 mAh Battery |
| Specialties | Guided functions for Audi and Volkswagen | 14 hours battery life MaxiVCI wireless connection | Full TPMS functions 14 hours battery life MaxiVCI wireless connection |
| Supported Protocols | ISO 9142-2ISO 14230-2ISO 15765-4 SAE-J1850 VPWSAE-J1850 PWMSAE J1939SAE J1708CAN ISO 11898, etc. | ISO 9142-2ISO 14230-2ISO 15765-4 SAE-J1850 VPWSAE-J1850 PWMSAE J1939SAE J1708CAN ISO 11898, etc. | ISO 9142-2ISO 14230-2ISO 15765-4 SAE-J1850 VPWSAE-J1850 PWMSAE J1939SAE J1708CAN ISO 11898, etc. |
| Vehicle Coverage | OBD1 vehicles, 1996+ Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, and 12V light-duty vehicles | 1996+ Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, and 12V light-duty vehicles | 1996+ Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, and 12V light-duty vehicles |
*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2
Autel MS906 vs. MS906BT vs. MS906TS: The Similarities
OBD2 Functions
Autel MS906, MS906BT, and MS906TS are all full OBD2 scanners. These devices support OBD2 functions on nearly all vehicles with an OBD2 port.
The three scanners support the ten OBD2 modes, read live data, clear OE-level codes, freeze frame data, and perform I/M readiness tests on the engine, airbag, ABS, and transmission. The scanners have auto VIN identification to save you time and allow manual input of the vehicle’s identification number.
I particularly like the MS906BT and MS906TS since they support remote expert diagnosis through a cloud service. As such, you can find a remote third-party expert with the same device to help diagnose your vehicle. I recommend getting the MS906BT since it’s cheaper than the MS906TS.
However, if you’re looking to diagnose older vehicles, the MS906 is a good option since it supports OBD1 diagnostics when you have an OBD1 adapter for that specific vehicle.
Advanced System Diagnostics
Autel MS906, MS906BT, and MS906TS are professional scanners that can access all supported systems in a vehicle. Apart from the four primary vehicle systems, they can also read information from the TPMS, brakes system, air conditioning, and steering column electric, active steering, etc. To this end, the gadgets can show you live PID data of multiple ECU sensors in graph or text.
Any of these scanners is a good deal for all-system diagnostics. However, the cheap option here is MS906.
Bi-directional Tests
If you have trouble getting to the root of a problem, just perform bi-directional tests with these scanners. Autel MS906, MS906BT, and MS906TS can interact with specific car systems and components like the ABS, door, window, or roof. Hence, you’ll be able to operate and test the vehicle’s related actuators when switching a solenoid or relay.
Since the MS906 is tethered to the car, it limits its use as a bidirectional tool. I’d go for the MS906BT since it has Bluetooth capability through the MaxiVCI dongle, so you can move around the car as you perform active tests. In addition, it’s cheaper than the MS906TS for this purpose.
Coding/Programming
All three scanners can perform ECU coding on many vehicles, but they cannot program the ECU on any car. The scanners can upgrade the ECU when a vehicle’s new version is available. In addition, they can perform ECU coding for various systems, which allows you to improve driving performance by changing the settings that you don’t want.
You’ll also be able to perform basic IMMO service for Asian cars that do not have advanced systems. Therefore, you can add a key or disable lost keys. IMMO service/ key fob programming does not work on vehicles like Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen.
Supported Protocols
Autel MS906, MS906BT, and MS906TS support the same number of protocols. These are:
- ISO 9142-2
- ISO 14230-2
- ISO 15765-4
- SAE-J1850 VPW
- SAE-J1850 PWM
- SAE J1939
- SAE J1708
- CAN ISO 11898
- K-Line
- L-Line
- Flashing Code
- Highspeed, Middle-speed, Low-speed and Singlewire CAN
- GM UART
- UART Echo Byte Protocol
- Honda Diag-H Protocol
- TP 2.0
- TP 1.6
- Fault-Tolerant CAN
Vehicle Coverage
One of the reasons these scanners are leading on the market is their broad vehicle compatibility. These scanners support 80 US, European, and Asian cars. They are compatible with Audi, Benz, Maserati, Volkswagen, Volvo, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge, Jeep, and tens of different brands.
In the package, you’ll also get nine non-standard OBD2 adapters, including:
- Benz – 38
- BMW – 20
- Chrysler – 16
- GM/Daewoo – 12
- Honda – 3
- Mitsubishi/Hyundai – 12 + 16
- Nissan – 14
- Kia – 20
- VW/Audi – 2 + 2
Autel MS906 vs. MS906BT vs. MS906TS: The Differences
Advanced Service Functions
While the Autel MS906, MS906BT, and MS906TS have many similar features, they differ slightly in the advanced service functions. Autel MS906 has 31 advanced features, while the other two support more than 31 maintenance functions.
All three scanners support the most commonly used maintenance functions: oil reset, EPB reset, ABS bleeding, SAS calibration, and DPF regeneration. Hot special functions on these scanners are strictly vehicle specific. Thus, you’ll find that you can perform maintenance of some components on one car and the same procedure is not doable on another.
Some of the other advanced service functions on the three scanners are; TPMS reset, airbag reset, DPF regeneration, suspension calibration, throttle adaptation, gear learning, and sunroof initialization.
MS906 also has guided functions specifically for Audi and Volkswagen vehicles. It helps you complete specific procedures on these vehicle makes. You can also unlock hidden features on Audi, Skoda, Seat, and Fiat cars. It also allows customer personalization of Peugeot, Citroen, and Nissan.
Now, if you’re wondering what makes the MS906TS special and why it comes at a higher price than the other two, this device comes with a built-in TPMS antenna. The antenna allows the device to support full TPMS service functions.
MS906TS allows:
- Complete TPMS health check
- Read/Clear TPMS diagnostic trouble codes
- Reset/activate all known TPMS sensors
- Scan TPMS sensor ID and copy it into MX-sensor
- Live TPMS data
- Auto-creating of sensor ID to program MX-sensor
MS906TS is the go-to tool for professionals who want an OBD2 scanner that doubles as a TPMS service tool.
Specialties
These scanners have some unique features that set them apart. The MS906 has guided functions for Audi and Volkswagen models, and it also supports component matching for Volkswagen, Mazda, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Ford, Chrysler, Opel, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Subaru, and Mitsubishi.
With the MS906, you can log in to an online account and refresh hidden functions on VW and Audi vehicles.
The MS906BT is a budget-friendly wireless OBD2 scanner. It connects through a MaxiVCI dongle to give you up to 164ft. of range. This device has similar functions as the MS906TS, except for the TPMS antenna. It’s also lighter in weight than the MS906TS, and its battery can last 14 hours, unlike the MS906, which lasts only 4.5 hours.
Apart from connecting wirelessly over Bluetooth, and having 14 hours of battery life, the MS906TS scanner doubles as a TPMS service tool.
Autel MS906 vs. MS906BT vs. MS906TS Pros and Cons
Autel MS906
Pros
- Cheaper than the MS906BT and MS906TS
- Automatic online updates
- Supports actuation tests and component matching
- Supports full OBD1 diagnostics
- Guided functions for Audi and Volkswagen
Cons
- Only 4.5 hours of battery life
- Tethered to the vehicle by OBD2 cable
Autel MS906
Autel MS906BT
Pros
- Cloud services
- Covers 99% of maintenance functions
- Hard plastic, protective case
- Screen protector
- Connects in 30 seconds only
Cons
- PIDs are in eOBD section instead of OEM
- Supports English only
Autel MS906BT
Autel MS906TS
Pros
- Full TPMS service
- Intuitive user interface
- Links to a network printer
- VCI reminder
- Includes accessories for older vehicles
Cons
- High-end price
- Only one-year free updates
Autel MS906TS
Final Thoughts
Understanding the similarities and differences between Autel MS906 vs. MS906BT vs. MS906TS will help you make the best choice. I hope this review clarifies what you get with each model so that you’re in a better place before putting your money on one of the devices.
Autel MS906
Autel MS906BT
Autel MS906TS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the Autel MS906 support multiple languages?
Yes, it can support several languages, but this function is charged an additional $100.
2. Can you perform ECU coding on any vehicle with the MS906TS?
No, the ECU coding function is not universally compatible with all cars. It’s best to send your vehicle’s VIN, brand, model, and year to Autel customer care before buying it for ECU coding on a specific vehicle.
3. Can you continue using your Autel MS906 scanner without updating it?
Yes, you can. However, the device will be more vulnerable to lags, and it cannot support newer vehicles.
4. Can Autel MS906TS program other sensors?
No. This scanner can only program Autel MX sensors and not sensors from other brands.
5. Does your Autel MS906, MS906BT, or MS906TS have IP restrictions?
Autel MS906 and MS906BT have IP restrictions such that they may be locked when used outside the US. Nevertheless, the MS906TS has no IP restriction, and you can use it anywhere in the world.
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