Mucar BT200 vs. Thinkdiag: Which One Should I Choose?

Mucar BT200 vs. Thinkdiag?

Which scanner should you buy?

Deciding on the right scanner depends on what you need it for. To make a smart choice, let’s take a closer look at how these two tools are similar and different. 

In this review, I’ll cover:

• Full comparison chart
• Their key differences
• And detailed comparison between Mucar BT200 and Thinkdiag.

Mucar BT200 vs. Thinkdiag: Full comparison chart

	Mucar BT200 Check Price	Thinkdiag Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
Full-system diagnostics	✅	✅
Live data	Text & graph	Text & graph
Active tests	-	✅
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Service functions	2(*)	15
Oil reset	✅	✅
SAS reset	✅	✅
ABS bleeding	✅	✅
Battery registration	-	✅
EPB reset	-	✅
Key programming	-	✅
ECU coding	-	✅
VEHICLE COVERAGE
OBD2 car/light truck	✅	✅
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Bluetooth version	4.2	4.2
Smaller size	✅	-
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	Lifetime	1 year
Update fee	-	$40-$80
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Customer support	8.5	8.5
	Check Price	Check price

(*): Free for one year only.

Mucar BT200 vs. Thinkdiag: Key Differences

Mucar BT200 and Thinkdiag are two Bluetooth scanners designed for different users. Mucar BT200 is for beginners, while Thinkdiag is for DIYers. Here are the main differences between them:

• Updates: Mucar BT200 provides free lifetime updates for all functions, except for two service functions. Thinkdiag, on the other hand, offers full functionality for the first year only. After that, you have to pay for yearly updates, or you’ll only have access to basic OBD2 functions.
• Service functions: Thinkdiag is more versatile, offering 15 service functions, while Mucar BT200 only has 2.
• ECU coding: Thinkdiag supports ECU coding for popular brands like Audi, BMW, VW, and Benz, while Mucar BT200 doesn’t have this feature.
• Active tests: Mucar BT200, priced at under $50, doesn’t support bidirectional scanning. In contrast, Thinkdiag is equipped with active tests.

In my view, if you just need basic functions like scanning codes for all systems and want something with no additional costs, Mucar BT200 is a good choice. 

Thinkdiag is better suited for those who want advanced features like active tests and service functions, even if it comes with an annual subscription fee.

Today’s best Mucar BT200 price:

Check Price at Amazon

Today’s best Thinkdiag price:

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Mucar BT200 vs. Thinkdiag: Detailed comparison

Performance

Mucar BT200 and Thinkdiag share some common functions, such as:

• Checking for trouble codes from the entire car system.
• Reading real-time data.

However, Thinkdiag goes a step further by offering some extra useful features for car repair and maintenance. 

For instance, Thinkdiag lets you perform active tests, making it easier to spot faulty car parts.

Furthermore, Thinkdiag comes with a bunch of 15 commonly-used service functions, including:

• Oil reset
• SAS reset
• ABS bleeding
• Key programming
• DPF regen
• EPB service, etc.

In contrast, Mucar BT200 only covers two service functions: il reset and SAS reset.

The most notable difference is that Thinkdiag offers a pro-level feature called ECU coding. 

This function allows you to adapt new car parts after changing them or disable troublesome features. It works with specific car brands like VW, BMW, Audi, and Benz. 

Importantly, ECU coding is exclusive to Thinkdiag, and Mucar BT200 doesn’t have this feature.

Design & Hardware

When it comes to size, the Mucar BT200 is smaller than the Thinkdiag, but I find it easy to take both of them with me wherever I go.

Additionally, since they both work through Bluetooth, it’s important to note how they connect. 

Both scanners link up to the app quickly and stay connected reliably while in use. However, make sure you stay reasonably close to your car; if you move too far away, the connection might drop.

After-sales Service

Both of these scanners are made by Thinkcar, so their customer service is pretty much the same. 

They both come with a one-year warranty. Thinkcar’s customer support is okay; though it’s not as great as XTOOL’s, it’s still decent.

The main difference between these two scanners is updates. 

With the Mucar BT200, you get all its features (except two service functions) for free for as long as you have the device. 

However, with Thinkdiag, the advanced features are only free for the first year after you buy it. If you don’t renew, you can only use the basic OBD2 functions.

Here’s the cost for Thinkdiag updates:

• To update software for one car brand and get all functions: $39.95/year.
• To update software for all car brands and one reset function: $49.95/year.
• To get updates for all software, including all car and reset software, with free updates: $70/year.

Recommendations

Now that you’ve checked out my detailed comparison, you probably have a clear picture of what Mucar BT200 and Thinkdiag offer. 

If you’re still unsure which one to pick, here’s some advice:

If you just need basic system diagnostics and want to save some money, go for Mucar BT200. It’s a budget-friendly option.

On the other hand, if you require more advanced functions and don’t mind paying an annual fee for updates, then Thinkdiag is the better choice.

Today’s best Mucar BT200 price:

Check Price at Amazon

Today’s best Thinkdiag price:

Check Price at Amazon