In his December 5, 2021 “no nonsense” review, Daves Discoveries puts the iCarsoft CR MAX to work on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel cabriolet. The owner-led test shows why the CR MAX is a meaningful step beyond a basic code reader: it identifies the exact vehicle, scans a long list of control units, opens live module data, commands a power window and helps clear a stored historic fault.
The iCarsoft CR MAX performs convincingly in this real E-Class test. It automatically identifies the Mercedes as a chassis 207, model 426 diesel, runs a multi-module Quick Test, carries out a front-right power-window actuation and finds a historic P228000 air-mass-flow fault. After the reviewer clears that fault and checks again, the scanner reports no fault code found.
Key Takeaways
Embedded Video
Video credit: “iCarsoft CR Max no nonsense review”, published by Daves Discoveries on December 5, 2021.
Content relationship disclosure: This is third-party owner content. The reviewer repeatedly says he bought the CR MAX and describes it as an upgrade from his CR Pro. The public video description is empty, and no paid-sponsorship disclosure appears in the reviewed captions. The video is therefore treated as a self-purchased third-party review, not a stated sponsored or gifted-product collaboration.
Test Vehicle and Setup
| Item | What the Video Establishes |
|---|---|
| Scanner | iCarsoft CR MAX, purchased by the reviewer as an upgrade from a CR Pro |
| Vehicle | 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| On-screen identification | 207.426 — E 350 BlueTEC Cabriolet / E 350 D Cabriolet; chassis 207; model 426 |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine specification | Not specified. The video does not state displacement, cylinder count or engine code. |
| Scanner software / database version | Not specified. The installed diagnostic package and build number are not shown. |
| Connection | Wired diagnostic connection with the CR MAX operating as an Android-based touchscreen tool |
| Test setting | Vehicle stationary with the scanner connected; the reviewer moves the camera away while the VIN is read to protect privacy |
What the Reviewer Tested
- Automatic vehicle identification: the CR MAX reads the vehicle data and identifies the specific E-Class configuration without requiring the reviewer to work through manual lists.
- Multi-module Quick Test: the scanner moves through the available control units and displays pass or fault status as the vehicle’s systems enter diagnostic mode.
- Module access and live information: the reviewer opens the right-front door module, checks for codes, views module information and opens live data related to the window system.
- Front-right window actuation: he uses the active-test menu to command the power window, demonstrating the kind of component check he bought the CR MAX to perform.
- Historic fault diagnosis: the engine module reports P228000, described on-screen as a historic air-mass-flow malfunction in the intake-air system for cylinder bank 1.
- Code clearing and confirmation: the reviewer clears the historic engine fault and checks again; the screen then reports “No fault code found.”
- Service and adaptation menu review: he browses gearbox adaptations, oil reset, throttle-pedal calibration, steering-angle functions, injector coding, DPF regeneration and fuel-pump options without completing most of those procedures.
Features Demonstrated
| Feature | Evidence in the Video | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic vehicle identification | The scanner reads and displays the exact E-Class configuration | Demonstrated |
| Multi-module Quick Test | The CR MAX scans the available Mercedes control units and reports their status | Demonstrated |
| Control-unit selection | The reviewer browses a long module list covering powertrain, body, radar, camera and convenience systems | Demonstrated |
| Module information and live data | Door-module information and window-related live values are opened on screen | Demonstrated |
| Bi-directional window control | The right-front power window is commanded from the actuation menu | Demonstrated |
| Read and clear fault codes | A historic P228000 air-mass-flow fault is read, cleared and checked again | Demonstrated |
| Wi-Fi updating | The reviewer describes direct Wi-Fi updating and shows the Upgrade area, but does not complete an update on camera | Shown / described |
| Gearbox, DPF, injector and other service procedures | Relevant menus are browsed; the procedures are not carried through in this video | Menu shown |
Current CR MAX Specifications — Official iCarsoft US Source
The 2021 video documents the reviewer’s own device and software at that time. The current iCarsoft US product page presents the CR MAX as a broader professional platform. These are official product specifications, not additional procedures completed in the video:
- Full-system diagnostics with access to available onboard ECUs.
- Bi-directional control for supported modules and components.
- 50 service functions and OE-level coding or adaptations where supported.
- 58-make coverage, CAN-FD support and optional-accessory DoIP readiness.
- 7-inch 1024 × 600 touchscreen, Android operating system, 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 64GB storage.
- 5000mAh battery, direct 16-pin OBD2 connection and lifetime Wi-Fi software updates.
Vehicle-dependency notice: Diagnostic systems, active tests, service resets, coding, adaptations and other advanced functions vary by vehicle brand, model, production year, ECU/module configuration and installed software. The reviewer also states that not every make and model receives the same coverage. Confirm VIN-specific support before relying on one advanced procedure.
What the Reviewer Liked
The reviewer’s strongest praise is directed at the CR MAX’s practical depth. He values being able to move from a network-wide scan into individual modules, inspect live data and then use actuation to separate a switch problem from a motor or wiring issue. That is a substantial step up from simply reading a generic engine code.
He also likes the responsive Android interface, direct Wi-Fi updating, protective storage case and the speed advantage over entering modules one by one on his earlier CR Pro. Most importantly, the video backs up his positive conclusion with real interaction: the CR MAX identifies the car, scans its control units, commands a window and manages a stored fault rather than only displaying promotional menus.
Limitations and What Was Not Tested
This focused owner review gives the CR MAX a strong, practical showing on one Mercedes. It also leaves clear boundaries around what the footage proves.
One well-covered test vehicle
The completed procedures are shown on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel cabriolet. Other vehicles may expose different modules and functions.
Advanced menus remain available to explore
Gearbox adaptations, DPF regeneration, injector coding, oil reset and several calibration options are shown or discussed but not completed during this recording.
A useful code-management example
The historic airflow fault is cleared and the immediate follow-up reports no fault code, but the video does not document a component repair or long-term recurrence check.
Software build not recorded
The scanner’s installed software and database versions are not specified, so current menus may differ from the 2021 footage.
Test-scope note: The reviewer deliberately avoids commanding the transmission to neutral and does not execute the displayed gearbox adaptation, DPF, injector-coding or calibration procedures. Those features should be described as menu availability or reviewer commentary, not completed tests.
Who This Scanner Is For
The CR MAX is especially well suited to serious DIY owners who maintain several vehicles, Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts who want access beyond generic OBD2 and independent technicians who need portable full-system scanning and supported active tests. Its direct cable connection and dedicated touchscreen also suit users who prefer a purpose-built diagnostic tablet over a phone-dependent dongle.
For buyers moving up from a basic scanner, this video shows the clearest benefit: the CR MAX can help connect a fault report to a real component-level check. Buyers purchasing specifically for one reset, adaptation or coding procedure should still confirm compatibility by VIN.
Review current specifications and confirm vehicle-specific function coverage.
Final Verdict
Daves Discoveries gives the iCarsoft CR MAX a convincing real-owner endorsement. On the 2015 E-Class shown, the scanner combines quick vehicle identification, broad module access, an efficient network scan, live module information, a successful window actuation and practical fault-code management in one self-contained tool.
The most persuasive moment is not a specification screen—it is the ability to command the front-right window and use that response as diagnostic evidence. Combined with the successful read-clear-recheck sequence for the historic airflow fault, the video demonstrates why the CR MAX can be a valuable upgrade for capable DIYers and workshops. Current official specifications add even broader potential, with exact advanced-function availability remaining dependent on the vehicle and installed software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vehicle was used in this iCarsoft CR MAX review?
Did the CR MAX identify the Mercedes automatically?
Did the reviewer perform a real bi-directional active test?
Which fault code did the CR MAX find?
Were gearbox adaptation and DPF regeneration performed?
What did the reviewer like most about the CR MAX?
Are all CR MAX advanced functions available on every vehicle?
Sources
- Daves Discoveries: “iCarsoft CR Max no nonsense review”, published December 5, 2021. Video metadata, English auto-generated captions and source frames reviewed September 10, 2026.
- iCarsoft US: iCarsoft CR MAX Car Diagnostic Tool. Current product specifications reviewed September 10, 2026.
Editorial note: Demonstrated video actions and current official product specifications are identified separately throughout this article. Compatibility and advanced-function availability vary by vehicle brand, model, production year, installed modules and software version. Record diagnostic evidence and address the underlying cause before clearing fault codes.
