If you’re ready to spend to get one of the most advanced Autel diagnostic scanners, you will not be disappointed by the Autel MaxiIM IM608 scanner. This device is fitted with some of the most advanced functions, such as IMMO, ECU, and programming. It is also well-built to defy harsh conditions, and it has an intuitive user interface. If you want to learn more about the Autel MaxiIM IM608 diagnostic scanner, continue reading this review to the end.
Affiliate Disclosure: “Our site is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. This page may include Amazon affiliate links, on which we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.”
Autel IM608 Review in 2023
Whether you own a busy auto repair shop or a professional mechanic who deals with all kinds of car problems, this will be a perfect professional scan tool for you. As expected, it does not come cheap but lives up to its cost. So, you’re getting what you pay for and much more. Here are our review and feature details:
Pros of Autel MaxiIM IM608 Scanner
- Sturdy construction to withstand harsh working conditions
- It covers a more comprehensive range of vehicles
- It has a user-friendly design for ease of use
- Performs basic, special, and advanced functions
- It has a large memory for better performance
- Autel IM608 delivers fast and accurate results
- It offers complete IMMO coverage
- Easy to use with the Smart mode and Expert mode
- 1-year of free software update
- 12-month limited warranty
Technical Specifications Chart
| Features | Autel MaxilM IM608 Professional OBD2 |
| Works: | 1996 and newer vehicles |
| Larger screens, Color screen: | Yes |
| Built-in 8-megapixel rear camera: | Yes |
| Read/write transponder data: | Yes |
| Complete capabilities for: | Codes, live data, active tests, ECU information, adaptation, matching, coding, etc. |
| Read & Erase DTCs: | Yes |
| Update option: | Yes |
| Get transmission codes: | Yes |
| Views freeze frame data: | Yes |
| 30+ Service Function: | Yes |
| Full system diagnostics: | Yes |
| Dimensions: | 11.81 x 8.66 x 1.97 inches |
| Weight: | 15.47 pounds |
| Warranty: | One year |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Summary of Contents
Construction
The Autel IM608 diagnostic code reader is sturdily built to last longer. It is the same size as a tablet, meaning handling it shouldn’t be a problem at all. The outcomes are displayed on the large 10.1-inch LED capacitive touch screen with 1920×1200 resolution, which is wider than Autel Maxicom MK808 and Autel MaxiLink ML619 scanners. On top of that, the auto scanner boasts various features that make it fun to use. It comes with a built-in 8-megapixel rear camera that you can take pictures and share with the community. Besides, the internal 64GB onboard memory allows the storage of all your data. Furthermore, it boasts of a powerful Cortex A7+A15 six-core processor for fast results.
Ease of operation
Using this device is also straightforward, as everything is organized in a user-friendly way. It has a large and intuitive user interface with a multilingual menu. Thus, you can change it to a language that you desire the most or understand the best.
Related article: Comparison between Autel Maxisys Pro and Elite advanced vehicle scanning device
What makes this scanner special is the smart mode and expert mode functions. The smart mode function provides guided and automated key learning, while the expert mode delivers advanced key learning. So, even if you’re not used to performing IMMO functions, these two features will make your life easy.
Extensive vehicle coverage
The device offers powerful OE-level diagnostics for more than 80 domestic, European, and Asian vehicles. The vehicle has to be OBD2 compliant or manufactured from 1996 and newer. Some of the prevalent vehicles that this scanner covers include Audi, Skoda, Seat, VW, Fiat, and much more. Before you acquire the unit, confirm that it is compatible with your car’s make and model.
A broad range of functions
The Autel MaxiIM IM608 diagnostic scan tool is an advanced tool that is better suited for professionals and busy car repair shops. The unit comes with all the functions that a person can desire in a high-end scanner found in Autel Maxisys Elite and Autel Maxisys Pro MS908P. Some of the tasks that it boasts of are IMMO ECU reset, coding, adaptation, Bi-directional control, read PIN/CS, remote learning, generate a key, and key learning. You can also perform read/write transponder data to detect remote frequency or complete capabilities for codes, matching, live data, coding, active test, and much more.
Apart from the advanced functions, you can perform special functions such as SAS, EPB, Oil Reset, PDF, TPMS Sensor ID relearn, BMS, and much more. It also performs basic functions such as read/erase error codes, view live data, and all the OBD2 test modes.
To help execute some of the advanced functions, this automotive diagnostic scanner comes with an advanced XP400 programmer and J2534 MaxiFlash. The XP400 programmer helps to read transponder data, while the MaxiFlash gives users convenient PC communication on any modern vehicle diagnostic.
Related article: Check the review of the advanced Autel MaxiPRO MP808 scan tool
With such features and functions, you will use this tool to quickly and efficiently diagnose various car issues. No need to acquire another diagnostic tool for IMMO, programming, ECU, or even Bi-directional control, as they are all features in this tool.
Connectivity
The Autel MaxiIM IM608 is convenient to use as it allows the user to connect it differently. The first and most common way of connecting the device is by using the OBDII port. The second and most convenient way is through Bluetooth. This OBDii scanner has the most powerful Bluetooth connectivity feature. The Bluetooth BT v2.1 + EDR can allow the user to diagnose the car as far as 210 feet. Therefore, you don’t have to be in the vehicle to diagnose your vehicle. However, some functions require the user to link up the scanner using the OBD2 cable for them to work.
Another crucial connectivity that this unit has is Wi-Fi. It allows the user to download software updates without requiring a PC. Meaning the mechanic can update the unit while seated in the comfort of his workshop.
Software upgrade
Like many other Autel scanners, this gadget comes with 1-year of free software updates. This means that you can update your software in the first year of owning this gadget. After that, you will have to pay a small fee to get updates. As stated above, updates are done via connecting the scanner to Wi-Fi and downloading them through the internet.
Check Today’s Price
Warranty
Autel also offers a 1-year limited warranty. This is excellent, considering some companies do not provide any guarantee. The warranty compensates for defects in material and workmanship.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for an advanced and fast OBD2 diagnostic tool, your search ends here. The Autel MaxiIM IM608 automotive car scanner is very advanced and efficient in performance. It has an intuitive user interface that makes diagnosing easy and fast. The large screen displays all the results clearly, and it has a multilingual menu.
What’s more, the reliable OBD2 diagnostic scanner performs various functions that both professional mechanics and technicians will love. It has functions like IMMO, ECU, adaptation, coding, and it is fitted with an XP400 key programmer. With all of these functions and a sleek but durable design, you will diagnose as many vehicles as possible.
Cons of the Autel IM608 Bi-Directional Scan Tool
- It is more expensive than other professional scanners, including Autel Maxidas DS808K and Upgraded Autel Maxidas DS708.
- It is only limited to use in the US
Even though the scanner is quite expensive, it is worth its price. On top of that, you get a 1-year of free software updates and a 1-year warranty.
Is the Autel MaxiIM IM608 a universal Automotive OBD2 scan tool?
No, it’s not. The Autel MaxiIM IM608 diagnostic scanner is built for the US market alone. Meaning it will not work outside the USA. If you use the automotive diagnostic scanner outside of the US, the device will not work. On top of that, if you try to change the IP, the gadget will lock automatically. So a universal Ancel AD310 diagnostic tool would be ideal if you want to go outside the USA.
How does the Autel MaxiIM IM608 work?
The Autel MaxiIM IM608 automotive scanner is straightforward to use. Start by connecting it to your car via a wireless connection or using the OBD2 port. Next, the advanced auto scan VIN will identify your vehicle’s make, model, and year of manufacture through its VIN, and you can access a variety of features. When using the wireless connection, you can diagnose your car via a range of up to 210 feet, which is impressive. It features the ECU function, which is found in the Autel MS908CV diagnostic tool.
It is important to note that some functions require the OBD2 cable to be directly connected to be effective. Such functions include IMMO and ECU. In contrast, tasks like programming can be diagnosed through a wireless connection. Besides, the Autel IM608 advanced functions can be viewed through live data and are easy to resolve.
Autel MaxiIM IM608 or Autel IM508: Which one is more advanced?
| Features | Autel IM508 | Autel IM608 |
| Key Learning: | All except Mercedes BMW, FEM/BDC, BMW 3rd Generation | All |
| MCU Read & Write: | Basic | Advanced |
| Camera: | N/A | 8.0 Megapixel |
| ECU Coding: | No | Yes |
| Complete Service Functions: | No | Yes |
| MaxiFlash JVCI ECU Reprogramming: | No | Yes |
| Touchscreen Screen Size: | 7-Inch | 10.1-Inch |
| Display Resolution: | 1024×600 | 1920×1200 |
| Memory: | 32GB | 64GB |
| Processor: | Cortex-A9 | Cortex (A7+A15) Six-Core |
Kevin Nicholas is an automotive technician who is a genius at software and hardware-related issues. He manually tested more than a hundred OBD scanners and gave his honest opinion on whether the device was worth the money or not. His in-depth OBD review articles help people choose the right product, whether it is a European, American, or Asian vehicle. He completed his Automotive Specialized Training Course at Universal Technical Institute and has more than 15 years of experience in the field.
