What does specialist mean anyway?
We want our vehicles to work properly, reliably and for free. Oh well I guess two out of three will have to do.
Our demands for performance, comfort, safety and economy force the auto makers to make vehicle electronic systems more and more complex. The cars have processors (commonly known as computers or modules) for nearly every electric device in your car. I counted over 20 in a 2003 Mercedes the other day! Even in less sophisticated ("cheaper" in normal speak) cars can have 5 or more in many cases. In addition to that little fact all these systems communicate with each other and are inter dependent on each other to some extent.
I am sure you are saying at this point "Okay Robert, get to the point will ya?" The point is that in order to properly diagnose and repair all systems in modern vehicles you must have factory or factory capable computer diagnostic and tooling capability.
Herein lays the rub: How do you know whether that is true of your service provider?
First of all I would seriously call into question anyone who advertises that they specialize in foreign and domestic vehicles. Isn't that the polar opposite of specialized? Geez, give me a break!
Secondly, if they have only one scan tool (for talking to your cars computers) and they work on more than two vehicle manufacturers products there may be some question about their capabilities. Further questions would have to be posed to determine what they will be capable of doing properly (or at all).
Third, what vehicle manufacturer specific training have they taken to be a "specialist"?
On BMW and Mini: Only the factory GT1 and the Auto Logic Scan tools are full functioned enough to access, code and program all systems on modern BMW automobiles. Snap On, Launch X431, Genesis and the Baum I-Scan Scanners while decent for some basics have major holes that present serious problems for anyone trying to provide real complete service. Only the factory tool has guided diagnostic procedures for techs that have mid to low electronic knowledge and skills.
On Mercedes: The factory SDS system and Auto Logic scanners are the most complete. The Baum I-Scan when up to date was pretty functional but still occasionally has poor code descriptions and sometimes unable to do some procedures. While Snap On, Launch X431, and others have fair functionality they still have holes that can really lead you down the rabbit trail occasionally as well as a complete inability to perform some important functions on more current models. Only the factory tool has guided diagnostics for any code tracing trouble shooting procedures on late 90's to current vehicles.
On Volvo: Only the factory tooling can perform all needed procedures on late 99 to current models. Auto Logic has been very good and I have heard that Baum I-Scan has improved dramatically but anything but the factory scanner will lead to problems at this point if you work on all systems. Volvo has been less than helpful to the aftermarket and in my opinion is the worst auto manufacturer for access to diagnostic information and tooling without being invasive.
On VW/Audi: Factory tooling is the only way to perform all coding and programming functions on late model vehicles. The Vag-Com tool is by far the best available aftermarket tool for ease of use and functionality combined. The Snap-On, Baum, Launch X431 and perhaps others can perform most if not all the functions of the Vag-Com but will require more knowledgable technicians to use them to their full capabilities.
On Lexus/Toyota: Obviously the factory tool will perform all needed functions on these vehicles. A fully updated MasterTech scanner with factory software will also perform all functions. Many other manufacturers have the ability to scan these vehicles but I don't know what holes they will have in regard to accessing all systems and performing programming functions. I haven't done nearly the amount of research as I just bought the factory tool and had no reason to look further.
*all of the above comments on scanners are based on my research and express my opinions only. If you can prove otherwise I certainly am open to learning more and would love to hear your input.
To close I would just suggest that you ask; Just what have you got that makes you more qualified to work on my your vehicle make other than basic hand tools that you can buy at Sears Sunday afternoon?
Thanks for letting me take the wheel again,
Robert