Diagnostic are extremely important for any Porsche owner who wishes to keep on top of their vehicle’s maintenance and have a trustworthy garage they can attend if repairs are required.
Following is a list of diagnostic tools and their pros and cons:
1.**Porsche PIWIS (Porsche Integrated Workshop Information System)**
-**Pros**:
– Official diagnostic tool used by Porsche dealers.
– Used for all Porsche vehicles, both old and new.
– Most comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, coding, programming, and detailed vehicle information.
– Has regular updates.
-**Cons**:
-Large cash investment.
-Forced to take out a subscription, in order to receive updates.
-Likely to have superfluous information for a small business or Porsche enthusiast.
2.**Durametric Diagnostic Tool**
-**Pros**:
-Popular choice for Porsche enthusiasts and small independent businesses.
-Has many of the diagnostic capabilities of the PIWIS but with less cash outlay.
-Ability to clear fault codes, read module information and activate test functions.
-**Cons**:
-Do your homework! There are different software versions, so choose the one for your needs.
-Diagnostics and programming aren’t as comprehensive as with the PIWIS.
3.**iCarsoft POR II**
-**Pros**:
-Affordable.
-Adequate basic diagnostics: reading and clearing fault codes, live data checks, limited service functions.
-**Cons**:
-Limited functionality when compared to Durametric or PIWIS.
-Lacks module coverage and coding capability.
4.**Foxwell NT510 for Porsche**
-**Pros**:
-Affordable.
-Ability to read and clear fault codes, view live data and carry out some service functions.
-**Cons**:
-Not Porsche-specific so look for advanced functionalities before making your choice.
-Not as comprehensive as Porsche-specific tools.
5.**Autel MaxiSys Series (e.g., MS906, MS908, Elite)**
-**Pros**:
-Highly professional diagnostic tool useful for a variety of vehicle brands.
-Extensive diagnostic capability. No need for add-ons.
-Regularly updated.
-**Cons**:
-Large cash investment. Third party options cheaper.
-May not offer in-depth Porsche-specific functionality since it’s a multi-brand system.
**Which is the best?**
-For **official dealerships** and those who aren’t price constrained, the **PIWIS** is the best solution.
-**Independent garages** and technicians who focus on a variety of Porsche models may benefit from the **Durametic Professional version** for best capability and cost.
-**For **DIY enthusiasts**, the **Durametric Enthusiast version** or the **iCarsoft POR II** both offer the benefits of high performance and affordability.
-For garages that offer multi-brand service, the **Autel MaxiSys series** may prove to be the best diagnostic option.
No matter which diagnostic tool you choose, make sure it is compatible with the Porsche models and years that you work on. As well as having the best tool that you can afford, having the expertise to analyse the data is of paramount importance.
