Why You Shouldn’t Buy an Autel Key Programmer im508 and im608 – Read This Before Purchasing!
If you’re considering buying an Autel Key Programmer im508 and im608… for car key programming, you may want to reconsider before making a final decision. While Autel devices offer some advantages, there are major drawbacks that make them a less-than-ideal choice for many professionals and enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explain why you might want to avoid buying this device.
1. Limited Support for Modern Vehicles
Although Autel claims to support a wide range of vehicles, its coverage is not complete—especially for modern cars and premium European brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Volkswagen. You may find that essential functions such as smart key programming or ECU synchronization are either not supported or require costly additional updates.
2. Expensive Updates
One of the biggest drawbacks of Autel devices is the high cost of annual updates. You must pay expensive fees to keep your database up to date. In some cases, the cost of updates may exceed the price of the device itself within a few years, making it an illogical investment compared to other solutions like Xhorse VVDI or Lonsdor, which offer free or more affordable updates.
3. Internet Dependency and Feature Restrictions
Most modern Autel key programmers require a constant internet connection to perform certain operations, such as reading immobilizer data or synchronizing keys with the control unit. This means you won’t be able to use the device in areas with an unstable internet connection, which can limit your work.
4. Difficulty Accessing PIN & CS Codes
Many VAG (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat) vehicles require PIN and CS codes for key programming, but Autel devices struggle to extract this data from newer units. In contrast, tools like Abrites AVDI or VVDI2 provide faster and more reliable access to these codes.
5. Poor Technical Support & Warranty Issues
Many users report that Autel’s technical support is slow and unhelpful, especially when dealing with complex issues. Additionally, some units stop functioning after a short period due to software problems, leaving users stuck without a quick solution.
Better Alternatives to Autel Key Programmers
If you’re looking for a reliable key programming device, consider these better alternatives:
- Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus – Wide support for smart keys and immobilizer coding.
- Lonsdor K518ISE – A strong choice for Asian and European cars.
- Abrites AVDI – The best for advanced functions, but expensive.
- OBDSTAR X300 DP Plus – Affordable pricing with good support for newer models.
Conclusion
While Autel key programmers offer some useful features, their costly updates, functional limitations, and poor technical support make them a less desirable option for many users. Before investing in a key programmer, be sure to research alternative options that provide better features for the price.
Have you used an Autel device before? Share your experience in the comments! 🚗🔑
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