Autel MP808S

The Autel MaxiPRO MP808S is a 7 inch Android tablet that connects to the car with a cable. It reads and clears codes on all systems, runs active tests, and lists a service function set that includes oil reset, EPB, SAS, battery, ABS bleeding and injector coding. Both Amazon and Autel list ECU coding, and Autel names BMW, Porsche and VW.

The short version: The MP808S is a tablet for a home mechanic or an independent shop that wants ECU coding on European brands without paying for a wireless connector. Amazon and Autel agree on coding, active tests, two years of free updates and FCA access. They differ on numbers: Amazon says 30 or more services and 15,000 or more models, and Autel’s page says 28 or more service functions and more than 80 makes. Neither lists DoIP or CAN FD.

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What the MP808S Actually Does

The tool is one tablet. It plugs into the car’s OBD2 port through a main cable, so there is no separate wireless connector to charge or pair. Amazon calls it a “hard-wired OBD2 connection”. Autel’s box list names a main cable, a mini USB cable, a power adapter, a quick reference guide and a carrying case.

Autel lists these tablet specs:

• Screen: 7 inch LCD touchscreen, 1024 by 600.
• System: Android 11. Autel names a Cortex-A55 quad-core processor at 1.8 GHz. Amazon names a quad-core RK3566 CPU.
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of storage, with a microSD slot.
• Battery: 3.7 V, 5000 mAh.
• Connections: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, USB 2.0 and mini USB 2.0.

Amazon and Autel list these functions:

• All-system diagnosis. Amazon says “OE-Level Full-System Diagnostics” and names engine, ABS, SRS, transmission, EPB, SAS and BCM. Autel names the PCM, ECM, TCM, BCM and more.
• Codes and live data. Amazon says the tool supports 7000 or more codes, AutoVIN 2.0, freeze frame and multi-graph live data.
• Active tests. Amazon says “3000+ active tests” and names windows, mirrors, fuel pump, A/C, ABS, lighting and wipers. Autel names solenoids, relays, switches, valves, sunroof, window and door.
• Service functions. Amazon says “30+ Essential Services” and names oil reset, EPB, SAS, BMS, ABS bleed, injector coding, suspension and throttle matching. Autel says “28+” and names oil, SAS, EPB, TPMS, injector coding, bleeding, DPF and throttle.
• ECU coding. Amazon says online and offline coding, personalization and hidden function activation, plus VAG guided functions. Autel says the same ECU coding features as the MS906 PRO for BMW, Porsche and VW.
• FCA access. Amazon says AutoAuth for 2017 and newer FCA vehicles. Autel says AutoAuth access for 2018 and newer FCA vehicles (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat).
• Updates. Amazon says “2 Years NO Fee Update”, and says that a listing that shows only one year is upgraded automatically within 5 to 7 days. Autel says “Two Years Free Update” and “One Year Free Warranty”.

The picture below shows a coding job on a BMW X1 with the wired cable. The tablet leads the technician through the steps, and the cable stays plugged in during the whole job.

What Amazon Says vs. What Autel Confirms

We compared the Amazon listing with Autel’s store page and Autel’s manuals. The two agree on the main points. They differ on counts and on the coding detail.

The coding point matters. Amazon says “ECU Coding” and describes online and offline coding with hidden function activation. It also says the tool has “the same functions as higher-end models”. Autel’s store page is narrower. It says “same ECU Coding features as MS906 PRO for BMW, Porsche, VW”. Plan on those brands, and use the Scanner Finder for your car.

The numbers point matters. Amazon says 30 or more services and 15,000 or more models from 1996 to 2026. Autel’s store page says 28 or more service functions and more than 80 makes. A count of models and a count of makes are different things, so the two figures do not contradict each other.

The protocol point matters. Neither Amazon nor Autel’s store page lists DoIP or CAN FD for this tool. If you work on cars that need them, treat them as not listed for the MP808S.

The listing point matters. Amazon’s text says the MP808S is the “Same as MaxiSys MS906 PRO MS906MAX MP900-BT MP900”. That is a marketing phrase. Autel’s store page describes the MP808S itself, and so does this review.

A third source. The US Environmental Protection Agency publishes a technical bulletin called “Diesel Particulate Filter General Information”. It says a DPF uses a porous substrate to physically trap particulate matter, and that the trapped matter is reduced to ash during regeneration. It says “passive” regeneration happens when exhaust temperatures are high enough without added fuel, heat or driver action, and “active” regeneration may need driver action or another source of fuel or heat. It says the frequency depends on the engine’s duty cycle and other factors, and that with an active filter it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This source is independent of both Amazon and Autel. It explains what a DPF service on a scan tool is for.

How we handle these differences. The feature table at the bottom of this page, the Scanner Finder and our comparisons follow the Amazon listing, because Amazon is where you buy. We name the points above so you can see where Autel says something different. If one of them matters to you, read this section before you decide.

Is the MP808S Enough for You?

A short table gives the first answer.

For a home mechanic or a small shop that works on European brands, the top half covers most days. The bottom half lists work that needs a different tool.

Will the MP808S Work on Your Car?

Amazon says 15,000 or more models from 1996 to 2026. Autel says more than 80 US, Asian and European makes. The Autel manual describes four ways to identify a car: Auto Detect, Manual Input, Automatic Selection and Manual Selection. Use the Scanner Finder to check your year, make and model.

Coding is narrower than diagnosis. Autel names BMW, Porsche and VW, and Amazon adds VAG guided functions. If your car is outside those brands, treat coding as not listed for it.

How to Set Up and Use the MP808S

This section follows Autel’s manuals. The MP808S manual on ManualsLib confirms the main cable, the four ways to identify a car and the function menu. For the screens in detail, it uses Autel’s MP808S-TS manual, which describes the same Diagnostics, Live Data, Active Test and Service chapters. The TS version has extra TPMS parts and a wireless connector, which we leave out. Your screens may differ slightly.

Step 1: Power up

Press and hold the Power and Lock button on the top right of the tablet until the screen lights. Slide the lock screen up to open the Job Menu. A short press locks the screen again. Use the power adapter and the mini USB cable from the box to charge the tablet.

Step 2: Connect with the main cable

Plug the main cable into the tablet and into the car’s OBD2 port. The port is usually under the dashboard on the driver side. The manual says the tablet connects to the car through the main cable.

Step 3: Update

Open Update from the Job Menu. When the tablet is online, the Update application downloads the latest released software. Do this before your first job. Amazon says two years of updates are free.

Step 4: Identify the car

Tap Diagnostics. The VID button in the top bar gives the identification methods:

• Auto Detect reads the VIN and finds the control units. Confirm the VIN on the screen with OK. The TS manual says it works for 2006 and newer cars.
• Manual Input lets you type the VIN.
• Automatic Selection gets the VIN after you pick the make.
• Manual Selection lets you pick the make, model and year by menus.

Step 5: Scan

After the car is identified, choose Auto Scan to scan all available systems, or Control Unit to pick one. Auto Scan shows each system with a fault count or a pass. Use Report to see the data as a report, Quick erase to clear codes after a warning, and Pause to stop the scan.

Step 6: Use the function menu

Inside a system, the function menu may include these items, and the list varies by car:

• ECU Information shows the unit type and version numbers.
• Trouble Codes has Read Codes and Erase Codes. Freeze frame data can be shown on some cars.
• Live Data lists the values. You can show a value as a gauge, text or a waveform graph, merge 2 to 5 graphs, freeze the data, Record a session, set flags and Review it. Recorded data is also in the Data Manager.
• Active Test sends commands to the ECU to drive actuators, such as a solenoid, a relay or a switch. Follow the instructions on the screen.
• Special Function performs component adaptations, such as a recalibration after a repair.

Step 7: Run a service

Tap Service on the Job Menu. The MP808S manual lists these functions: Oil Reset, EPB, BMS, SAS, DPF, TPMS and IMMO. Notes from the TS manual:

• Oil reset. Do it every time the oil is changed. On some cars it resets more service lights, for example on a BMW.
• EPB. Deactivate the brake system before brake work and reactivate it afterwards. Work only on level ground with the car stationary.
• BMS. Registers a new battery, among other things. Use a battery with the same type and capacity as the old one, or the car may need the new battery type programmed.
• SAS. Stores the straight-ahead position of the steering wheel. Set the wheels and the steering wheel straight first.
• DPF. Check before a forced regeneration that the fuel light is off, no DPF faults are stored and the oil is correct. If the car must be driven, have a second person watch the screen.
• IMMO. Anti-theft key work, which varies by car.

Step 8: Keep your records

Data Manager keeps vehicle history, images, reports and recorded data. The Diagnostics toolbar has Save, Print, Help and Data Logging. Data Logging records the communication and ECU data so Autel support can look at an error.

Step 9: Common problems

The manual lists these causes when the tool cannot talk to the car: a loose connection, a blown vehicle fuse, a wiring fault, a system the car does not have, or a wrong vehicle identification. Check the cable and the car’s fuse first, and confirm the identification.

Common Mistakes and Three Simple Plans

1. Expecting DoIP or CAN FD. Neither Amazon nor Autel lists them for this tool.

2. Assuming coding works on every brand. Autel names BMW, Porsche and VW.

3. Skipping the update. Update before the first job.

4. Starting an EPB service without deactivating the brake system. The manual says to deactivate first.

Plan A: A new battery

1. Connect the cable and identify the car.
2. Open Service and pick the battery function.
3. Follow the screen, then run Auto Scan.

Plan B: A BMW coding job

1. Identify the BMW and open the system to code.
2. Pick the coding function and follow the screen.
3. Save the report and run Auto Scan again.

Plan C: A diesel with a DPF warning

1. Open Service and DPF.
2. Check the conditions in the manual.
3. Run the regeneration with a second person if the car must be driven.

Where the MP808S Sits Against Its Own Siblings

Our Autel MK808S review covers the same core diagnostics without coding. Our Autel MX900 review covers a tool that lists DoIP and CAN FD instead of coding. The full side-by-side is in our MK808S vs MP808S vs MX900 comparison.

The MP808S is the coding tool of the three. It has a cable, a tablet and a long service list, and it stops before DoIP and CAN FD. The picture below shows an active test on the window and door module of a BMW X1.

Who This Scanner Actually Fits

The MP808S fits a home mechanic or an independent technician who works on BMW, Porsche or VW group cars and wants ECU coding next to the usual all-system diagnosis and resets. It also fits someone who wants two free update years and a wired connection. It is a weaker fit for a buyer who needs DoIP or CAN FD on newer cars.

Important Limitations of the Autel MP808S

• No DoIP or CAN FD is listed. Neither Amazon nor Autel’s page lists them.
• Coding is brand-limited. Autel names BMW, Porsche and VW.
• The counts differ by page. Services are 30 or more on Amazon and 28 or more on Autel. Coverage is 15,000 models on Amazon and 80 makes on Autel.
• Cable only. Amazon says “hard-wired OBD2 connection”.
• Functions depend on the car. The manual says the lists vary by vehicle.

Who Should Choose It, and What to Consider Instead

Choose the MP808S if BMW, Porsche or VW group coding is part of your work, next to all-system diagnosis and resets.

Consider the Autel MK808S instead if coding is not why you are buying. Consider the Autel MX900 instead if you need DoIP and CAN FD more than coding.

Methodology: How SCG Evaluates OBD2 Scanners.

Our Verdict on the Autel MP808S

The MP808S is a wired tablet with ECU coding, active tests and a long service list. Amazon and Autel agree on the main points and differ on counts, and neither lists DoIP or CAN FD. If you work on BMW, Porsche or VW group cars and need coding, it fits well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MP808S support bidirectional control?

Yes. Amazon says 3000 or more active tests, and Autel names solenoids, relays, switches, valves, sunroof, window and door.

Which brands can it code?

Autel names BMW, Porsche and VW. Amazon adds VAG guided functions.

Does it support DoIP or CAN FD?

Neither Amazon nor Autel’s page lists them for this tool.

Is the connection wireless?

No. Amazon says “hard-wired OBD2 connection”, and Autel’s manual describes a main cable.

How long are updates free?

Two years, per Amazon and Autel.

Is it compatible with my specific vehicle?

Use the Scanner Finder to check your year, make and model.