The Mercedes-Benz 38 diagnostic port is a non-standard OBD-I port that allows mechanics and technicians to connect diagnostic tools to a vehicle to retrieve and clear codes from all systems, including ABS, airbag, transmission, A/C, door modules, etc. If your car has an OBD-II port and a 38-pin port (usually in the engine bay), and you try to connect to the OBD-II port under the dashboard, all you can access is the engine control unit. In other words, you can only diagnose the check engine light. To access all systems, you will need the 38-pin multiplexer for Mercedes-Benz. The scanner may or may not work on pre-1996 models even if you are using the 38-pin adapter as some of the older vehicles are OBD-I.

Mercedes-Benz models with 38-pin port

To diagnose other systems and lights, such as ABS, SRS airbag, A/C, transmission, etc., you will need to connect via the 38-pin port, which is found on many 1990 to 2002 Mercedes-Benz models. The following Mercedes-Benz models have the 38-pin port in the engine bay:

Mercedes-Benz Models with 38-Pin Diagnostic Port Compatibility by Class/Chassis

C-Class

W201 Series (190 Class) (1982-1993)

• Base Models: 190E 1.8, 190E 2.0, 190E 2.3, 190E 2.6
• Performance Models: 190E 2.3-16, 190E 2.5-16
• Diesel Models: 190D 2.0, 190D 2.2, 190D 2.5

W202 Series (1993-2000)

• Base Models: C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C280
• Performance Models: C36 AMG, C43 AMG
• Diesel Models: C200D, C220D, C250D

E-Class

W124 Series (1984-1997)

• Base Models: 200E, 220E, 230E, 260E, 280E, 300E, 320E, 400E, 420E, 500E
• Performance Models: E500, E60 AMG
• Diesel Models: 200D, 250D, 300D, E300D
• Wagon Models (S124): 230TE, 300TE, E320 Wagon

W210 Series (1995-2003)

• Base Models: E200, E230, E240, E280, E320, E420, E430
• Performance Models: E55 AMG
• Diesel Models: E200D, E220D, E250D, E300D
• Wagon Models (S210): E320 Wagon, E430 Wagon

S-Class

W126 Series (1979-1991)

• Standard Wheelbase: 280SE, 300SE, 380SE, 420SE, 500SE, 560SE
• Long Wheelbase (SEL): 300SEL, 380SEL, 420SEL, 500SEL, 560SEL
• Coupe Models (SEC): 380SEC, 420SEC, 500SEC, 560SEC

W140 Series (1991-1998)

• Standard/Long Wheelbase: 300SE/SEL, S320, S420, S500, S600
• Coupe Models (C140): SEC/CL500, SEC/CL600
• Performance Models: S60 AMG, S70 AMG, S72 AMG

SL-Class

R107 Series (1971-1989)

• Roadster Models: 350SL, 380SL, 450SL, 500SL, 560SL
• Coupe Models (SLC): 350SLC, 380SLC, 450SLC, 500SLC

R129 Series (1989-2001)

• Base Models (Post 09/99): SL320, SL500, SL600
• Performance Models: SL60 AMG, SL70 AMG, SL73 AMG

SLK-Class

R170 Series (1996-2004)

• Base Models: SLK200, SLK230 Kompressor, SLK320
• Performance Models: SLK32 AMG

CLK-Class

W208 Series (1997-2003)

• Base Models: CLK200, CLK230 Kompressor, CLK320, CLK430
• Performance Models: CLK55 AMG

G-Class

W463 Series (1990-2002)

• Gas Models: G320, G500
• Performance Models: G55 AMG
• Diesel Models: G350D, G400D

Many of these models are supported by the YOUCANIC UCAN-II scanner. These models may also have the OBD-II port under the dash. The OBD-II port under the dashboard is used to diagnose the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and check engine light problems. The 38-pin connector is used to diagnose the vehicle’s other systems, such as transmission, airbags, climate control, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), traction control, etc. To access all systems on 1996 and newer MB, you must use a Mercedes-Benz 38-pin multiplexer and the YOUCANIC UCAN-II scanner.

Where is the 38-pin port located on my Mercedes-Benz?

The Mercedes 38-pin diagnostic port is an OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics version 1) interface used on Mercedes-Benz vehicles from the early 1990s until the early 2000s. This port is typically located under the vehicle’s hood, near the fuse box.

You will need to connect to this port to diagnose the vehicle fully. The standard OBD-II, which allows you to diagnose the check engine light, is under the dashboard.

Can I diagnose my 1996-2002 with YOUCANIC Scanner?

You can diagnose 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz with a YOUCANIC scanner, but a special 38-pin adapter is required. If your Mercedes-Benz is newer than 2002 and does not have a 38-pin port, all diagnostics can be done via the OBD-II port. This video shows how to diagnose W210 E-Class and W208 CLK-Class.

Diagnosing a Mercedes-Benz 140 with the YOUCANIC scanner.

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