Autel IM508 In-Depth Review - Great-value Must-have Key Programmer & Scan Tool

The Autel IM508 is a powerful and versatile automotive key programming tool. Alongside these functions, it also combines diagnostic features and 20+ useful maintenance service, this integration (diagnostic and key programming) makes it a valuable tool to have in any garage.

Autel is one of the leading names on the market whether it comes to key programmers, TPMS tools, or automotive diagnostic tools. Professional key programming tools include Autel IM508, IM608 and more, But what sets the Autel MaxilM IM508 aside from their other models—and who is that this device made for?

Now, Let's answer those questions and provides you the complete product breakdown below.

1 Autel IM508 vs Autel IM608 Comparison Chart
2 Autel MaxiIM IM508 In-Depth Review
   2.1 IM508 Key Programming Functions
   2.2 IM508 Diagnostic Features
   2.3 IM508 Coverage
   2.4 IM508 Software and Updates
   2.5 IM508 PROS and CONS
3 Who is the Autel MaxilM IM508 For?
4 Write to the End

Autel IM508 vs Autel IM608 Comparison Chart

	Autel MaxiIM IM508	Autel MaxiIM IM608
Customer Rating	4.1 / 5	4.4 / 5
Price	Check Price	Check Price
Product Dimensions	21.4" x 16.7" x 6.8"	11.8" x 8.7" x 2"
Item Weight	12.17lbs	15.5lbs
Processor	Cortex-A9 (1.6 GHz)	Exynos Hexa-core (3 GHz)
Navigation	7” LCD touch screen	10.1” LED touch screen
Key Programming	Basic	Advanced
IMMO	✔	✔
ECU coding	✔	✔
MCU Read/write	✔	✔
Oil/ABS/SRS Reset	✔	✔
SAS Calibration	✔	✔
20+ Service	✔	✔
OE-level diagnostics	80 + manufacturers	80 + manufacturers
TPMS relearn	--	✔
Built-in camera	--	✔
J2534 ECU Reprogramming	--	✔

Autel MaxiIM IM508 In-Depth Review

Autel MaxilM IM508 is a great value key programmer and scan tool, helpful diagnostic features same as the Autel Maxicom MK808, and key programming function nearly to IM608

Autel MaxiIM IM508 Review: great value key programmer and scan tool

IM508 Key Programming Functions

The key programming functions of the Autel MaxilM IM508 are really its most impressive offering. Not only does it read, generate, and learn keys, you also can reset or code the car’s ECU and MCU. This provides you full control over all the keys for the vehicle.

IM508 come with powerful key programming functions

The MaxilM IM508 also can reprogram IMMO functions connected to keys. Even all the old keys are lost, you can remove the immobilizing mechanisms and make the vehicle up and running again. Once did, you can refresh the IMMO systems, and the customer’s car still protected.

IM508 also can reprogram complete IMMO functions

With built-in Wi-Fi, Autel MaxilM IM508 key programmer offers remote key learning, you also can re-set, generate, or relearn keys from anywhere in your garage without required to connect vehicle. Just connected IM508 programmer and the XP200 key programmer to read or write the ECU, or for specialized functions like reading IC cards, infrared keys, and encryption chips. Of course, that not all functions are remote-capable, you have to need to connect with your car via OBD cable if you perform diagnostic functions.

IM508 Diagnostic Features

Along with being a professional key programmer, Autel MaxilM IM508 also is a powerful OE-level all system diagnostic tool. It provides all the essential service and diagnostic functions you’d get from a typical high-end OBD2 scan tool. In fact, many diagnostic functions are same as those other professional Autel scanners, such as Maxicom MK808BT.

Autel IM508 comes with all system diagnostic functions with 20+ service

The Autel MaxilM IM508 scanner same comes with 20+ maintenance functions, including the commonly used service functions like EPB, SAS, ABS, and oil light reset, it's capabilities that are harder to seek out in hand-held scan tools.

The highlights of service functions include:

• Relearning/resetting TPMS sensors. Often, you would like a fanatical TPMS tool for this function, but it’s inbuilt to the MaxilM IM508. That’s helpful for quickly accessing the tire sensor ID within the ECU, also as performing tests and replacements.
• Battery Management System (BMS). you'll do tons quite just re-set the battery light or register an after-market replacement. The MaxilM IM508 also allows you to reprogram for variations in battery capacity and monitor the voltage and charge.
• Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPF). With this tool, you'll manage the DPF regeneration of any compatible diesel . It also allows you to adapt the ECU once you replace or repair the system

Autel MaxilM IM508 scanner same comes with 20+ maintenance functions

When it comes to diagnostics functions, the Autel IM508 is as comprehensive as any OBD2 diagnostic tool on the market. It gives you access to all or any 10 OBD2 modes, also as a number of system tests for specific components. You’ll especially love how easy it's to read and clear any diagnostic trouble codes, and you'll switch quickly between live data streams.

IM508 Coverage

When it involves diagnostic functions, the Autel MaxilM IM508 scan tool works on over 80+ makes from North America, Europe, and Asia.

Compatibility for the key programming functions is more limited, however, especially when it involves IMMO and ECU reprogramming. But luckily is you can purchase XP400 key programmer separately to extend IM508's capabilities and coverage to become a top-level key programming tool if you don't have a huge budget to purchase Autel IM608 Programmer.

Unfortunately, the complete key programming compatibility of the IM508 isn’t easy to seek out. If you’re concerned a few specific vehicle’s compatibilities, just send VIN number to autelkeytools@outlook.com to check compatibility. Autel’s customer service is usually known to be responsive when it involves product queries.

IM508 Software and Updates

Autel MaxilM IM508 is based on an Android-based OS and 7”1024x600 LCD capacitive touchscreen. We found it to be responsive and straightforward to navigate, and it seems to multi-task well without hang-ups.

Autel provides 12 months of free software updates for its IM508 key programmer. you can access these updates directly through the scanner, thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi connection. You can still use the key programming scan tool without any issues even when the free updates period expires, updates will cover more functions and vehicle models more than, so it will be highly recommended, of course, it will cost you $349 for update fee.

IM508 PROS and CONS

PROS

• Guided learning in Smart Mode improves the usability
• Expert mode enables advanced key programming functions
• Responsive and easy to use
• Wide vehicle compatibility
• Comprehensive diagnostic and maintenance functions
• Excellent value for the included features
• Built-in Wi-Fi makes updates and downloads easier

CONS

• Isn’t compatible with every vehicle manufacturer
• Priced outside the typical hobbyist’s budget
• No built-in diagnostic camera

Who is the Autel MaxilM IM508 For?

The Autel IM508 is an ideal diagnostic tool and key programming tool fro mechanics, body shops, and other professional garages. And while it’s an excellent value for what it can do, it's priced as such—likely outside the budget range of even serious hobbyists but compared with Autel IM608 or other scanners like MS906, the price of the IM508 is reasonable.

Write to the End

The Autel IM508 is a powerful key reprogramming tool with advanced diagnostic features. This differentiates it from other Autel products, like the Maxicom MK808, which emphasize diagnostic functions over key programming.

Most importantly for several consumers, the MaxilM IM508 may be a great value. Its functions are nearly just like costlier models, just like the Autel IM608. While the Autel IM608 is smoother, with a faster processor, the sole significant addition is that the on-board camera. which will be helpful but isn’t well worth the extra expense in our opinion. All-told, the Autel MaxilM IM508 may be a powerful, versatile addition to any garage. We hope this in-depth review has helped you work out if it’s the proper tool for your needs!