Autel IM508 and IM608 PRO both are excellent professional key programming tools and diagnostic scanner that combines advanced key programming, all systems diagnostics, and advanced services in one tablet.
Now it's time to check which one is better and what’s the difference between them–
Just by seeing, you’ll notice that Autel IM608 PRO has a bigger screen, 10.2” inches, more or less like a large tablet and IM508 has a slightly smaller 7-inch screen similar to many modern vehicle systems.
You’ll also notice IM608 PRO has an independent JVCI interface that communicates wirelessly by Bluetooth but IM508 doesn’t have any Bluetooth and connects directly to the vehicle. You might be thinking if having a cable is negative or not! No, The cable allows us to work directly through the OBD port of the vehicle.
Another interesting part of its exterior is that both of them come reinforced and have protection on the edges and screen.
Menus
Autel IM608 PRO and IM508 have the same menu and visual structure so there aren’t many differences that you can find. This structure allows you to navigate through the screen and menus of the application quickly.
Autel IM608 PRO can work with a four-channel oscilloscope and endoscopic camera. The IM508 does not have this function.
Purpose & Features
So what is the purpose of IM508?
Let me tell you, IM508 is for someone who wants to have the function of keys, immobilizers, and electronic programming without the need for more advanced functions of diagnostic equipment, for example, a locksmith.
The IM608 PRO enables key learning directly through the OBDII port for 85 percent of vehicles in North America. You can read the immobilizer pins and password directly from the vehicle using the Autel IM608 Pro device. You can also store this information to use later when learning the newly programmed keys to the vehicle.
Autel IM508 comes with an all-systems code reader and service tool, offering powerful IMMO functionality including backup, restore, adaptations and coding, key generation, and key learning & remote learning.
On the other hand, Autel IM608 PRO has advanced diagnostic features that can be used for most vehicles. You can do anything from resetting to fault coding to the server. Now you must be thinking how can this tool do programming? Well, its protocol J2534 allows you to program, reprogram, and code. In fact, Autel IM608 PRO is a complete tool that can do the most complicated job related to automotive electronics, keys, and immobilizers.
Functions
Now let's get back to Autel IM508, What function does it execute?
It has the same coverage as IM608 PRO and works with all the control units of most cars. IM508 has a basic diagnostic function but it's useful. It can do reading and erasing of fault codes. It also comes with a menu of the most frequent functions like resetting maintenance, repositioning brake calipers, and battery resets.
Autel IM608 PRO has an OE-level diagnostic and service function with Additional software and accessories for IMMO and key programming, complete capabilities for codes, live data, active tests, ECU information, adaptation, matching, coding, etc.
Programmer
Autel IM508 comes with a simpler programmer called XP200 and Autel IM608 PRO comes with an XP400 PRO programmer. But XP200 has the same feature as XP400 PRO, which has a key slot and ports to connect all the accessories.
Analyze with attention before you decide which one to buy. And don’t forget, you can continually update IM508 (add XP400 PRO) to catch up with IM608 PRO in terms of performance for key and immobilizer functions.
