Difference Between Autel G-Box2 and Autel G-Box3

The Autel G-BOX isn’t a stand-alone scanner; it’s an add-on module for Autel’s key programmers (IM508/608 tablets). It's a turbocharger for Mercedes/BMW key tasks. Plugged into the tablet (IM508 needs the XP400Pro bench kit), it lets you handle tough jobs like Mercedes DAS3 CAN all-keys-lost routines, even if there are no original keys. It also expands your reach; the G-BOX3, for example, it supports DME/DDE ISN reading and writing in Boot Mode on applicable BMW vehicles, meaning that it can pull immobilizer codes off BMW engine modules. In short, the G-BOX acts as the bridge between your scanner and the car’s security/engine units, Mercedes, BMW, and (with the newer version) even VW. Without one, certain key programming and ECU coding simply can’t happen.

So what’s new in G-BOX3? Autel says that the G-BOX3 crunches all-keys-lost passwords 4×–8× faster than G-BOX2. In real terms that means a job that took all afternoon on the old box might finish in an hour with the new one. For example, Autel’s specs list 8× speedups on certain Mercedes (W172/ W204/ W207 chassis) and 4× on others (W209/ W211). Those are the EIS types used on C- and E-Class cars, and yes, that kind of speed gain is a big deal when time is money.

G-BOX3 also unlocks new vehicle support. It doubles the BMW engine modules you can read: 20 DME/DDE ECUs instead of 10, covering almost every 2000s–2010s BMW engine (EDC17, MSV90, MSD87, etc.). It even adds VW/Audi support: 18 MQB-platform ECMs (like VW Golf/Jetta/BMW 2.0T, Audi A3, etc.) can be read and synchronized. Neither of those were in the older G-BOX2 at all. Another big upgrade: G-BOX3 is a full J2534 pass-thru now, speaking new networks like CAN FD, DoIP and FlexRay. It even lets you do generic OBDII service functions (oil light resets, brake calibrations, steering angle, etc.) on supported cars. G-BOX2 simply couldn’t touch those modern protocols.

Hardware-wise, the new box has its IR LED built-in; which eliminates repeated insertions and removals of IR simulator for 10 types of EIS so you don’t have to fiddle with external dongles ten times on a single job. It will even let you do a Mercedes AKL on-vehicle – no dashboard teardown – because it can program the ignition switch in place. In contrast, G-BOX2 was strictly bench-only. All the cabling is sorted too: the G-BOX3 kit contains all connections including cables, fuse connector, and CAN line connectors, so you don’t have to hunt for a fuse jumper or weird OBD adapter. 

Mercedes

Both boxes handle Mercedes “DAS3 CAN” igntion/EIS systems (C-Class, E-Class and similar late-2000s/early-2010s models). G-BOX2 already did that, but G-BOX3 does it faster and easier. For example, if you’re doing a 2012 C300 or a 2008 CLK350 all-keys-lost, either box will do it – but G-BOX3 will give passwords 4–8× quicker and won’t make you take the ignition out. In fact, Autel explicitly notes you can program the key “on the vehicle without removing the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS)”. The G-BOX3 also officially supports on-vehicle all-keys-lost mode in Mercedes, whereas G-BOX2 did not. If your work based on Mercedes AKL jobs (DAS3/EIS/EZS systems in cars like W204, W207, R172 SLK, W211, etc.), both boxes handle it but G-BOX3 does it quicker and with less setup.

BMW

For BMW: neither G-BOX does key cutting at all – they only read engine immobilizer info. G-BOX2 could read a handful of Bosch ME/DE control units (about 10 types) in boot mode. G-BOX3 bumps that up to 20 types. In practice this means most BMWs from the 2000s/2010s (5-, 6-, 7-series, X-series, etc.) are covered for DME/DDE ISN reading. (Remember: this is for ECU swaps or aligning ISN, not programming car keys.) For example, Autel lists EDC17, MEVD17, MSV90, MSD87 and more among the supported BMW modules.

Volkswagen/Audi

For VW/Audi: G-BOX2 had no support at all. G-BOX3 can read/sync immobilizer data on MQB-platform cars – about 18 different ECM types. Think late-model Golfs, Jettas, Polos, Audi A3’s with Bosch MQB hardware. It even handles Volkswagen engine control coding (Bosch EDC17) in those models. In short, if you get calls on Euro VWs or Audis, G-BOX3 has the tools; G-BOX2 was blind there. (Neither one does keys or programming for non-VAG VW units.)

What about others? G-BOX3 adds Bosch MD1/MG1 engine module support, which shows up in some PSA (Peugeot/Citroën) and Opel cars as well as a few VAG engines. So if you ever need to dump or write a Bosch MD1 module (not common for most locksmiths, but handy if your shop does French/Opel imports), G-BOX3 can do it. That said, outside of MB/BMW/VW/PSA, these tools do nothing for keys. Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chrysler, etc. – you need their own tools or direct programming.

The G-BOX draws from a 12V source, always use a steady 12V/3A supply, preferably Autel’s official adapter or car 12V with the proper fused lead. The kit even includes a fused banana plug cable for +12V. If you hook that up wrong (or not at all), the unit won’t talk. Keep firmware up to date on both your tablet and the G-BOX. 

Remember that G-BOX3 is not plug-and-play like a remote. You need the right gear around it. If you’re using an IM508 tablet, don’t forget the XP400Pro bench kit – the G-BOX won’t work without it. And if your software licenses aren’t set up (for Mercedes/BMW), the G-BOX won’t unlock those makes. 

If you’ve done older Benz jobs, you know the pain of jamming IR LEDs into the ignition ten times. The G-BOX3 handles that for you – it eliminates repeated insertions of the IR simulator, that means set it up once and let the software do the rest. You still have to follow directions (e.g. ignition on, doors closed, etc.), but you won’t be wrestling wires under the dash.

Finally, learn when to upgrade or not. G-BOX3 costs more, so is it worth it? If you only do the occasional Mercedes key or you’re on a tight budget, a G-BOX2 still handles the basics. As one comparison put it: G-BOX2 is enough for “basic key programming and IMMO functions,” while G-BOX3 is “more advanced” and future-proof. In other words, G-BOX2 will get you out of a jam on an older Benz EIS just fine. But if your shop runs multiple AKL jobs a week or you want to work on BMW/VW cars without buying another tool, G-BOX3 is the clear winner.

The G-BOX3 basically does everything the 2 did (and more) but faster. If you handle a lot of Mercedes and Euro imports, it’ll save you time and headaches. If you mainly cut keys for Hondas and Hyundais, you might skip it and stick with the basics. G-BOX2 covers old-school Merc while G-BOX3 covers Merc and BMW/VW engine work.