What tool to use to clone Mercedes EIS EZS?

[qubits]

Hi Friends, I need some advise what tool I need to Program/CLONE Mercedes EIS/EZS.

I get requests every few months to replace bad EIS but I always turn it down because I don't have expansive tools like VVDI or Simon touch etc.

AK500+ isn't expansive but I'm not sure it will do the job well??

Most of the Mercedes are 10+ years old. I don't really have a need to program keys. Keys are not expansive from the dealership around here.

Tools I own: UPA, Xprog clone, Smok, fvdi (junk).

Price range of $500 to $1000 would be ideal.

Cheers!

[narkeleptk]

ak500 is good for older cars but only if using virgin keys. renewed keys remote will never work. Not all mcus it will reaf so you may need some other readers as well.
i use orange5 and xprog mostly. if you dont need to make keys then you can just do most of the Cloning with xprog as long as eeprom is not currupt on eis your working on

[qubits]

xprog clone will do fine? What programmer is good if xprog doesn't read?

[narkeleptk]

rosfar r260, etl or orange5

[qubits]

It looks like Smok (already own!) has decent support for 908 and 9S12XEP. Of course ETL has the best reputation with motorola MCUs; if you can afford it.
And then there is $375 R280 that also supports newer BMW CAS.

What software do you use to program keys or renew/reset the EIS/CAS? VVDI seems popular?