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I am in mind of the Mercedes-Benz attempt at lockin: the key has what is essentially a flash drive in it, that stores the diagnostics codes.

When you have a Check Engine Light or other issue, you are free to take it to any repair place other than the dealer - who needs to buy a $40,000 USD reader to read the codes stored in the key fob.

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I have an '08 Mercedes SL55, and a scangauge. The scanner cost $170. The codes are read through the standard obd2 port.

It wouldn't be surprising if the dealerships have fancier diagnostics available via $40k machines, but they're in no way crippled from standard service.

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