mb230s

It is becoming more and more apparent my G will be the last "modern" MB I will ever own. The build quality, poorly tested/integrated electronics, and the smug attitude of MBUSA and the dealer network here in the US is more than I can handle.

I've got 20+ months until my warranty expires to find one - I want a Star system. I'm guessing Europe is my best bet since they are required to supply them to independent shops. As MB switches to the newer electronics (MOST?) will the older Star systems become available used? I really only need it to work on my truck. The system Steve had in Chicago this past system would be perfect.

So..... can anyone (Steve/Scorchie/Sunman?) help me identify which unit would suit my needs best? Any thoughts on where to start the search?

Thanks,

Dave

SUNILP

First of all the Sta system is not cheap. Depending on where you get it, it will run 6000-15000 dollars for the basic system. The older systems will not become outdated since they are simply updated with new software and will continue to work on newer cars also. All MOST cars are fine also with the older systems. One was sold on ebay a few months ago for 11000 dollars. You may want to consider winstar as it is a cheaper alternative. Getting one is hard also. You can't just order one at the parts dealer. Then you are suppose to pay a annual fee to them for updates.

scorchie

Star Diagnosis systems also require a software subscription... quite pricey.

Also, the newer cars require less "stuff" than the older cars, since they do all programming through the OBD port, thus one less cable. So if you have an older DAS system and lose the big cable, you can still use it on a newer car (and not as well on an older car).

End users would probably be better off with a WinStar system (if it's easily available).

-s-

MBenzNL

The 3 star systems I bought were reasonable priced...the 2 year obligated software updates are extremely expensive...especially when compared to the costs of the star systems themselves...

There are people who come up with star diagnose copies BUT getting ahold of a multiplexer is nearly impossible as DC requires old ones to be turned in when ordering new ones and stolen ones get blocked (however they do that)...

greetingz,

mb230s

Interesting points from all. What is WinStar?

fazooley

It's a diagnostic software almost exactly like StarDiag for a fraction of the cost. I'm not sure exactly what the differences are, you need to ask a expert like Steve or Scorchie for this one. I know it can do live diagnostics and the video in motion jibber jabber.

fazooley

scorchie

Take a look:

http://www.icm.com.tw/

-s-