i couldn't reply to the chirp thread...

here is an excerpt from the article. any typos are introduced by me
i'll be in orlando this weekend so i won't be able to reply to any questions until monday...

<b><i>From Mercedes Enthusiast, January 2002</i>

Maintenance Diagnostics, pp71-74

Doing It Yourself

One such example is Carsoft, a Belgian product aimed specifically at German marques and distributed in the UK by Maverick Technology. Its a PC/laptop-based system that can be used on post-1988 models with both analogue and the more modern digital management systems. The software is completely menu driven which makes it easy and quick to use. It will access and reset all Mercedes-Benz fault codes, can activate and drive components, has a limited live data stream capability, can be used for ECM identification and new key coding and will adjust and reset service intervals. The manufacturers have also built in a useful troubleshooting feature which helps to explain common faults and provides tips on effective rectification. The system is supplied with all diagnostic cables and is available for just under £1,500 (plus VAT).

...

"The system works on all aspects of most Mercedes applications, including the braking and tractino set-ups on diesel models, and those which it does not cover are extremely rare so that's not really a limiting factor in my experience. The live data streaming feature is a useful one for monitoring the output from sensors as the engine runs and, although this is limited at present, Maverick tells me that the function is being expanded as the software develops." (Simon Ashby, who runs Reading based Diagnostic Techniques (Tel: 07971 300481)

Maverick Technology can be contacted on 01280 816333</b>

 

Thanks Young. Interesting article. Wish there was a way to access these systems without the help of an outside device. In other words, I'd like to be able to change things (like chirp) for free.

 

Young,

What a good info you posted here. Do they actually say how much the total system cost. I saw something like ?,500 in your post. Would you mind to tell us if you have the figure. Thanks !!

 

hey, hey, i said i can't reply to any questions til monday!

just kidding. i'm waiting to be picked up for the airport so just hanging out for a little while

its 1500 british pounds (its a british magazine) + VAT. there's probably a US vendor but i don't know who they would be. of course, US doesn't have a VAT.

ps can people see the <b>£</b> symbol? i've been using it occasionally assuming that people could see it.

 

Yes, I think I did see it once in your post. By the way, what VAT stand for? And how much is the $1500 pounds converted to US dollars? Thanks and hope I still can catch you before you heading to the airport.

 

I can see the symbol.

 

1500 UK pounds (GBP) is about $2113 US. I think VAT might be some kind tax.

 

value-added tax
(VAT) levy imposed on business at all levels of the manufacture and production of a good or service and based on the increase in price, or value, provided by each level. Because the consumer ultimately pays a higher price for the taxed commodity, a VAT is essentially a hidden sales tax. Originally introduced in France (1954), it is now a major part of the tax structure of most Western European nations. In the early 1990s the U.S. government considered instituting a VAT to fund national health care programs.

 

Thanks Revstriker !! Well, sound like its a affortable price to own the system. Just want to make sure that it works on W203 (new C class).

 

benzomonterey,

How do you know so much about the VAT stuff. Are you an European or an accountant. Just kidding Thanks anyway. Its good to have sunch people like you around in this forum.

 

I work a moonlight job as the Shell answer man