When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a 02 C32 and 05 C55 and absolutely love the cars and plan on keeping them long term. I do my own maintenance and have used dealer-level computers on my other cars, and would like to get the same for my C32 and C55. What do I need in terms of software and hardware? Thanks in advance!
A cheap OBD tool can read and clear most codes, and a commercial grade reader can clear airbag codes.
If you're hardcore into modifications then you'll need access to one of those dealership laptops. I don't know the specific machines required, but the terms Xentry and Star DAS come to mind. These laptops allow you to change the software configuration values coded into each car (adding hidden menus, changing the differential ratio etc). For a layperson this is rather unnecessary though. The number of times I've used one I can count on 1 hand. It's probably easier to simply pay an indie.
As for tools, the single most important one would be an e-torx socket set. These fasteners are everywhere on the car. The other quirky tool that comes to mind would be a pair of Clic-R pliers, which is used for many hoses in the vacuum and fuel system. For the suspension you'll need an offset (offset being key) metric box wrench set.
Everything else is pretty standard. Metric socket, torx socket, box wrenches etc.
There are some specific tools that are used in 1 place in the entire car. Examples of that include the alternator pulley tool, suspension strut socket, and fuel pump ring tool.
I assume you'll be doing your own oil changes. For that, a pump like a Mityvac 7400 does the job quite well if you plan on sucking the oil out the top instead of the old school drain method. Just make sure the reservoir is large enough to contain all of the old oil in one go. Keep in mind that some of the oil will be burned off between changes as well, so no need to get anything super large.
Last edited by slammer111; Jul 19, 2022 at 06:10 PM.
I agree with slammer with the hardware as far as the software I've purchased @BenzNinja software and followed his guide on purchasing a laptop and a C4. He's updated my modules firmware on anything that is available to be updated. Difference between Xentry and in other OBD scanner is that, the scanner is just a scanner only indicate errors when check engine light is on. The xentry can list faults that OBD does flag but I consider a nuisance. One example is the dreaded A/C actuators that you hear clicking when you start the car Xentry well tell you how many are broken and the location of the one that is broken. In addition you also get WIS.
I just bought a CLK55 and updated the ECU firmware and i'm currently going through the faults that it comes up helped me lower the price of the car when I purchased because I scanned it and showed the owner everything that needs to be replaced.... I can go on and on but my dealer charges 195/hr the indies in my area are at 155/hr so with a few things that I did on my own i've saved some money by now for sure.
Yes I don't use it all the time but have both cars that are 18+ years old things tend to become faulty.
One tool I'd add is the rear suspension there is a bushing in the control arm that goes bad and needs to be replaced I tried the DIY version took me 4hrs to do one side... I ended up buying the tool and done within 30 seconds lol... it was so worth the money here's the link for it. https://a.co/d/eMcaCA9
Its on the rear knuckle so you can't take it off and use a press like the front it needs to be remove while its on the vehicle its not on the control arm like the other one. If you never changed it's most likely worn out.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.
Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.
