I concider buying the more expensive Mercedes Star Diagnostic tool.

Can you inform me about:

1-Which model exactly to buy for W204/B170 2008 upwards and how should I identify it before puchase it.

2-Which hardware should come withit(Laptop=With Port excluded).

3-Which software comes with it.

4-Which info about it's operation and use comes with it.

5-What can I expect to do with it and what not.

6-Apart from Chinese ones I should avoid, are there many other makes of it-?

Thanks a lot, just want to make sure I buy the right quality EQPT.

Buy from the dealer or find yourself a used original MB. Stick with the older MUX version, stay away from the new CD Connect wireless. It takes a little time, but you can find used original systems out there, do stay away from the Chinese knockoffs. Some people have had excellent luck and some not so much, it is hit and miss. Besides, what would you do if the Chinese decide to start loading their knockoffs with virus that completely wipes all programming? Better to stick with genuine MB!

Sorry but I find this advice a bit "cilly".

You cannot purchase the original tool from a dealer workshop, their tools are now all rented (and they all are those SDconnect tools, a CD connect would be useless in this context). And the original tools all come from China too (circuit boards, assembly would be in Europe). Perhaps at your place it is possible to take the tool from the official MB garage.

If you are afraid of Chinese viruses (as such, a valid concern), you can either scan the hard drive or purchase the tool without a HDD and install the SW yourself without viruses.

The PartD (C3) tool production is discontinued but one can find high quality clones which are good for private use (I believe these are illegal for business). The SDconnect starts to be quite popular and the price is reasonable but still much higher than the "C3".

Most often the tool is delivered with a pre-installed HDD for an IBM T30 or Dell D630 (the latter recommended, T30 is only good with the C3). Don't take the "works with all laptops" virtual machine setup. The HDD would have all relevant SW included.

hahaha ... I only know that mine is an original MUX type! YEah no idea where to get them now except China and maybe dealers unless you can come across used ones.

You might consider contacting Shardul via a PM.

Hello All members, I am new here.Anybody here can recommend me where to purchase reliable Star Diagnosis developer tool? Please help. Regards

Johnand & Samaritrey on the W203 forum both have Star's. You might ask them what they selected & why. W204 is really old wine in new bottles from a Star perspective.

I'm surprise there is not more talk about scanners. Which brands you have, what you like and don't like about the one you bought. I would like to buy one myself. Tells us what brand you have and how much you paid for it. I know Matco tools sells the Launch system new about 3,000 to 3,500. Which is to have lifetime free updates??? There are many other brands out there. With Matco tools I would think if there is a problem they can help. They have a hotline # which you can call if you need tech support.

It sounds like the after market Star machine DO NOT have the capacity or capability to re-program Mercedes. Is this correct? Are the dealers the only ones with the machines that can program a Benz?!

I live in Hawaii and our dealership is a SCAM! I can't even take either of my ML320s to them.

I've go to figure out how to find or buy a Star machine that can re-program