I'm new to Mercedes ownership coming from a long line of BMW's. I really like my CLK55 so far but there is next to no information/ DIY's on these cars. I'd assume it's because of the low production numbers of W208's particularly the CLK55's since there are only a few thousand imported to the US.

What's a good repair manual? BMW's have Bentley manuals and for most work there are 5-7 DIY's posted online to choose from to help with the job.

Mercedes-Benz does not produce service/repair manuals in a standard book format. They supply it electronically in a product called the WIS. The Workshop Information System (WIS) has all the technical descriptions and information required to complete any factory approved service or repair on most Mercedes-Benz vehicles built since the mid-1980s. Later versions of the WIS come bundled with the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC). After entering the VIN in the software, vehicle specific parts and procedures can be displayed. The VIN isn't required, but it does make things easier.

I have owned at least four different versions. The latest is definitely the best and what I recommend. The early ones only ran under Windows XP (or XP mode under Vista or Windows 7 professional). The latest will run under VM, which is supplied with Windows 7. If you don't have a programming background, don't sweat it. If you're running XP, get an old set. The old WIS came on 2 CDs in the early days, and as many as 5 later. The early ones didn't come with the EPC - you had to buy that separately. If you have Windows 7, get the latest version of the WIS you can find. Its a simple install. KrazzDav (that's his screen name) was selling the 2012 versions last year. His email is krazzdav30@hotmail.com

Some who have purchased the WIS on Ebay or went with a cheap Chinese knockoff have found them to be loaded with spywear. You won't have that problem using Dave's DVDs.

Lastly - In 2005 there was a program in place where the WIS was being given away. One guy burned 2 copies and gave them away. Each of those two guys were then supposed to burn two copies and give those away, by the 20th generation there should have been over a million free copies in circulation.

Thanks for the great information MarcusF!

I'll get ahold of KrazzDav for a WIS.

Emailed him and never got a response...

I've been learning about the car so far by trial and error coming from experience on other vehicle applications. I'm disappointed the WIS is the only manual available and is tough to find a good version available.

Did you ever find a good working copy of the WIS manual? Im looking for one as well and not too sure about the ones for sale on Ebay?

Does anyone else have any pointers on where to get a copy? I would prefer to get the latest version available. Thanks

If Dave doesn't respond, in two weeks I may be able to help. Either revive this thread or PM me the first week of December.

Aaron68 - I was going to buy one off Ebay but I heard stories of some of them being sold with malware hidden on them.

MarcusF - Thanks for your help regarding repair manuals so far!

Same here.. I'll keep an eye on this thread and check back in a couple of weeks like Marcus said.

Thanks

I've burned a set of the 2012 DVDs and shipped them to someone to test on their PC. As soon as I hear back, we'll see about moving forward.

I'd be interested in a set.


LGSONE

Me too

I would like a set as well

here is a free download that works whit virtual machine on any os http://thepiratebay.ac/torrent/56261...iance_Preinsta

The link's no good. I'm looking forward to hearing back from MarcusF for a good trusted copy.

this one should work http://thepiratebay.pe/torrent/56261...iance_Preinstahttp://thepiratebay.pe/torrent/56261...iance_Preinsta

hi marcus,i'm interested in a set too
sending you a pm...

tx for that!!!

put me on the list for a copy... ill go with the receive one and send two system, pm me for mailing info

I was wondering if anything came about with this? Does anyone still have access to the WIS?

I sent a couple of guys some free copies of the 2012 version to see if they could get them to work. Two guys got their copies to work with just the instructions, but a third guy couldn't. The third tester literally worked on this for months and recently gave up. One DVD was bad, I sent another, but it still wouldn't work. We've found that Memorex DVDs WILL NOT WORK. Verbatim seems to be good. Another guy in the UK installed it on his box and it requires "a CD be loaded every time he uses it". He told me the program doesn't care what CD is there, as long as it has one. He used a music CD and it ran. Here's the odd part - the install media consists of four dual layer DVDs. Why his PC requires a "CD" in the reader to run the software is a mystery to me.

I don't think most guys want to cover expenses to "try and see if they can get 2012 to work". I know I have no desire to walk every third person through every step of the install.

The 2005 version will work on an XP box, but the 2012 version with the EPC is much better. Too bad some can get t to work and others can't. It may be hardware dependent, but I have it running on a pretty basic desktop - a 4 year old Dell with an i5 processor, 12GB of memory and Windows 7 professional. It works fine for me. No DVD needed, it doesn't revert to German none of that.

Thanks MarkusF your knowledge is greatly appreciated as usual.

Looking for a service DVD? Got $10?

I haven't tried it, so I can't give a first hand review, but poster timewarpone came across someone who is selling service DVDs for $10. That's right $10. $10 is less than it costs for a 5-pack of blank dual layer DVDs. If I didn't already own a 2005 WIS, a 2012 WIS, and a W208 Star Classic DVD, and every other DVD, I'd even buy one. Here's the thread with a link to the DVD seller. BTW, timewarpone says IT WORKS. Ping him for details.

Don't wait, do like the bunny says -



Now watch, some guy is going to respond to this thread in 2018 asking, "so are those $10 service DVDs still available?" No fool, you shoulda paid the bunny in 2014!

Sweet!

MarkusF I seen this over on that remote key thread last night. Thanks for posting over here so others can see it. You sir are a saint!