LeslieRushforth

Here is the link for the sytem diagnostic proceedure for MB technicians.
http://www.icm.com.tw/

DWP

... in Taiwan, anyway. Doesn't seem to be working at the moment.

McGuireV10

The software is easy to find -- cheap, and some have said it can even be bought through dealerships without much hassle. Apparently the real trick is getting your hands on the CABLE, which costs a small fortune.

The cable must use the same Uber Secret Fatherland Technology used to tweak the otherwise-dirt-cheap Motorola cell phones.

Hmm... anybody with a cable wanna grab a meter and give us pin-outs???

LeslieRushforth

There is an interface between the rs232 port of the computer to hook up with the ob2 port on the car mostly located around where the drivers knees are.
Do a search you can buy the interface for around $80 with the two cables and the ob2 conector to fit most cars including mercedes.
I imported one from the U.S about six months ago but not tried it because my new laptop does not have a coms port (rs232) I am in the process of buying a rs232 to USB converter.
I am in the meantime I am trying to get the serial number for Star-Diagnose and also CARSOFT who make the diagnose software for Mercedes cars.
The software can be found on the NET.

Les Chesterfield U.K.

Josh K

This will get you OBD-II functions, but the star diagnose connector plugs in under the hood. The connector is very different from a standard OBD one

SUNILP

software and cables won't do it! you still need a Multiplexer and these are VERY VERY expensive. They are serial number controlled also. Software is not so easy to install. Requires a valid serial number also for the installation.

McGuireV10

If you search Google for mercedes multiplexer they seem to be running in the $7500 range. Utterly ridiculous. Now I understand why my Viper tech *****ed so much when the Crossfires hit the dealerships, requiring the shops to buy many thousands of dollars worth of specialized Mercedes tools.

Fantastic cars, but they're really off the deep end with prices.

mbbodytech

That's to cost of being cool!

pa28pilot

At the annual MB club of America StarTech weekend, there was a great talk about diagnostics. One thing I learned was that it is occasionally possible to buy the older MB hand-held tester (HHT) on eBay for not too much money.

It got me started on some research. It turns out that you can use the OBD II port to reach codes from other subsystems than just engine and emissions now, depending on manufacturer.

The Taiwanese info is for WinStar, sort of an aftermarket StarDiagnose (SDS) clone. There are a few of these out there. Look around, you'll find a number of systems that can do what StarDiagnose does, for less than US$12K. By the way, the SDS software is now being built to expire every three months or so. I think the annual subscription is US$2700.

The thing that has my interest right now is the Auterra scanner, which is a cable that plugs into a Palm device or a MS Windows laptop. There is a code reader/translator as well as a mode that derives dyno graphs in real-time. The cable and S/W is only $199. I would love to drive around with my engine parameters displayed in real-time.

sseiii

Did anyone try this ebay #4597513843. This guy claimed he will send you the "cable" and software (but it appears old). I did aks him some question but never get any response from him. Anyone...

benzmodz

WinStar is a B-grade product. The home of Mercedes diagnostic is here.

http://www.actia.com/

LookingForAnE

I wonder if these guys are looking into writing something that would work: http://www.ross-tech.com/

They do some great stuff for VW/Audi and it looks like they have Mini and BMW "coming soon".