lsbrodsky

Yesterday MBUSA told me that MB will no longer make DVD's with the service manual starting with MY2009 E class and later. MB decided to put the data on STARTEK Info requiring a subscription for access.
I have always purchased service manuals for my vehicles and I find this distressing. Even if you have the dealer do all or most of the service, the manuals always contain helpful information if you encounter a vehicle problem. I guess MB figures that people should just go to the dealer for everything.
Larry

Diesel Benz

ROW has never had these service manuals anyway. On the other hand WIS is a lot better when it covers all models. You can always subscribe to Startekinfo and download the relevant documents like you had your own DVD (a lot of work involved though).

paulv

Larry,

You may have to go with Diesel Benz' recommendation because even AllDataDIY doesn't have '09 MB's listed although they do for Porsche and other high end cars. Also, in MB's defense, it's a lot easier to have a web-based service that's quick to update then have to keep generating DVDs. Good luck.

Regards,
paul...

lsbrodsky

Who is ROW? I might try a one-day sub to StartekInfo just to see what is available, but the price for any other duration is way beyond reasonable unless you embed it in your business. A hundred or so for a DVD seems the right price point for me.
Larry

Diesel Benz

I agree, for most car owners a year round subscription would be too expensive (this is intended for workshops). A limited time subscription would be reasonable for downloading most relevant documents but then the info is not any more exactly up-to-date and electronic search functions do not work properly.

There are other options for private use, this is even more important in Europe and other market areas except the US (= ROW, Rest of the World) because for us WIS NET is only available for businesses, not for individual car owners.

lsbrodsky

Aha! Rest of World..thanks. I have always been willing to pay a reasonable amount for a shop manual, but what MB wants for a subscription only makes sense for a business. I suppose I will learn something about bittorrent since the non-applicable manual is available there but it probably has many chapters that are applicable to the MY2009. I would have paid for a 2009 version, but MB is forcing me to the cheap route.
Larry

paulv

Another place to check is Rapidshare as those files are usually multiple zipped archives -- I've downloaded some good automotive stuff from them in the past.

Regards,
paul...

lsbrodsky

Thanks! I tried a Rapidshare search engine and could not find anything for an e350. Do you have a link or know of any specific documents that you found?
Larry

vettdvr

OK Old Fashion I guess. I see no reason why MB can't have the disc with manuals and online update vs paying subscription.

In my view it appears MB is wanting you to have only dealer service so they make the info. difficult to get.

your opinion of course may vary.

My computer software is bought on disc and updated on line automatic.

Why not the MB disc. UMMM ............. answer.............$$$$$$$$$$$$

paulv

Larry,

Here you go: http://rapidshare-search-engine.com/...des%2Bwis.html

start downloading and hope that you won't need a user/password duet to unlock the installation.

Regards,
paul...

lsbrodsky

Thanks, Paul. I guess I better get some software for rar files first.
Larry

paulv

Larry,

The later versions of WinZip will work with rar archives.

Regards,
paul...

lsbrodsky

Thanks, I have to see what I have on my PC as I have not played with archived files much recently, unless Windows 7 has something embedded. The whole thing seems like a lot of trouble vs. the ability to just buy a shop manual. Next time someone rags me about American cars, this is another plus for the USA.
Larry

paulv

You can also check eBay to see if someone is selling the Feb 2010 version of WIS. I understand your frustrations but it's normal for people who want BMW/MB/Porsche cars and the ability to perform DIY fixes to them to have this problem -- as long as there's need for this information, someone out there will be providing bootlegged copies -- it's prohibition all over again!!

Regards,
paul...

Diesel Benz

03/2010 has been out for a long time, one might prefer the latest current version. But did the links have a baseline too, 02/2010 is an update and does not install as it is. 01/2010 would be a full version for WIS, 03/2009 is the latest baseline for EPC I believe.

paulv

DB,

It beats the heck out of me! I was just trying to find something for the OP to get him started -- I don't have time to chase down the entire pkg. I hope he gets what he's looking for. Thx for the info on ver 01/2010, maybe he'll locate that one.

Regards,
paul...

lsbrodsky

Thanks, I was wondering about that after looking at the StartekInfo site. Given my options, I am going to take my time. I don't want to have to download 14GB of data if I can avoid it. I think Prohibition is a good description.
Larry