thtguy

So I have owned my share of MB's pretty much the only brand I have owned outside of VW/Audi my entire life. I always do most of my own wrenching.
haven't needed Star Diagnostics for my cars to-date because they haven't been computer complex. I mean I have had some complex with oleopnumatic suspension and all, but not modern complex cars. We have my wife's SLK and I had a C55 (recently totaled at 3-5 MPH).

Anyway sorry for the long winded Intro. I am looking at a 2003 E500, and it has all the options except Pano, and Park Assist. Looks like to do any kind of Maintenance on this car you need an SDS system to do anything. Even to do something as simple as change the brakes. So I guess my question is should I go ahead and drop some money on an SDS and if so what?

I know there are a lot of threads about this topic but I have never seen one specifically about what kind to get for a specific car.

Will a C3 Multiplexer do what I need or should I go for the C4 or C5. Looks like from reading it is best to get one that has Dev mode, if I want to be able to make changes.

Thanks in Advance.

Plutoe

I know it sounds simple but based on the questions you are asking I would suggest more reading before I made a decision to purchase and SDS system.


Remember you are looking at a 2003 car. The SDS testers are archived therefore you can't purchase a version for 2003-----you are now at the end of 2015 and from the 09_2014 version the older C3 mux's are not compatible--- now you are left with a C4, more expensive and with a system cost of 600-800 USD


Then you have to learn how to use the tool and understand what the tester is telling you------it is not as simple as it sounds---now if you are in business that's a very different story!!

kajtek1

Sounds like somebody from Florida seeks bussines for his DAS.
Anyway beside SD clones (don't think any DIY will ever consider original SD) you can buy universal scanners.
Good part is that the scanners that retail $2000 couple years ago, now go on sale for $500.
The difficulty I found is clear description what the scanner will do on your MB.
In the mean time I befriended a guy who is indy with $2500 scanner and it works for me.

Plutoe

That's correct this guy hasent got the foggiest idea what a DAS Xentry tester will do.

kajtek1

Welll.. DO YOU ???

Plutoe

Absolutely and thanks for the plug---now you are starting to learn about MB cars!!