Coming up on the end of my ELW in about another year, so I am going to be shopping for an OBD scanner for my '14 W212. Anyone have one that they particularly like? Nothing that requires any kind of subscription service. I have a RossTech VAG-COM for my Audi and I love it, but that's Audi specific. Is it worth it to spring for a genuine StarTek? Do you HAVE to have a subscription for StarTek? Any aftermarket solutions that cater specifically to MB, the way my Audi one does? Not really looking for a cheap Pep Boys job, willing to spend upwards of $500 or more because I know that even after one use it will pay for itself, and I'm a pretty competent mechanic, so any extra functionality I can get WILL be used.

Thoughts?

And BTW, I did do a search, but virtually nothing came up. Not really shocking, since it seems like very few people here actually work on their cars, but I figured I'd ask.

Thanks!

 

Search the keyword "pmercury". He is a former site member that offered a full Xentry/DAS setup that many site members here spoke highly of. pmercury at present is banned, but some on this site know how to contact him.

Also search for "Xentry" and "DAS" and you will get a lot of information. This is the system you need. Anything else will not get the job completely done for you.

The system includes:

- cable from OBD port to multiplexer
- mutliplexer
- cable from multiplexer to laptop
- laptop
- software that resides on laptop

 

Great info, thanks!

 

Which Xentry level do I need for my '14? C4? C5?

 

Looks like either will work. http://blog.obdexpress.co.uk/2018/11...-sdconnect-c4/

Try to dig up the contact into for pmercury, he will set you straight.

 

The software is out there if you look for it, but it's not easy to use so there's probably some value in buying it from someone who can provide some support. There's a few other vendors that get mentioned on this site. You can also find knock off systems on aliexpress. You probably don't need a full system, the full ones typically go for $600-$1000 or more although you could put together a system with just the cables and software and supply your own laptop probably in the $300-$400 range. There's also lots of scanners that just read codes and those are in the $100-$200 range. About the only thing the full system may be handy for is being able to program the airmatic for a lower height. Probably a few other hacks too. Otherwise something like the Autel Diaglink for $89 might be all you need if you just want to know the error codes and getting the car fixed.

 

iCarsoft MBII for Mercedes Benz

At $150, you can't beat the iCarsoft...

 

Depending on what you need it for will be the big decider, Do you need it to do everything, or do you need it to do most things, do you need to use it for other makes and models?

I went through the same thing when looking for a scan tool, The Xentry / Das set up is good if all you are going to do is Mercedes, but if you need an all rounder that will do multiple manufacturers look at the Autel and Launch, I ended up settling on the Autel @ $1000 AU, It does every thing I need, I even coded new keys to my own Ford ute just last week, plus reset all codes from airbags, ESP, ABS, Parktronic, Seatbelts, reset steering angle sensor, etc on a crash damaged C200 I purchased.

I would say bang for buck out of the box the Autel wins for an all rounder, the Launch would be my second choice, which model you need would be dependant on what level you wish to use it for.

I think if you are going to outlay good money for a scanner it needs to do what you need it to do.

 

Generally speaking I'm an above-average (way above average) shadetree mechanic and do not, and have never, paid anyone to work on my cars, so I really kinda want something that does EVERYTHING. Like, real-time sensor readouts, misfire logging, stuff like that. I can, and have, gone pretty deep into the programming of my Audi to successfully diagnose things like failed injectors, wonky sensors, etc and being able to do things like specifically actuate solenoids, module testing or get real-time readout values on everything (not just O2 sensors....I mean like suspension level sensors and stuff) is important.

One specific thing occurred to me while laying in bed last night, will any particular one allow me to change the damn transmission fluid? Are there any that do NOT show the trans fluid level when refilling it? That actually IS the one thing I've paid someone to do on this car once (it's still under warranty, and I didn't want a claim denial down the road due to lack of proper service), if I get a scanner that allows me to do that, at virtually ANY price, it's paid for itself in one shot.

 

I dont think any of the scanners will give you transmission fluid level, unless the gearbox has a fluid level sensor, most gearboxes dont come with a dip stick anymore, they depend on fill to a certain point get warm top up until it flows back out and then seal it up, or top up while idling until it overflows.
Most mechanics will fill with fluid up to manufacturers recommended amount from empty then top off if need be.

What car do you need to do the trans service to?

922.9 trans?, Heres a link to the procedure
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm

 

You need to read ATF temperature to do fluid change on 7G and iCarsoft MBII will do that just fine.
I found MBII gave me bogus data on my diesel regeneration, but still at this point that seems to be the best scanner for $150. Available at Walmart, who allows for hassle-free returns up to a month, so no risk trying.

 

That's what it is, fluid temp not level. 722.9 BTW. Thanks!

 

Looks like a full dealer type STAR setup with cables and all on Ebay is running around $1200 with latest software update. Maybe worth it to you. If you post up on some local classifieds you can get probably $50-100 a pop to read / reset / change simple things that nobody else can do. A little side hustle that will pay itself off shortly.

 

You have to use aliexpress for those $400-$600 prices but then it's hard to be sure if they're legit or not.

 

I saw a Mercedes-Beaz one on Ali, is that a good one?

 

If you are at all thinking about going for factory XENTRY setup, PM member pmercury here or google his webpage Benz Ninja. He will get you setup with a legitimate copy of all software and guide you through the process, for a very reasonable charge. No sketchy Chinese software or scams. Full disclosure: he’s helping me at the moment currently.

The only “downside” to mention is there is a learning curve with this route, so if you are using to just read codes, then perhaps an easier and cheaper solution, e.g. icarsoft MBII is better.

let us know what route you take..

cheers

 

There may be good services available from some, in setting up a XENTRY diagnostic system, And it's great that they will provide a turnkey system.

But be careful in suggesting that the software included in these turnkey systems is any more "legitimate" than what is available from China. It is not. Perhaps it works well. And perhaps it comes with great support. But it is just as illegitimate as any of the China systems. The only legitimate software for a XENTRY system comes directly from Mercedes, and the price tag per copy is in the thousands of $$$$$. I'm very, very doubtful that anyone is purchasing legitimate M-B XENTRY systems and flipping them for less than $1k, taking the loss in their own wallet for each copy.

 

Is there an update? What did OP choose?

 

Oh, I'm still a ways away from getting one. Still have 7 months on the warranty.

 

ditto....iCarsoft works great with much functionality

 

You can get the Xentry Passthru software and use it with Tactrix device. This set up can do diagnostics with no problem. It can work with vehicles 2006 and up. If you want to be able to do everything from programming and coding online then I suggest you get a C4 clone and get the Xentry Openshell. With this setup you will need access to the server in order to do programming and coding. As BHOPKINS mentioned, don't be fool by the people claiming their set up is GOLD and make it sound like they engineering the software. These fools are charging and arm and a leg to install the software.

 

Thank you classis ,I am very interested in their SD C4

 

Is there Tactrix clone device that works better than others for Xentry Passthru?

 

icarsoft unit works great for almost all functions most owners will ever need honestly.

 

Agreed. I've seen a lot of positive reviews. The Star diagnostic system with Xentry software is probably overkill for most DIY folks working on their Mercedes. And it has potential for really messing up a car if a person gets too adventurous. Xentry does have the benefits of including Mercedes repair instructions and parts catolog. These are the most attractive features to me.

But the iCarsoft is a very affordable system that is extremely easy to use, includes free lifetime updates, and doesn't require using bootleg software.