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I thought it would be very useful to start a thread on things that MB STAR/Xentry can do, where to find menus, what options there are, and what can be coded. This will continue to be a learning experience for everyone so feel free to share your knowledge, ask questions, etc so the whole G community can benefit.
And of course the disclaimer: Any and all use of any information found on this thread is to be used AT YOUR OWN RISK. I assume NO liability for anything published below. Proceed at your own risk.
I was looking to purchase a STAR/Xentry C4 system when a fellow G owner/forum member reached out and let me borrow his unit. Can't thank you enough Shane!
I'll break this down into different categories/functions and try to keep it as organized as possible.
1.0. What is STAR/Xentry? How to connect to your G
Mercedes STAR/Xentry is the hardware/software package used by MB Dealers and technicians to completely scan, troubleshoot, and inform on your G through the OE computer systems. It is significantly more powerful than a normal OBD-2 Scantool and should provide more functions than even the top-of-the-line scanners. It is a very valuable tool to have is diagnosing and/or coding your G, but this comes at a price of course. The C4 multiplexer is the sweet spot currently and there are a number of sources to purchase the multiplexer and software image/computer from, but all come with some risks. Ballpark, you're looking at around $1k for a setup depending on what you buy, where you buy, if you have a laptop already etc. I would caution/warn that there are a lot of shady sources out there. Reviews are regular where spywhere, viruses, malware, etc are installed on computers purchased from these online sources. I have no affiliation nor have I purchased from any of the online sources, so it is a risk you have to take.
I inquired originally with forum sponsor/member BenzNinja about getting a setup, and his services of getting you reliable hardware, setting up all the software, and walking you through any issue you may have is pretty awesome. Of course that does come with a price and you will have to decide which direction you want to take.
Connect your 16pin OBD2 Cable to your G, and the barrel plug to the Multiplexer. Connect the ethernet line from the Multiplexer to your laptop. (If you have an older G that uses any of the different plugs, I would guess it's the same, just using your specific plug type)
Closeup of the C4 Multiplexer.
On your laptop, start "Xentry Diagnosis". Startup will take some time so be patient.
You'll find your way to this page listing out all compatible models.
Select Passenger Car -> SUV and the select your model. Mine is G (463).
Choose your correct model. I didn't know my specific designation, but I have a G55 AMG Kompressor so I chose the first one being that I have a 2005 and the first year of the M133k.
Confirmation Page - Click the "Xentry Diagnosis" button to continue.
Some warning info. Click "F2" to continue. "F1" to go back.
The system will now load lots of stuff, probably read your VIN, etc. This takes a few minutes.
No idea why this menu is in German, but it is. "F2" to continue.
Translation:
Your system is equipped with the 'Developer Kit' authorization.
This means that the current development statuses are available to you.
Safety Instructions:
- The data has not passed all quality assurance measures
- Improper use of the system may cause PERSONAL INJURY and VEHICLE DAMAGE
By pressing the F2 key I confirm that I have read the safety instructions.
Our MBUSA models all use the 16-pin OBD2 Diagnostic Socket. Select and click "F3" to continue.
And this will be the main screen to break out into scanning, different functions, etc.
ECU
ESM - Electronic Selector Module
ETC - Electronic Transmission Control
ME-SFI 2.8 - Motor Electronics 2.8
VG - Transfer Case
ESP - Electronic Stability Program
AB - Airbag
UCP - Upper Control Panel
SAM-F - Signal Acquisition and Actuation Module Front
REAR SAM - Rear Signal Acquisition and Actuation Module
OCP - Overhead Control Panel
DCM-FL - Door Control Module Front Left
DCM-FR - Door Control Module Front Right
DCM-RL - Door Control Module Rear Left
DCM-RR - Door Control Module Rear Right
ESA Driver - Electric Seat Adjustment Driver (with memory)
ESA Passenger - Electric Seat Adjustment Passenger (with memory)
ICM - Instrument Cluster with Maintenance Interval Display
SCM [MRM] - Steering Colunm Module
E-Call [USA] - Telematic System
AAC - Automatic Air Conditioning
HSW - Heated Steering Wheel
Battery Voltage
Functions Performed by more than one control unit:
Power Generation
PG -> ETC - Electronic Transmission Control
PG -> ESM - Electronic Selector Module
PG -> ME-SFI 2.8 - Motor Electronics 2.8
PG -> VG - Transfer Case
PG -> Traction Systems ABS, ASR, ETS, ESP
PG -> AB - Airbag
PG -> EZS - Electronic Ignition Switch
PG -> ICM - Instrument Cluster with Maintenance Interval Display
Power Transmission
Chassis/Chassis
Complete Vehicle
Body
Communication/Information
CI -> Information Display
CI -> Warning and Control Systems
CI -> Communication
CI -> Comm -> Display Unit
CI -> Comm -> ASSYST Active Service System
CI -> Comm -> Trip Computer
CI -> Comm -> Audio System
CI -> Comm -> Cellular Telephone System
CI -> Comm -> Antenna System
CI -> Comm -> Navigation System
CI -> Comm -> Voice Control
CI -> Comm -> Emergency Call
CI -> Comm -> D2B Optical Bus
These are the tire size options I had listed for my 2005 G55. Not sure if this changes for different years/models.
Menu Tree:
Functions Performed by more than one control unit
-> Power Generation
-> VG - Transfer Case
-> Control Unit Adaptations
-> Read coding and change if necessary
Below are all the options listed for tire sizes.
265/60R18: 30.52in Diameter - 10.43in Width
265/70R16: 30.61in Diameter - 10.43in Width
285/55R18: 30.34in Diameter - 11.22in Width
255/55R18: 29.04in Diameter - 10.04in Width
225/75R16: 29.29n Diameter - 8.86n Width
3.4.1: Soft Top Control Module (N/A for me) 3.4.2: Keyless Go (N/A for me) 3.4.3: Audio (removing cluster menu option) 3.4.4: Stationary Heater (N/A for me) 3.4.5: CTEL Cellular Telephone (removing cluster menu option) 3.4.6: RDK Tire Pressure Control (N/A or me) 3.4.7: Tires (chose size) 3.4.8: DTR Distronic (N/A for me)
3.4.9: Navigation System
If you have removed your factory Navigation System (Double DIN) and want to be able to set your clock through the instrument cluster, below is the procedure:
-> Functions performed by more than one control unit
-> Communication/Information
-> Communication
-> Navigation System
-> ICM - Instrument cluster with maintenance interval display
-> Control unit adaptations
-> Variant coding
-> Special Equipment
-> Navigation System
-> NOT PRESENT
-> F3 "Continue"
-> F5 "Write Coding)
While you are at the above drop-down page, it would make sense to remove some other features like "Audio" and "Telephone" to remove the screen in the instrument cluster when scrolling through the different options.
Setting your time now will be done in the instrument cluster.
12-06-2023, 08:43 PM
