GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Diagnostics cables

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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:15 AM
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2008 GL320
Diagnostics cables

I am new to the MBWorld forums.

I have spent a lot of time on TDIClub and we had a google map where VAG-COM (VW diagnostics cable) owners could post their zip code and contact email. I have helped several VW owners in the Wichita area find and fix issues with their VWs.

I know that the MB Star diagnostics systems are a lot less common. I was wondering if there should be a similar directory here. I have one and would be glad to help other MB owners diagnose problems.

I will go ahead and kick this off.... here is a map.

MB Star locator

If you have an MB Star and would be willing to support others on the forums please add a pin for yourself (hit edit and then add a pin... put your forum name and type of diagnostics system you have and an email if you are comfortable with that). The map is public so anyone can edit it.

Last edited by dagentooboy; Aug 25, 2014 at 01:48 PM.
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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:23 AM
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good idea,

Do you have CDI Mercedes?
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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by KrustyKustom
Do you have CDI Mercedes?
Yeah I just got an GL320 CDI a couple weeks ago.
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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:41 AM
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I went ahead and started it. If there is a mod present please tell me where something like this belongs (probably outside the GL forums) and how to get it sticky.
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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 12:02 PM
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I have been wanting to get a star knockoff system for sometime as I have a GL and a 2012 sprinter van as well. Trying to figure out which ones are trustworthy, so many on Ebay.
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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by KrustyKustom
I have been wanting to get a star knockoff system for sometime as I have a GL and a 2012 sprinter van as well. Trying to figure out which ones are trustworthy, so many on Ebay.
Yeah.... I am in the same boat. I would love to get one. I did notice that the Dell laptop is about $50 if you search for it separate (NO VMWARE). I will probably get one soon.
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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 12:19 PM
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startek info..

If you have not already gotten a subscription to Startek info you should. Full parts breakdowns with part numbers and assembly codes.


Nice as you put your VIN in there and it will populate your equipment. I think over the near future the online tech know how will begin to build as these cars get into the hands of people who are hobbyist wrenchers.


Had my 2011 GL350 for a year and a half, love it.
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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 12:53 PM
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Welcome to the Used GL320 club.
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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 02:10 PM
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Originally Posted by N_Jay
Welcome to the Used GL320 club.
Thanks! So far I really love it.... Rest assured any work I do on it (that isn't already documented) I will try to provide a write up.

I am an Electronics designer by profession and I would love to make up a little linear actuator based, android controlled, ride height system so you can adjust your height from your phone over Bluetooth.
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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by dagentooboy
Thanks! So far I really love it.... Rest assured any work I do on it (that isn't already documented) I will try to provide a write up.

I am an Electronics designer by profession and I would love to make up a little linear actuator based, android controlled, ride height system so you can adjust your height from your phone over Bluetooth.


I used to be an Electrical Engineer, (LOL) but now I resist the urge to do things like that.


My only mods so far was to make the under-dash power outlet selectable between switched and normal (almost) always on, and to add a charging connector at the grill to plug in to battery maintainer.

I want to install an AC Inverter under the middle row seat (Maybe where the DVD payer goes)
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Old Jul 2, 2014 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by N_Jay
I used to be an Electrical Engineer, (LOL) but now I resist the urge to do things like that.


My only mods so far was to make the under-dash power outlet selectable between switched and normal (almost) always on, and to add a charging connector at the grill to plug in to battery maintainer.

I want to install an AC Inverter under the middle row seat (Maybe where the DVD payer goes)
MUST RESIST!! I think if I can lower it by even 1-2in the MPG will go up quite a bit.
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Old Jul 2, 2014 | 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by dagentooboy
MUST RESIST!! I think if I can lower it by even 1-2in the MPG will go up quite a bit.
Unless the shift in alignment adds more drag than the reduction in aerodynamic losses.


(all the while also eating your tires.)
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Old Jul 2, 2014 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by dagentooboy
. . . .I would love to make up a little linear actuator based, android controlled, ride height system so you can adjust your height from your phone over Bluetooth.


^^^^^^^^^^
Hence the problem with way too many things today!

Why not build a CAN interface and use the steering wheel shift levers to toggle the height up and down?
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Old Jul 2, 2014 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by N_Jay
^^^^^^^^^^
Hence the problem with way too many things today!

Why not build a CAN interface and use the steering wheel shift levers to toggle the height up and down?
Because then I would have to integrate into the MB system and I don't really have the information to do that.
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Old Jul 2, 2014 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by dagentooboy
Because then I would have to integrate into the MB system and I don't really have the information to do that.
Where were you planning on interfacing?
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Old Jul 2, 2014 | 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by N_Jay
Where were you planning on interfacing?
Some sort of ride height adjustment.
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Old Jul 8, 2014 | 01:45 PM
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No one has a diag cable?
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Old Jul 10, 2014 | 04:58 PM
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2012 GL-450 2008 GL-320 2005 E55
Added my location, Austin, TX
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Old Jul 10, 2014 | 05:23 PM
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Cool.... I don't know if it would be worth a drive from Wichita or not.....
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Old Jul 18, 2014 | 12:04 PM
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Well.... it looks like there is one Diagnostic cable in the country.
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Old Aug 25, 2014 | 01:47 PM
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I got one!!! It is amazing the kinds of parameters you can see/change with the MB Star.
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Old Aug 25, 2014 | 03:19 PM
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MBStar

Which one did you go with? Can you show a link?


There are so many on Ebay and such. I already have a couple of old Windows PCs that I was wanting to set up.
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Old Aug 25, 2014 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by KrustyKustom
Which one did you go with? Can you show a link?


There are so many on Ebay and such. I already have a couple of old Windows PCs that I was wanting to set up.
I am not sure if I am allowed to share specific links but here goes. ebay link

It seems really well built and after a little confusion with the key it seems to work well. I did make an image of the drive before I put it in the laptop (in case it dies on me anytime soon).

The number of parameters available in this thing is amazing.

Last edited by dagentooboy; Aug 25, 2014 at 03:32 PM.
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Old Aug 25, 2014 | 03:36 PM
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questions..

Did you get all of the cables with it? Did you supply the Dell computer or did you use something else?


I have watched the guy at the dealer use it and it is crazy comprehensive. I need to get one...
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Old Aug 25, 2014 | 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by KrustyKustom
Did you get all of the cables with it? Did you supply the Dell computer or did you use something else?


I have watched the guy at the dealer use it and it is crazy comprehensive. I need to get one...
All the cables came with it. I looked on CL in Wichita for a Dell D630 and found two for about $50 (I might buy the other one too because it is nicer). The battery on the one I have is dead (must be plugged in to power on or stay powered) but it works well. I just swapped the hard drive and booted it right up.

If you are close to Wichita I can show you what I got
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