drakecoldwinter

Hello,

I have a 2012 GL350, I'm wondering what would be the cheapest diagnostic system I could get for my car. I have a couple of cheap ODB readers at home, but with those I only get the basic engine error codes.

I have a parktronic sensor damaged, I would need a system who can point me wich one exactly, I have some troubles with the airmatic system, I need to know if the pump it's working well, if the raising sensor is faulty, etc.

So I read all around about the star system, I can see on ebay they sell C4 and C5 Xentry for around 500$us, that's a little expensive, it's that the only option to properly diagnose a mercedes ? Do I have cheaper alternatives ? Also Xentry it seems to be a software paired (works only) on a very specific hardware, it seems unnecesary complicated...

Thanks for illuminating me on the topic.

alx

Xentry will not tell you which specific parking sensor is out.

And yes- xentry is the cheapest (and only) option it you want to diagnose, test and actuate Mercedes modules.

drakecoldwinter

Thanks for the reply, so Xentry is used to check the level sensor, the airmatic pump and those kind of components, but it doesn't cover parktronic ?

What's the main difference between Xentry C4 or C5 ? (in my case)

drakecoldwinter

I found something called iCarSoft MB ii, it seems to be tailored for mercedes Benz models and seems to be able to check and diagnose all the sensors and components of the car (airmatic and parktronic sensors are in the supported list). It sells for around 150$us

Has anyone used this tool ? it's any good ?

Jamm

The cheapest way to check the parking sensors are to listen for a "ticking" sound from each of them. Lots of videos at Youtube.

I have the iCarsoft MBII. Diagnostic tools are a must with today's cars, but as with all computers, "Crap in is Crap out". It's the car's own onboard computers deceiding for errors and codes. The iCarsoft MBII is like other diagnostic tools, but this one is tailored for MB error codes.

If looking for a Xentry Connect diagnostic, be aware, lots of crap around. I would guess that more than 80% is crap. If deciding for a Xentry I would say that Google is Your best friend.

drakecoldwinter

Can the icarsoft truly check all the mercedes components and parking sensors and level sensors and the likes ?

Do you regret your MB ii ? would you buy a Xentry instead ? Crap in is crap out you mean the MB ii it's not very good at diagnostics because it's not very good quality tool ?

The Xentry looks complicated and expensive for little result I don't think I'm ready to spend the money a Xentry cost

Jamm

The iCarsoft MBII is able to check all sensors I have been looking for, even live datastream from speed and TPMS sensors. I am not sure if it will cover all sensors, but if not, there is not many left. The icarsoft MBII is value for the money, and I would buy again.

I would stay away from a Xentry if not 100% sure it's a quality made item.

Jamm

Just to clarify "Crap In is like Crap Out"

A diagnostic box only shows what it reads, if "Crap" is read, is shows "Crap". You have to be able to understand the values You expect to see.

e350forme

many guys just want to keep up on their cars, no xentry or icarsoft needed

basic is fine , plus the GL is too new to have problems anyway lol

trigital

Xentry will tell you exactly what sensor is faulty and will show you pictures to locate the sensor and will show you schematic to verify cables, voltage and connectors...

With a 20$ Openport interface from AliExpress ( or any Passthru interface) and a cheap subscription at MBUSA or MB( any EU countries) or even with a cracked, non legal "personalised" version from various sources on internet.

Any version of Xentry you choose is million times more precisely then any "online" or "certified" solutions. And the most important, has real English and if you choose to read into German/pragmatic style, of doing the job, absolutely any fault will be more cheap to repair then any miraculous or "best engineering" Chinese,or African "online" solutions.

Max Blast

Can you care to fill us in on what the 2024 system of choice is?

I bought a system in 2015 using a 20 year-old Dell laptop and I might be ready to upgrade to more phone solution, but I do want xentry with developer mode

vesiadog

I have both IcarSoft and a Star System. I made sure I bought a genuine Multiplexor not a knockoff. I use the carsoft a lot more BUT the Star system is charged up waiting to go when needed.