Xentry, scanner for home use?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 76
2013 ML550 US spec. Air+Offroad pkg
Xentry, scanner for home use?
Looking for a scanner for my aging 2013 ML550. I see everyone talking about the MB Xentry, but all I could find online was a high dollar system requiring a software subscription for dealers. I love this car I purchased new, and do all maint and repairs myself. Up to now, scanner not really needed, but as she approaches 100k miles, Im gonna need more reliance on the OBD. Suggestions on purchasing Xentry for infrequent home use, or an alternative scanner?
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 102
Likes: 63
From: Tampa, Fl
2014 E550 Cab, 2009 CLK550 Cab, 2006 CLK350 Cab
Your best bet is to join the @Benznija club. With equipment and all it will cost around a $1k but worth way more than that.
Not only do you get a full current version of Xentry, he keeps it updated and can connect in if you need assistance diagnosing a problem and can do a variety of coding modifications.
Many of even the most experienced users here have subscribed to his membership which is currently a one time fee for life time membership.
Check him out at www.Benznija.com.
An alternative, or better yet in addition to, would be the Launch CReader Elite another favorite of many well verses users here for quick scans.
Amazon Launch Creader is listed at $189 but often find coupons to bring it down under $150 or more at least for now.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...jLwVmBzavj0tj3
I have and use both.
Not only do you get a full current version of Xentry, he keeps it updated and can connect in if you need assistance diagnosing a problem and can do a variety of coding modifications.
Many of even the most experienced users here have subscribed to his membership which is currently a one time fee for life time membership.
Check him out at www.Benznija.com.
An alternative, or better yet in addition to, would be the Launch CReader Elite another favorite of many well verses users here for quick scans.
Amazon Launch Creader is listed at $189 but often find coupons to bring it down under $150 or more at least for now.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...jLwVmBzavj0tj3
I have and use both.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 880
From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Alternately, if you don't want to be locked to one manufacturer and tyou have something besides Mercedes in your stable, I've found that the Launch 431V+ works very well across just about avery platform made. I've connected to American, European, and Asian makes and models and had nothing but success. Bonus: It came with a TPMS reset tool that I've used on Ford, Chevy, Subaru, Mercedes, Jeep
But: You won't get the product support like you would with the Ninja.
But: You won't get the product support like you would with the Ninja.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Looking for a scanner for my aging 2013 ML550. I see everyone talking about the MB Xentry, but all I could find online was a high dollar system requiring a software subscription for dealers. I love this car I purchased new, and do all maint and repairs myself. Up to now, scanner not really needed, but as she approaches 100k miles, Im gonna need more reliance on the OBD. Suggestions on purchasing Xentry for infrequent home use, or an alternative scanner?
benzninja
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 102
Likes: 63
From: Tampa, Fl
2014 E550 Cab, 2009 CLK550 Cab, 2006 CLK350 Cab
Alternately, if you don't want to be locked to one manufacturer and tyou have something besides Mercedes in your stable, I've found that the Launch 431V+ works very well across just about avery platform made. I've connected to American, European, and Asian makes and models and had nothing but success. Bonus: It came with a TPMS reset tool that I've used on Ford, Chevy, Subaru, Mercedes, Jeep
But: You won't get the product support like you would with the Ninja.
But: You won't get the product support like you would with the Ninja.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 36
Likes: 5
From: Sonoita Arizona
ml350 bluetec
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 51
Likes: 11
The ninja thing did not work for me. I needed radio programmed for antitheft pin verification and cost was over $600 just for that.
I ended up buying SSD and Xentry with all needed software installed from aliexpress for about $330.
It worked great and I am happy I went that route.
I ended up buying SSD and Xentry with all needed software installed from aliexpress for about $330.
It worked great and I am happy I went that route.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
Just use BenzNija
I used BenzNija and besides doing every single thing I asked for, I’ve made a friend. He is the nicest guy you would ever want to meet. I was scared at first but tbh, he was honest, as the day is long. He is a genius with these cars!!! He writes code like he works for the head of intelligence. Insane that’s all I can say!!! Trust me, the best money I’ve ever spent. I’ll never have to go to the dealer unless I need actual work done. Example. On my CL, Mercedes said I needed to replace my TPM sensors but they were all new. My light kept popping up on the dash. All measured exactly the same, I bought an OBD code reader, all said 100% battery life but had a code, implausible reading. They wanted to replace the entire system. He found that the TPMS had not been set for high and low pressures. The dealership had coded it out when they updated my entire system last year. I stopped driving the car because it drove me nuts. Light is off and everything works
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 191
Likes: 57
E320
Xentry is the dealer tool and awesome, but for a 2013 ML550 at home it’s kinda overkill. You really only need it for online coding or flashing a module. For normal DIY stuff a full system bi directional scanner is way easier and cheaper. I use the youcanic scanner on MB and it talks to every module, retracts the parking brake for pads, resets Service A or B, shows trans temp for the 7G fill, runs AIRMATIC / ABC tests, and gives live data like trims and misfire counters… no subscription, just plug it in and go. If you plan retrofits then sure go Xentry but be careful becasue you can mess things up with Xentry as well and you can end up with a brick. My Xentry I use it once in a blue mooon as it takes forever too and since its a Chinse I never know when it will load or when it will say license expired. I had Xentry reinstalled 3 times as it would crash becasue my laptop was not holding a charge3 and windows would close without doing a normal shutdown. Now I use youcanic prety much 98% of the time plus it also does all cars. There are some more expensive Autel units like MaxiSYS or Launch units that range from $800 to $1200 that match youcanic capabilities.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 488
From: Spain UTC/GMT +2 hours
W213 All-terrain
Looking for a scanner for my aging 2013 ML550. I see everyone talking about the MB Xentry, but all I could find online was a high dollar system requiring a software subscription for dealers. I love this car I purchased new, and do all maint and repairs myself. Up to now, scanner not really needed, but as she approaches 100k miles, Im gonna need more reliance on the OBD. Suggestions on purchasing Xentry for infrequent home use, or an alternative scanner?
What nobody will tell you is that the Xentry can be installed native on any Windows 11 laptop with Windows Security enabled. No need to disable Secure Boot or the Antivirus or Firewall. Chinese/Nigerian SSD with 'preinstalled" programs is only your best way to loose your work and AMEX data.
There are few websites here that can activate for home use some normal version of Xentry for 40-60$
An 15$ Openport interface will do the job better then any Sdconnect, C4, C5, C6, Cxxxxx
Also, the main important is that the Xentry is not a Fault Code reader like expensive Autel or Launch. Xentry is a diagnosis system, that will guide you step by step ( literally ) meaning like Step 1 one, step 2...for doing a proper diagnose.
Also between those steps, Xentry provides pictures and electrical diagrams ...but not Generic like Autodata or any aftermarket Xentry always filter all the information over the VIN number.
