rdcusmc

Who can comment on this system? I've read some good reviews. I'm looking for specific use on W211 E Class to clear Tranny codes.

http://www.alpha-bid.com/product55.html

Thanks,
Ron

awiner

I'd be interested in knowing anyone that has used this as well. Seems really inexpensive which you usually know what that means.

rdcusmc

http://m.www.mbworld.org/forums/show...0&ref=esp-link

Thoughts anyone??

awiner

Im in possession of this unit now. I will update with a review once I play around with it.

rdcusmc

Please post when you can. I hoping to find info on reading tranny codes from the 722.6 with this unit.

Ron

awiner

I had the chance to use this MUX (Multiplexer) with Carsoft MB DIAGNOSEx 7.4S this afternoon.

Here are my initial impressions and thoughts.

Installation of the software was pretty straight forward on one of my older Windows 98 laptops which has a real DB9 serial com port. You must use a computer with an actual com port. USB com port and associated adapters WILL NOT work with this specific MUX.

The version of Carsoft they supply contains software cracks that allow for use. While this is surprising and technically illegal, the software installed and was functional.

The unit/software was successfully able to communicate via the OBDII port on my 2003 CL55 (W215) using Digital-Tests. On older pre ODBII equipped vehicles the software supports Analog-Tests via other supplied cabling.

Carsoft version 7.4S (v7.4.08) is pretty ancient. It was released back in the early 2000's and as such partially due to this particular MUX as well only works on vehicles up to 2004. After 2004 Mercedes changed from a K-Line method of communicating between the OBDII port and the various modules to a Can Bus communication method.

Newer versions of Carsoft used a stronger activation method which cracks couldn't overcome. Carsoft went to a security dongle of sorts for v7.6+

I should also point out that I was able to obtain Carsoft Information System MB v1.0 (also an ancient program that was released at the same time as Carsoft MB DIAGNOSEx v7.4) which is a companion to Carsoft MB DIAGNOSEx. It works much like Mercedes WIS (Workshop Information System). I was unable to get CIS to install. I believe this to be a compatibility issue with my laptop of Windows 98. I will try to install on a Windows 2000 system eventually.

It allows talking to most the computers/modules in my car. Polls them for errors and if there are errors reports the specific error with misc. diagnostic information.

The software allows polling from:

The unit will also allow erasing of stored and current fault codes in all these modules.

In addition there is a Special Functions tab which allows for:

This unit has about 50% of Star DAS/Xentry functionality.

All of the above is definitely more than a standard OBDII scanner can access and diagnose, however the real meat and potatoes of genuine Star DAS/Xentry is missing. Star DAS/Xentry has so many useful activations and adaptations that Carsoft MB DIAGNOSEx 7.4S is missing.

Overall for ~$100.00 this is a good system to have for the DIYer. If you are a more skilled mechanic, there is no substitute for a real or even cloned STAR DAS/Xentry workstation.

awiner

The unit successfully read my EGS [Transmission Control Unit]. Additionally it allows for adaption erase of the EGS after a transmission oil change.

awiner

I'm still using this setup and it has been working very well. Any questions? I'd be happy to answer.

rdcusmc

Thanks for the update and offer for more info. I received a notice a couple of days ago that they had a new version of this out.

Turns out I don't need these tools immediately after all but I'm still interested and may pursue since I plan to keep my car a really long time.

Ron

gotca

hi adam,
great info!

i have a '03 ml350 which uses can-bus.
are you saying that carsoft mux will not work on my car?
i know regular obd2 scanners do.

i can't seem to make up my mind between equus 3130 and carsoft mostly because of the bugs in the carsoft software.

i guess you'll be doing me a favor if you'd say it doesn't work for my car.

awiner

From what I've been told it will work on all 2003 model year Mercedes vehicles. The W163 is in the list of vehicles supported.

I may be selling my unit as I have a actual DAS system enroute. If interested, PM me.

ML430JIM

I recently purchased an ML430 and it has had some code issues I had an OBDII cable and software for my iphone from a previous vehicle and was able to use it on my ML, but it has very limited access. From what i have read here this sounds like a better thing for me to have is it still available at this late in the game???