DaleB

I've pretty much always serviced and repaired my own vehicles, with very few exceptions. Mercedes, of course, takes a little different approach than some of us are used to. In an effort to keep my '07 S600 out of the local dealer's service department as much as possible, I started exploring what it would take to do meaningful service and repairs on my car. The first step was to buy an iCarsoft MBII scan tool. It works just as it should, and is great for resetting the MIL and reading out codes. Of course that's ALL it does -- not much in the way of actual diagnosis other than, for example, monitoring the wheel speed sensors or IAT. No ability to actuate things like vent actuators or whatever. I saw a number of C4/Xentry setups for sale on eBay, but the high price and sketchy suppliers kept me from going that route.

So here's a shout out to @MBENZTECH for helping me out. Marvin first let me know that, for pretty much everything I wanted to do, a passthrough device like the one Tactrix produces would do the job. He helped me get Xentry installed on a used laptop, and even spent some time on the phone walking me through the basics of using it. It's mostly easy to figure out, but there are a few functions that aren't obvious. His help has been a huge plus -- I now have what I need to do my own troubleshooting and most repairs on my own, if I choose to do so. I can also help out my son with his E-class when things go wrong on it, which they occasionally do.

Contact him directly if you are interested in doing the same; I can't speak for him but I can say he's a straight shooter, is extremely helpful and really knows his stuff. If I were in the Houston area I'd take the car to him.

chassis

Thanks DaleB. Can you please list the equipment and source for the system you assembled? And a few photos?

DaleB

The laptop I bought is a Dell E6430 with 8GB RAM and a 500GB hard drive. They're cheap and readily available -- I paid $140 shipped for a used ex-corporate laptop on eBay. The passthrough adapter came from Tactrix. I don't have any pics of the setup, but all there is to it is a laptop running Windows and the OpenPort adapter. Last night I used it to run all of the A/C diagnostics on my car, recalibrate the vent control thumbwheels, test a few actuators, run the intercooler pump, and check the weight sensing system (which needs to be recalibrated), The only thing I can't do right now is SCN coding and programming, which requires an active M-B account. For normal troubleshooting and diagnosis, though, it rocks.

chassis

Thanks DaleB. On the Tactrix site I didn't see software specifically mentioning Mercedes. Which software are you using?


Are you using the Tactrix OpenPort 2.0 device? https://www.tactrix.com/index.php?pa...ed=1&Itemid=53

DaleB

Yep. OpenPort 2.0. The only software you need from them is the drivers. Xentry/DAS just uses the Windows DLLs to talk to the passthrough interface. You don't need any of the other software -- it's just for Subarus and some other insignificant population. Mitsubishi? I don't remember/care.

shih1919

Can openport 2.0 work with vediamo or only xentry/das ?

DaleB

Not a clue... maybe someone else knows. I don't have Vediamo.

Harrison Gough

I have the M-VCI, but i cannot read any SBC or change any ASSYST PLUS data settings? also cannot read the ParkTronic Control Unit.....


Have you found openport 2.0 is compatable?

I have the issue of Multiplexer Error when trying to communicate with SBC systems...


Any advice would be Much Appreciated!

MBENZTECH

HARRISON GOUGH. What vehicle are you working on? Remember that Xentry passthru only works on CAN modules. So pretty much from 2006 and up most vehicles went to full CAN.

Harrison Gough

ah damn, it’s a 2003 diesel e320 cdi...

what does that mean? Do I need a different multiplexer which supports older modules. Or can it just not communicate to some modules end of...

would really like to bleed the SBC brakes and fix my parktronic myself!!

thanks!

MBENZTECH

You will need a C4 or Bosch VCI. Clone will work fine along with Xentry Openshell. Passthru software only works with J2534 devices.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

Stick with the C4 or if you want to spend a little more and do DOIP (command radio programming models 2016 and up ), the C4 Plus

Harrison Gough

[QUOTE=MBENZTECH;8050129]You will need a C4 or Bosch VCI. Clone will work fine along with Xentry Openshell. Passthru software only works with J2534 devices.[/QUOTE

so I’ve got a J2534 M-VCI with passthru installed. It works and communicates with most systems, but not ParkTronic or SBC systems...?

is this down to my software or not having a Star multiplexer?

Ive got the 2018 software, also got the 2016 with all the offline addons and developer mode as well as SCN coding!

do I have to buy the Star Multiplexer for this to work? Thanks!

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

[QUOTE=Harrison Gough;8050225]Sorry to disappoint but SCN coding is online and does not work anymore with those versions
the term "offline addons" does not exist I created "addons offline installers" for many versions from 2016-2019 the whole world is using.
You can do a lot of stuff replacing SCN with vediamo
Then for offline coding you need a database or you will be stuck with your Xentry version's database
BTW This local database has been removed since march so no custom local database = no offline coding anymore

My build has it all
https://mybestdealers.com

Harrison Gough

[QUOTE=pmercury;8050226]if your build has it all, It’s possible isn’t it?


anyway, I’m happy with the software I don’t think I need SCN, but my question is still do I need the C4 multiplexer?

Will my j2534 device not do this? Won’t work with SBC or ParkTronic? I get a failed to communicate error with ParkTronic and a multiplexer error with SBC

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

[QUOTE=Harrison Gough;8050227]Yes you do need a C4
and you need Xentry normal version installed, not passthru
Or a C3 with old Xentry pre-2016

or another passthru device but I do not recommend or work on those
a good passthru is as expensive as a C4 clone anyway

My Xentry build covers 1995-2020+ cars with C4
https://mybestdealers.com

Cheaper than cheap, many jealous writing nonsense, but only one voice counts, you, just read the reviews
I am not setting up some Xentry, I set up my build, as I am a programmer, it's unique

MBENZTECH

There is no need to pay big for Xentry set up. Most people in this forum only need access to Xentry for reading codes, clearing codes, live data and so on. As OP mentioned he is happy with his Xentry Passthru and Tactrix device set up. I can take care of either Xentry Openshell(C4) or Xentry Passthru(J2534 device) set up for anyone that is interested. Some guys in here want to make it seem like they hold some magic wand when it comes to Xentry activation...... Not the case!!!!! I run 3 laptops with Xentry Openshell and 1 with Xentry Passthru at my shop..... I program and code all day long. I also provide programming for many shops in the Houston area and around the country. Not only do they get my support with the software they also get my experience working with Mercedes Benz vehicles since 2006.

Harrison Gough

that’s very true. It all depends how far you want to go I suppose. I’ve got the Openport 2.0 with passthru and it works very well. I can’t access SBC and one other I can’t remember, but for the price I can’t fault it. It probably does 75% of the diagnosis and programming I need...

if you want to go bigger then you’ve got the MB Chinese Multiplexers to support what protocols the J2534 can’t. With proper XENTRY, again more features but a £300+

If you want the works I’ve been speaking to Benz-Ninja. The man who can setup the FACTORY level of XENTRY, provide SCN coding. The works. It can do more than the dealer!!!

in my opinion I would do all or nothing, at the moment I have the passthru but as soon as it becomes economically viable for the MB Multiplexer.. I will get Peters install with it, which is actually only the price of one dealer full service. So pretty economical...

I’m really tempted for the full works, but at the moment don’t require it.

all I can say is Peter (Benz-Ninja) has been the most helpful person and I haven’t even bought his software yet!

if your going to do it. All or nothing in my books!

Harrison

vmuthu01

HI There, I am new to the forum, Ive been having some issues with the AC in my car and have been looking at diagnosing the issue myself. Ive come across xentry and this forum, so wanted to check if the xentry->passthrough->Tactrix will be an option for my W203 from 2003. Alternatively could you please suggest which tool is recommended for older cars for reading codes, clearing codes, live data especially around the AAC.

Harrison Gough

Ive got the W211 from 2003 and it works well so i would assume so, i can read the AC data using the Openport 2.0, the only items you cannot read are SBC Braking systems and the ESP system. apart from that and any other developer tools it works fine for diagnostic and running tests.

If you want the Best gear and you got a bit of spare cash, PMercury's kit will set you up with everything and anything that is possible with Xentry. Never go to the dealer again!

But passthru Should work yes.

vmuthu01

Thanks Harrison, Could you please share some details around the Pmercurys Kit and the estimated cost.

About Xentry do you have any details on how to set it up with pass through, any information you can share around this will be much appreciated.

vmuthu01

BY the way I suspect my ac issue could be related to the Evaporator temp sensor, I recently changed my AAC control unit, and the AC has been working fine until last few days the ac was blowing hot air at times randomly, and now its always hot air, I believe the compressor is not coming on possibly due to the evap temp sensor, my AAC control unit does not have the digital display but is the older type so I cant run the diagnostics on it, Ive been going through different threads and considering my vehicle is RHS I have removed the driver side cover under the driver console and have been searching for the two small wires to locate the sensor but no luck so far, any idea where exactly I should be looking, under the driver console.

Harrison Gough

PMercury (*********) just supplies the software, the Hardware you buy online which is the Full STAR not Pass-Thru... Its not that much more expensive than buying it through china on a HDD, but considering your getting Star which is from the FACTORY, you can do more functions than you local dealership can lol.... it may be worth the investment if you plan on keeping your merc or owning future ones...


You need to obtain the passthru software as well as appropriate drivers etc.... once thats done its pretty self explanitory


Feel free to PM if needed

MBENZTECH

Xentry Passthru will not work on a 2003 W203 because most of the communication takes place by K-line. Passthru only communicates on CAN.

turbonos7

I just got my setup from Peter and all I can say is that it is worth it's weight in Gold!!! Within minutes of him being done I was connected to my car and fixing things. I would pay twice for his setup and let's not talk about his customer service!!! Only thing I would change is I wish I had done this sooner!!!