kjb55

Short version:
DO NOT buy anything before you contact Peter ( https://mbworld.org/forums/members/372055-pmercury.html ) and buy what hardware he says, then have him install and configure the software. You will have the best system available short of buying an OEM system.

My experience:
I did a ton of research before buying a system from one of the many places (ie: China) that offer packages. I bought a C4 with Dell 630, etc. etc. Luckily, the hardware I bought was good. However, I always had doubts about the software. Buggy, sometimes wouldn't connect, lacked functions that supplier said were included. I had 05/2018 software and was about to upgrade from the supplier I originally sourced from, to 09/2019 version on an SSD. By chance, I ran across some posts with other users experience with Peter and reached out to him to see if my hardware would work with his software. After speaking with Peter - I was so confident in him that I decided to wipe the SSD I had with 05/2018 and go with his install, rather than buy another SSD and archive what I had already bought as a fail safe.

Peter spent HOURS doing the configuration and install, then spent another hour with the system hooked up to my car and making sure everything worked. The difference in operation and software is night and day. If you're considering buying a diagnostic system - I can't recommend this solution enough. It's that good. I'm working on 2000 - 2014 (so far) MBs as a DIY and this is the best money you'll spend.

chassis

Thanks for posting the experience.

machinemanjr

Does anyone have his contact information? It appears he has been banned.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

I am back

chassis

Welcome back!

bobterry99

I've read nothing but praise for the system mentioned in this thread. I've also never read exactly what it costs, though I have the notion it is around $800. To me that seems entirely too much to pay given that a properly-working Star Diagnosis System can be readily assembled for c. $250.

Tombraider333

Dear readers, Don't worry about haters
as said so well by a great member, "The Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains Long After the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten"
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...mechanics.html

bobterry99

Huh? Repeating what I wrote:

I've read nothing but praise for the system mentioned in this thread. I've also never read exactly what it costs, though I have the notion it is around $800.

Also, in about one week I expect to legally offer free Star Diagnosis software to anyone who requests it. This software will run on any PC. It is not sourced from China. With this software a fully-working Star Diagnosis can be had for just $200.

As an aside, I've been using Chinese-sourced software since 2008, and I have never experienced an issue. Moreover, this software has capabilities a dealer's Star Diagnosis lacks -- access to software menus intended for use by Mercedes engineers.
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JamesMitchell

Folks -
Forget what Bobterry99's said above. There are plenty of folks who have followed his advice with the cheap Chinese clone system and have been frustrated with a system that either doesn't work or crashes due to numerous glitches. Then they have to start all over again and try with a proven system that has superior performance and support. Follow the link above and you'll see a number of other forum members who have been frustrated with the cheap system Bobterry99 keeps on suggesting. I can personally attest to getting in touch with Pmercury. He can get you educated about a proper Xentry system and guide you in your own purchase of hardware and software. He helped guide me to purchase the type of PC laptop (I got one off Ebay) and then he will give you options on how to purchase the various hardware setup and suggestions for the appropriate software. No, I didn't buy the hardware from him (to those who want to criticize Pmercury for selling hardware or not complying with mbworld rules). But just like kjb55 said above - get in touch with Pmercury and he can give you solid advice on how you can get set up with a solid system. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me as well.
Cheers,
James

LILBENZ230

I will say I have not pulled the trigger, but Peter has been excellent at replying to emails and answering all of my questions.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

Thank you !
I am surprised everyday how nice supportive all of you are
it goes straight to my heart

bobterry99

This statement is patently false. No one has had difficulty putting together a system based upon a C3 multiplexer and software pre-configured for a Dell; i.e., the system I have been recommending since 2015.

It's true that some members have had difficulty with other setups, and those run under VMWare which adds complexity to getting the system setup and working. My solution avoids this.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

bobterry99

I don't know why someone wouldn't purchase the hardware that I or pmercury recommend and then try the free Star Diagnosis software which I will soon be offering.

Tombraider333

bobterry99

Haters -- like yourself? You joined this forum just to troll people and have not made a single post discussing any aspect of Mercedes automobiles.

Tombraider333

I troll nobody and I read what I need before asking. I only see one troll after pmercury
​​​​​​​

bobterry99

Tombraider333 is just one of a dozen accounts pmercury has created to spam the R230 forum. Half have been banned. He also uses these accounts to embellish his pmercury account by giving himself "Likes". Here's one obvious example: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ml#post7923190.

I once stated the low opinion I have of pmercury, but I have never attacked him personally. I have never criticized his software or his service. He is here to promote his business (which is why he was banned), and I am simply informing the membership of cheaper alternatives.

Tombraider333

I live in Miami Mr Troll, you have already attempted this. I joined, I read all you crazy posts, pmercury helped me. And since I joined, all I see is you running after him every day

bobterry99

If that statement is true, then you ought to be able to give three examples from the past two weeks.

You live in France.

My brother-in-law is a college provost in Miami. If you really do live in Miami, go to him at his work, and he will give you $500.

At any rate, I'm here to discuss XENTRY and WIS -- not people. Your focus should be the same.
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Tombraider333

Fine then, now that you expressed your opinion, be happy
readers only focus on post 1, 9 and 10. not your hate

bobterry99

Anyone who questions the quality of Chinese software is encouraged to search the R230 forum for the word "Star" and look at three years worth of posts. There's also this extremely long thread which chronicles the experiences of countless Chinese customers.

Incidentally, I bought my Star Diagnosis from a Chinese seller by way of eBay. I wasn't their only customer. The well-known Mercedes tuner Renntech purchased two.
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arturostillani

I've been following these forums for a long time. I recently purchased a new to me '04 SL55. It needs some suspension, top and door locks work. I began my journey of repairs with the inexpensive option that Bobterry above recommends. This system was purchased through Aliexpress.com. It's a chinese outfit that sells a number of diagnostic software. After I received the diagnostic software I encountered a number of problems with both the hardware and the software. I purchased a PC laptop separately, but the majority of the problems stemmed from the software that was full of glitches and problems. I cannot tell you how many times I had to reboot the computer and try a different approach as far as the software was concerned. In the end, I had to send the software package back to the chinese company and will await refund (up to 60 days?). If you want to follow the advice from bobterry and get a system that has frustrated so many forum members to potentially save some bucks, then order what he says. If you want a diagnostic system that will get your Mercedes reliably on the road - heed what's been spoken by many in this thread.

The reason why I'm posting is because I went through this nightmare of trying to diagnose my new car. Then I found Pmercury. He solved my problems fully. He guided me to the proper set up of hardware and software to properly diagnose my car. When I bought my car the top hadn't retracted in 8 yrs. Now it opens and closes just like it came from the factory. Pmercury will provide guidance. He's not selling the hardware or violating Mbworld rules. But what he does provide is solid guidance to help owners properly diagnose the problems without having to go to a dealership. If you have any questions, please feel free to private message me.

Regards,
Arturo

arturostillani

Bobterry - you are not allowed to advertise materials as you've indicated above. This is a direct violation of Mbworld terms of service that state: "You agree, through your use of the Discussion Forums, that advertising on MBWorld.org will only be permitted by officially recognized site sponsors and advertisers. Advertising includes, but is not limited to, direct and indirect solicitation of business in posts, business contact information, use of corporate logos, or use of any language or image that can be construed as an advertisement. Posting is defined by posts in forums, signature files, personal messages and e-mails sent from MBWorld.org."

Regards,
Arturo

bobterry99

Arturo, I'm puzzled that you would have an objection to a member providing for free something of potentially great value to the MBWorld community. Also, I believe you have misinterpreted the terms of use. Here's the operative phrase in the terms you cited:

I am not nor would I ever be engaged in business of any kind.

Pmercury has made a post in the R230 forum which pushes the boundaries of what MBWorld will permit. It includes an attachment of his business logo and web address which solicits business. I have reported his post to MBWorld and await with intense interest whether or not it will be tolerated. For me it is a litmus test.

There is a system that has indeed frustrated a few people who failed to do their due diligence when choosing a vendor. But that isn't the system I have been recommending since 2014. I challenge you to cite a single example of someone who was "frustrated" getting the system I recommend to work.