Considering buying a Star diagnostic system
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Considering buying a Star diagnostic system
I can get one for under a grand.
My s500 will be out of warranty in a few months. Given the rates dealers charge, I think this item would pay for itself pretty quickly.
What all can you do with this unit, and how is it plugged in?
Can you run diagnostics on every system? Airmatic, abs/esp/distronic, engine/tranny, etc?
I have a similar setup on my cobra, and the real time datalogging is pretty awesome.
Any thoughts?
My s500 will be out of warranty in a few months. Given the rates dealers charge, I think this item would pay for itself pretty quickly.
What all can you do with this unit, and how is it plugged in?
Can you run diagnostics on every system? Airmatic, abs/esp/distronic, engine/tranny, etc?
I have a similar setup on my cobra, and the real time datalogging is pretty awesome.
Any thoughts?
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Canada
s430
yeah I hear ya, see them all the time on fleabay
I'm familiar with the VAG-COM OBDII reader from ross-tech for my Audi & VW.. I've used it to lower my suspension, teak the DRL, navigation, and remote functions.... even some data logging for ignition/MAF/temps/O2 sensors. Came in handy troubleshooting boost requested vs. supplied with my old S4. I've never found any interface that can write to the MB ECU....
don't even know what the limitations are. Airbag light reset? Transmission map? on-board electronics...
I'm familiar with the VAG-COM OBDII reader from ross-tech for my Audi & VW.. I've used it to lower my suspension, teak the DRL, navigation, and remote functions.... even some data logging for ignition/MAF/temps/O2 sensors. Came in handy troubleshooting boost requested vs. supplied with my old S4. I've never found any interface that can write to the MB ECU....
don't even know what the limitations are. Airbag light reset? Transmission map? on-board electronics...
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
i purchased one for my 2000 s500 and it was a really good investment because not only did i find out everything about my car and fixed what was wrong with it but i also do it to other cars, i charge $50 for a diagnostic fee, and srs or check engine lights, and i almost made all my money back for it. i think its a really good investment for a mb enthusiast and someone who is handy, just my 2 cents
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
MB S320 CDI
For what it's worth I run MB carsoft 7.4 which is fine for basic diagnostics on my W220 but won't run anything on the CAN bus.
I found a guy on fleabay who was knocking out cheap multiplexers for the Star and I asked him a couple of probing questions. He was remarkably candid and honest in his replies:
"unfortunately none of these cheap interfaces will communicate the more advanced systems on mercedes, as the later models are CAN enabled. Although most of these cheap interfaces claim they have full coverage, its not possible. You need to find a Can enabled system like the original Carsoft set or Star diagnose. Dont be fooled by the cheap ones. These cheap systems work fine on the early models but not the late. You need to invest around 5k for a decent set up."
And:
"Also be aware of the chinese made star machines on here. They aint much good either
I used to work for Mercedes so i'm pretty much in the know with the machines. Only downfall with the cheap star machines is that you cant do any programming with them or software updates as its pretty much done online now at the dealers. Spend you cash wisely! Although the snap-on solus pro scanner has a very big Mercedes coverage. I own one myself, as i run a tuning workshop. Best of luck! "
I'm after a STAR myself but I want the full monty - I need to be able to program aswell as just scan.
Certainly would be interested to hear from anyone who has knowlege of where or how I could obtain such a beast.
Hope this helps.
B320
I found a guy on fleabay who was knocking out cheap multiplexers for the Star and I asked him a couple of probing questions. He was remarkably candid and honest in his replies:
"unfortunately none of these cheap interfaces will communicate the more advanced systems on mercedes, as the later models are CAN enabled. Although most of these cheap interfaces claim they have full coverage, its not possible. You need to find a Can enabled system like the original Carsoft set or Star diagnose. Dont be fooled by the cheap ones. These cheap systems work fine on the early models but not the late. You need to invest around 5k for a decent set up."
And:
"Also be aware of the chinese made star machines on here. They aint much good either
I used to work for Mercedes so i'm pretty much in the know with the machines. Only downfall with the cheap star machines is that you cant do any programming with them or software updates as its pretty much done online now at the dealers. Spend you cash wisely! Although the snap-on solus pro scanner has a very big Mercedes coverage. I own one myself, as i run a tuning workshop. Best of luck! "I'm after a STAR myself but I want the full monty - I need to be able to program aswell as just scan.
Certainly would be interested to hear from anyone who has knowlege of where or how I could obtain such a beast.
Hope this helps.
B320
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
MB S320 CDI
hello,
for cristmas.
carsoft multiplexer soft and hardware shema with at89c2051 dum file.
http://www.4shared.com/file/75860509...lexer_742.html
frank
for cristmas.
carsoft multiplexer soft and hardware shema with at89c2051 dum file.
http://www.4shared.com/file/75860509...lexer_742.html
frank
Trojan Horse backdoor.Generic9.AUPM
Also
Backdoor.Win32.PcClient.dcq
tread carefully....
B320
Last edited by Benzene320; Dec 14, 2008 at 10:36 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
w220.175 - 2002 S500
is this a good system?
After looking at ehbay, found a few systems that include the following hardware and software
Question: is this a good system?
Features:
MB STAR is the professional diagnostic equipment for Mercedes Benz cars. The MB-Star is based on the Windows XP system,it includes workshops information system(WIS system),the movement management system(STARUTILITIES)and the automatically diagnose system(the DAS system) ,also with EPC, which many other sellers dont have!
The package include:
MB Star 2000 Scanner 2008 Multiplexer
4 pin diagnostic cable
38pin diagnostic cable
14 pin truck diagnostic cable
PC serial cable
OBD-II diagnostic cable
Hard Disk with all the softwares installed
Question: is this a good system?
Features:
MB STAR is the professional diagnostic equipment for Mercedes Benz cars. The MB-Star is based on the Windows XP system,it includes workshops information system(WIS system),the movement management system(STARUTILITIES)and the automatically diagnose system(the DAS system) ,also with EPC, which many other sellers dont have!
The package include:
MB Star 2000 Scanner 2008 Multiplexer
4 pin diagnostic cable
38pin diagnostic cable
14 pin truck diagnostic cable
PC serial cable
OBD-II diagnostic cable
Hard Disk with all the softwares installed
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
2001 S500
I know this is an old thread, but has anyone had good/and or bad experiences with a purchased Star Diagnostic setup? Retailers other than the Dealer to recommend or stay away from?
I have been looking at the below link, and it seams that the Chicoms are willing to see their knockoffs really cheep these days.
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm...olesalers.html
Thanks in advance,
Jason
I have been looking at the below link, and it seams that the Chicoms are willing to see their knockoffs really cheep these days.
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm...olesalers.html
Thanks in advance,
Jason
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: London, GB
RHD C200 Sport Coupe, RHD SLK-55, LHD SLK-350
I know this is an old thread, but has anyone had good/and or bad experiences with a purchased Star Diagnostic setup? Retailers other than the Dealer to recommend or stay away from?
I have been looking at the below link, and it seams that the Chicoms are willing to see their knockoffs really cheep these days.
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm...olesalers.html
Thanks in advance,
Jason
I have been looking at the below link, and it seams that the Chicoms are willing to see their knockoffs really cheep these days.
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm...olesalers.html
Thanks in advance,
Jason
Depends on what you want to do, and on what car. Mercedes have gotten smart and moved most of the entertaining functionality on the newer cars to "online SCN" coding. Still some good things you can do, just 1] not as easily as you used to be able to do and 2] not on some of the newer cars.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
2001 S500
Depends on what you want to do, and on what car. Mercedes have gotten smart and moved most of the entertaining functionality on the newer cars to "online SCN" coding. Still some good things you can do, just 1] not as easily as you used to be able to do and 2] not on some of the newer cars.
Lets hear what you guys think. 2005 and later? 2011? Now really if I had the money to own a Newer MBZ I sure as he?? would not be working on it myself, now would I?
Entertaining functionality is what it is. Entertaining. I have this habit of spending most of my time behind the wheel focusing on the task at hand. Driving. Now I could see watching a DVD or BlueRay behind the wheel, if say my MBZ was broke *** and sitting in my garage. Say because one of the AIRmatic struts had failed and I did not have a StarDiagnostic system to de-pressurize the strut prior to removal.
Jason
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,151
Likes: 533
Mercedes
your link for carsoft 7.6 doesnt work...all i see is carsoft 7.4 and when i click on it the page is unavailable
http://www.dinodirect.com/se-carsoft/
http://www.dinodirect.com/se-carsoft/
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
W220 S65 AMG
I always found the IBM laptops to be a little bulky for the purposes of diagnosing the cars, unless they are stationary on a cart.
If you are out in the field or at meets / track days you would want something portable and preferably with a touch-screen interface.
The SDS laptop acts as a wireless access point with the built int WiFi card and the iPad connects to the laptop. The multiplexer is attached to the laptop as one convenient system. You plug the laptop into the car and close the lid, everything else is done through the iPad, and you have decent range as far as wireless communication goes.
Video of the system in action on YouTube: http://youtu.be/fuFyRRC4ACo
Also, since the laptop and the iPad are running LMI software, if you have a 3G internet connection you can have someone remotely login to the SDS laptop, say from the shop, and diagnose the vehicle with you.
Lowering the car:
If you are out in the field or at meets / track days you would want something portable and preferably with a touch-screen interface.
The SDS laptop acts as a wireless access point with the built int WiFi card and the iPad connects to the laptop. The multiplexer is attached to the laptop as one convenient system. You plug the laptop into the car and close the lid, everything else is done through the iPad, and you have decent range as far as wireless communication goes.
Video of the system in action on YouTube: http://youtu.be/fuFyRRC4ACo
Also, since the laptop and the iPad are running LMI software, if you have a 3G internet connection you can have someone remotely login to the SDS laptop, say from the shop, and diagnose the vehicle with you.
Lowering the car:
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,151
Likes: 533
Mercedes
ess point with the built int WiFi card and the iPad connects to the laptop. The multiplexer is attached to the laptop as one convenient system. You plug the laptop into the car and close the lid, everything else is done through the iPad, and you have decent range as far as wireless communication goes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 35
From: in the office...
2020 AMG GT-R PRO
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
2001 S500
I always found the IBM laptops to be a little bulky for the purposes of diagnosing the cars, unless they are stationary on a cart.
If you are out in the field or at meets / track days you would want something portable and preferably with a touch-screen interface.
The SDS laptop acts as a wireless access point with the built int WiFi card and the iPad connects to the laptop. The multiplexer is attached to the laptop as one convenient system. You plug the laptop into the car and close the lid, everything else is done through the iPad, and you have decent range as far as wireless communication goes.
Video of the system in action on YouTube: http://youtu.be/fuFyRRC4ACo
Also, since the laptop and the iPad are running LMI software, if you have a 3G internet connection you can have someone remotely login to the SDS laptop, say from the shop, and diagnose the vehicle with you.
Lowering the car:
If you are out in the field or at meets / track days you would want something portable and preferably with a touch-screen interface.
The SDS laptop acts as a wireless access point with the built int WiFi card and the iPad connects to the laptop. The multiplexer is attached to the laptop as one convenient system. You plug the laptop into the car and close the lid, everything else is done through the iPad, and you have decent range as far as wireless communication goes.
Video of the system in action on YouTube: http://youtu.be/fuFyRRC4ACo
Also, since the laptop and the iPad are running LMI software, if you have a 3G internet connection you can have someone remotely login to the SDS laptop, say from the shop, and diagnose the vehicle with you.
Lowering the car:
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 646
Likes: 2
From: Seattle, WA
2001 S430
OXYGEN YOURE A GENIUS!!!!
so i used to overclock computers, the best is when i remote into my netbook or laptop via iphone/ipad using logmein, then overclock my asus rampage 3 motherboard controlled by netbook/laptop also controlled remotely with iphone/ipad..
so basically connect laptop/star/multiplexer/whatever it is to car with internet connection (4g or wifi works for local) and use logmein to remote into laptop/netbook and viola.
youre a genius oxygen.......
www.logmein.com !!!!!!!!!!!!!
so i used to overclock computers, the best is when i remote into my netbook or laptop via iphone/ipad using logmein, then overclock my asus rampage 3 motherboard controlled by netbook/laptop also controlled remotely with iphone/ipad..
so basically connect laptop/star/multiplexer/whatever it is to car with internet connection (4g or wifi works for local) and use logmein to remote into laptop/netbook and viola.
youre a genius oxygen.......
www.logmein.com !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last edited by classyS; Apr 22, 2011 at 02:15 AM. Reason: logmein!!!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
W220 S65 AMG
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
2006 C55 AMG
I've purchased an app for my android called torque for $4.95 and an obd II usb scanner on ebay for $12 and I get all the diagnostics/codes I need. I hear you can program and works great at the track. I think it's only good for cars after 98 though.
