Can anyone plz. enlighten me as to the differences between the C3 and C4 diagnostic machines I see for sale on ebay. I see various incarnations ranging from $500 on up. While I would like the most sophisticated technologically I as well don't want to buy more than I need. Any recommendations on unit and sellers?

Cars: 2003 E320 and 2004 S600

Thanks for your input

 

You need a LOT of information - far too much to type all over again. There are numerous threads on this subject on the Forums. Go to the search function at the top, then search for DAS, STAR, C3, C4, etc. You will find a lot of hands-on experience...

To specifically answer the question, C3 uses cables between the computer serial port, C4 uses wireless - but you need to learn a lot more than that before you buy a system.

Plan to spend several hours in research and reading - there are no short, useful answers.

 

No, plan weeks - and even more weeks after you get it.
The MB Xentry DAS is an extremely powerful system, but not very intuitive to work with (..and I am German).
It's almost as bad as the COMAND!

 

Wally:
Apprec. your response. I'm thinking, if I can work on 747's I can figure this out. Was just wondering which would you recommend for the $$$. The Asians that list this stuff on Ebay are pretty cryptic given the language barrier and dealers act like it's treason to give up anything for free. So was just hoping for a direction to go based on your experience.

 

Mr. Kraut56:

I have seen the Xentry and it does get down into it. Thnx. for you input sir!

 

My experience is with the C3. I read a lot on the STAR systems before purchasing mine, and based the decision upon the following factors:
- The STAR software is based upon a modified version of Windows XP. Microsoft no longer supports XP, so getting and updating XP is no longer practical. I have had bad experiences in the past trying to run XP software on a Windows 7 computer, and didn't want the complication of that on top of the learning experience with the STAR system. For that reason, I elected to purchase a hard drive that contained the total software package, with the STAR properly integrated with the XP.
- The C3 system requires a computer with a serial port. The vendor (and other users) recommended a Dell D630 laptop, which is one of the latest laptops to have an actual serial port. Not the fastest system, but again, I wanted the fewest complications possible.

I bought a working Dell D630 thru eBay, added a new battery, and maxed-out the memory.

The vendor supplied the multiplexer (the heart of the system), all cables and adapters (a pile of equipment), the system hard drive, and an aluminum case. All of the equipment quality was top-notch - very impressive.

The system worked, with the only problems being due to my inexperience with the STAR system. The learning curve is steep...

Other people have elected to use a newer laptop with the C4 system. I felt that was a new and unproven system when I bought my C3. I have no experience with the C4, and don't know which I would buy if I had to start over.

Some folks reported problems with the C3, some have reported problems with the C4. I have no first-hand knowledge with other folks' problems, but I do suspect that most problems are due to the complexity of learning the STAR system, not the hardware.

Again, there are hundreds of posts on buying and using the STAR system on this and other sites. My suggestion is still the same - research and read!

 

Thank you much for the info. I must admit to leaning in the C4 direction but am even now seeing C5's for sale. Prob. going to go the C4. I do apprec. your input. As well, have
you done the ECU flash for your vehicle?

 

No.

 

I just bought a C4 setup on eBay five minutes ago. I found the one with the good Cisco card instead of the no namer sticking out of the C4. I found a D630 on eBay and won it for $43

 

If you would, could you please send me the seller info. Thanks much.
my email as well... cassininasa@earthlink.net

Chris

 

And why so? If I may ask.

 

It will be a little faster (which you will really want when you start using the system) if you max out the memory on the D630. You need two identical 4 GB DDR2 800MHz (PC2-6400) CL6 SODIMM 200-Pin cards.

Amazon has a kit for $26.