Looking for STAR
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 4
From: North carolina
2007 s550v, 2008 e63, 2006 e55
Looking for STAR
Does anybody know where I could buy a c3 sds I’ve been looking around but I’m new to those only discovered them a few weeks ago
thanks in advance
thanks in advance
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 285
From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
C3?? That's the old old multiplexer. Doesn't even work with newer software. What are your needs? Are you a shop? Personal use? Now a days even the C4 multiplexers are all crap. What vehicle years are you working on?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 4
From: North carolina
2007 s550v, 2008 e63, 2006 e55
well I’m trying to use it for personal use from about 2006 and up
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
13 GL350, 14 SL550
I bought a C4 from China and it has been great. Tried messing with personal installs of Xentry/DAS, downloading VMWare images, etc... then gave up and bought an entire hard drive from China with latest versions of everything installed.. Xentry/DAS/StarFinder/Vediamo/etc. The HD was under $100 and you have a choice of upgrading to an SSD instead of regular drive too which is much faster.
Look at Aliexpress and get a C4 and a hard drive.. has been working great for a year on 3 different MB's. Before that I had a C3 for 6 years which worked great too, but the wireless makes it SO much easier. Sit the laptop on the hood of the car instead of having lots of cables and wires going everywhere like I did with the C3
Look at Aliexpress and get a C4 and a hard drive.. has been working great for a year on 3 different MB's. Before that I had a C3 for 6 years which worked great too, but the wireless makes it SO much easier. Sit the laptop on the hood of the car instead of having lots of cables and wires going everywhere like I did with the C3
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 710
Likes: 212
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
If you're working with newer versions of Xentry and Vediamo 5, you will need a C4 or greater MUX. I'm using a C3(called a compact C4 by vendors but doesn't have wireless) I purchased almost 5 years ago which works for my purposes. If I got a newer, 2015 or above model, I would spring for the C4 or C5 but I can do everything I need for my 2007 using the C3. A C3 system is going to cost you a lot less. I using Star/Xentry from 2014 and Vediamo 4.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
13 GL350, 14 SL550
EasyPhil makes a good point. My C3 worked perfectly fine for a 2003 SL (R230), 2007 GL (W164) and 2007 S550 (W221). I haven't tried it on my 2014 SL. The C4 works great on those cars, it's just wireless.
If the C3 is a lot cheaper get that. If not, spring for the C4 because it makes life easier. Both work just fine.
As mentioned, if you have a 2015 or newer (or plan to get one soon) then you need a newer unit like C4/C5
If the C3 is a lot cheaper get that. If not, spring for the C4 because it makes life easier. Both work just fine.
As mentioned, if you have a 2015 or newer (or plan to get one soon) then you need a newer unit like C4/C5
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 4
From: North carolina
2007 s550v, 2008 e63, 2006 e55
I bought a C4 from China and it has been great. Tried messing with personal installs of Xentry/DAS, downloading VMWare images, etc... then gave up and bought an entire hard drive from China with latest versions of everything installed.. Xentry/DAS/StarFinder/Vediamo/etc. The HD was under $100 and you have a choice of upgrading to an SSD instead of regular drive too which is much faster.
Look at Aliexpress and get a C4 and a hard drive.. has been working great for a year on 3 different MB's. Before that I had a C3 for 6 years which worked great too, but the wireless makes it SO much easier. Sit the laptop on the hood of the car instead of having lots of cables and wires going everywhere like I did with the C3
Look at Aliexpress and get a C4 and a hard drive.. has been working great for a year on 3 different MB's. Before that I had a C3 for 6 years which worked great too, but the wireless makes it SO much easier. Sit the laptop on the hood of the car instead of having lots of cables and wires going everywhere like I did with the C3
If you're working with newer versions of Xentry and Vediamo 5, you will need a C4 or greater MUX. I'm using a C3(called a compact C4 by vendors but doesn't have wireless) I purchased almost 5 years ago which works for my purposes. If I got a newer, 2015 or above model, I would spring for the C4 or C5 but I can do everything I need for my 2007 using the C3. A C3 system is going to cost you a lot less. I using Star/Xentry from 2014 and Vediamo 4.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
13 GL350, 14 SL550
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015...537557558.html
Here is the one I bought. Available in 320/360/500GB hard drives, or an SSD. I bought the SSD even though more expensive, it runs really fast.
I have personally never used Vediamo.. not sure what it does. But I have Star/Xentry from 2018 (I believe they update it regularly.. the link above is for Dec 2018) and it works great for everything I need.
I have used mine on an 07 W221 S550 and have also run it on a friend's 09 W204 C350 so it will work on your cars for sure
Here is the one I bought. Available in 320/360/500GB hard drives, or an SSD. I bought the SSD even though more expensive, it runs really fast.
I have personally never used Vediamo.. not sure what it does. But I have Star/Xentry from 2018 (I believe they update it regularly.. the link above is for Dec 2018) and it works great for everything I need.
I have used mine on an 07 W221 S550 and have also run it on a friend's 09 W204 C350 so it will work on your cars for sure
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 4
From: North carolina
2007 s550v, 2008 e63, 2006 e55
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015...537557558.html
Here is the one I bought. Available in 320/360/500GB hard drives, or an SSD. I bought the SSD even though more expensive, it runs really fast.
I have personally never used Vediamo.. not sure what it does. But I have Star/Xentry from 2018 (I believe they update it regularly.. the link above is for Dec 2018) and it works great for everything I need.
I have used mine on an 07 W221 S550 and have also run it on a friend's 09 W204 C350 so it will work on your cars for sure
Here is the one I bought. Available in 320/360/500GB hard drives, or an SSD. I bought the SSD even though more expensive, it runs really fast.
I have personally never used Vediamo.. not sure what it does. But I have Star/Xentry from 2018 (I believe they update it regularly.. the link above is for Dec 2018) and it works great for everything I need.
I have used mine on an 07 W221 S550 and have also run it on a friend's 09 W204 C350 so it will work on your cars for sure
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
13 GL350, 14 SL550
i usually run a Quick Test that tells you every error code in the car. You can further diagnose or reset errors too.
Have also used used functions for:
upgrade software in modules. For example when the windows stop opening and a software update is required.
Release pressure from a strut before replacement
set proper ride height or adjust it (lower the car etc)
and lots of other stuff
if you work on your car, you need this!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 710
Likes: 212
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 710
Likes: 212
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 685
Likes: 12
2012 w221
another question, are you able to update all your car modules to the latest versions (lets say tranmission, command) etc with simply connecting it to internet and it grabbing the required files and then flashing offline?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 710
Likes: 212
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
It depends on what machine the hard drive came from, usually it's a Dell or a Thinkpad. If the OS on the drive is Windows XP, you're restricted to what type of machine you can put it in, meaning Dell laptop for Dell hardrive, Thinkpad for Thinkpad hard drive.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 710
Likes: 212
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
You can update your car modules but you have to configure your system to do offline coding and also acquire the firmware updates for the modules, ******* is a good place to find all of that stuff. I've updated Command, Audio, door modules, Keyless Go, radar sensors, telaid to mbrace, plus some other stuff.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 710
Likes: 212
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015...537557558.html
Here is the one I bought. Available in 320/360/500GB hard drives, or an SSD. I bought the SSD even though more expensive, it runs really fast.
I have personally never used Vediamo.. not sure what it does. But I have Star/Xentry from 2018 (I believe they update it regularly.. the link above is for Dec 2018) and it works great for everything I need.
I have used mine on an 07 W221 S550 and have also run it on a friend's 09 W204 C350 so it will work on your cars for sure
Here is the one I bought. Available in 320/360/500GB hard drives, or an SSD. I bought the SSD even though more expensive, it runs really fast.
I have personally never used Vediamo.. not sure what it does. But I have Star/Xentry from 2018 (I believe they update it regularly.. the link above is for Dec 2018) and it works great for everything I need.
I have used mine on an 07 W221 S550 and have also run it on a friend's 09 W204 C350 so it will work on your cars for sure
Last edited by EasyPhil; Feb 6, 2019 at 11:17 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 285
From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
If all you need is to read codes/clear codes/actuations and so on....... you can use Xentry Passthru. It is used with J2534 devices (passthru). I have used many passthru devices to include the Tactrix Openport 2.0. It's $169 directly from the company and it works good with Xentry Passthru. Xentry Passthru is good for 2006 and up vehicles. It will not work with older ones. I have even programmed online with it. If you are needing it to code modules and make system changes then you will need Vediamo, Monaco and so on.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 4
From: North carolina
2007 s550v, 2008 e63, 2006 e55
never opened Xentry so no idea if a license was required. I use DAS for everything. On my 2014 I will need to look into Xentry but for a 2007 you don’t need it
i usually run a Quick Test that tells you every error code in the car. You can further diagnose or reset errors too.
Have also used used functions for:
upgrade software in modules. For example when the windows stop opening and a software update is required.
Release pressure from a strut before replacement
set proper ride height or adjust it (lower the car etc)
and lots of other stuff
if you work on your car, you need this!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 4
From: North carolina
2007 s550v, 2008 e63, 2006 e55
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Calgary
w204 c300
If all you need is to read codes/clear codes/actuations and so on....... you can use Xentry Passthru. It is used with J2534 devices (passthru). I have used many passthru devices to include the Tactrix Openport 2.0. It's $169 directly from the company and it works good with Xentry Passthru. Xentry Passthru is good for 2006 and up vehicles. It will not work with older ones. I have even programmed online with it. If you are needing it to code modules and make system changes then you will need Vediamo, Monaco and so on.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 710
Likes: 212
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
