VII

Of the most annoying things in cars these days is the default to on start stop systems. Changing this is usually an annoying odessey to find someone with the right equipment but it turns out there are OBD devices with coding access these days.
I just got a Thinkdiag from Amazon for $80 and was able to change S/S to remember last setting without any complications. From unboxing to having it done was 10 minutes.
Also seems to cover diagnostics for all modules so it would also be a good choice for maintenance. Of course it does not compare to getting an MB clone but it's $80.

​​​​​I'd be willing to ship mine around if someone wants it but being so cheap there really is not that much value in doing so.

MBGuy2022

Good find VII
I just went out and checked if my expensive Autel MaxiDAS DS808 handheld Bi-Directional diagnostic tool did what yours does with Start/Stop. Nope. It only does it for like 3 car makes and they aren't Mercedes. Bummer.....

edhettich

Hi, can you tell me the exact Thinkdiag you purchased, Im not finding any of that name on Amazon for $80.

VII

edhettich

Is this the one your talking about?

VII

Yes, price seems to have increased unfortunately.

edhettich

thanks. I have a 15 S and a 22 GLC. will this be able to code both cars for the Stop-Start last setting?

VII

I can only speak to what I've tested but assuming the GLC has a CPC it should work.

Side note, also enabled COMAND address entry in motion which is disabled in the US.

BobS450

Does anyone have experience with what happens to your warranty (or manufacturer’s extended warranty) when you have used a device like this (or hired someone like BenzNinja to do so)?

juanmor40

If you do it yourself using the scanner, you can always revert before visiting the dealer. Coded by someone else may be a hassle to do so.

BenzNinja

iTrader: (4)

0 problem
nothing happens with warranty
not on these generations and older
(Later cars (W223 ect, coding with asian MB licence will leave a permanent trace in your car. On your risk)

only thing that can happen with aftermarket coding devices is messing up your coding


Added here on JAN 27 as i don't discuss misleading posts after my posts
​​​​​​​
Coding your cars with aftermarket obd puts your car on risk
and
Important info about how engine tunes work :
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ning-myth.html

S_W222

Search this forum and you will find that in almost every sub-forum, for all cars and for ALL generations, not a single person reported an issue with warranty. This is a myth circulated around based on speculations for newer cars than only a real experts have the know-how to do it. If someone tells you your warranty will be voided, even for newer one, he is a liar. Now, can the dealer do so? yes. Have they ever done it? No according to my dealer when I specifically asked the question. Plus, just as a random example, if you have a module that tunes the suspension, it would be foolish anyway to go to the dealer with the module plugged in and complain about a suspension issue. Common sense is all what it takes. All these modules or codes are reversible and dealers have no interest in tracing anything (they want the corporate warranty money to get paid, they'd be happy to grant you a service under warranty).

VII

Do note that engine tuning is a different matter and is MB policy to blacklist power train if tuning is performed.

What is being talk about here is not changing the software in the module but rather just the options that already exist in it.
​​​​​​

S_W222

True.... Engine tning is serious work that requires engineering and research. Then there is "mapping" which is serious coding that I've seen people offering on BMWs but not much that I've seen for Mbenz, adding certain features that was never intended to exist or changing how the car often operates, or adding MBUX to a non-MBUX car which I have seen in some videos. Then there is "coding", simply flipping coding line values to unlock an existing feature that the car already "understands" or"pre-configured" to adopt to (i.e.: *** memory, adaptive headlights that Mbenz deactivates in the US, seats normal temps, lower suspension height, etc.).

NbyNW

Passing on a note I have in my files, got this from another car site. Not sure how "parts" equates to software tunes, etc.

Aftermarket Parts
Exhaust, etc.

According to the Magnuson-Moss Act, a vehicle manufacturer cannot automatically cancel your warranty just because you’ve installed aftermarket car parts. This is an illegal practice. That said, if your aftermarket part somehow causes or contributes to a failure in your vehicle, the dealer may be able to deny your warranty claim—as long as they can prove the connection. In these cases, the burden of proof is entirely on the dealership.

Many other sites explain it, here's one:
https://injen.com/ft-2436-magnuson-m...%20(15%20U.S.C.

polo1

Exactly, you beat me to it!

And they have to prove that the aftermarket part/device/modification caused (or contributed) to the failure - not just give you an opinion, etc.

vincheung

Take the word "proof/prove" with a grain of salt as it is frequently thrown around in forums and aftermarket manufacturers explanations; 15 USC CH 50 actually contains no reference of the words at all. The word "prove/proof" in a civil law setting which MMA applies is not the same as we would typically associate it with in a criminal trial. Regarding MMA, in a civil court setting the plaintiff only needs to show through the preponderance of evidence an association that a modification, more likely than not 51/49%, had caused failure and then it would be denial of warranty for the associated component(s). Yes the MMA does protect consumers but ask yourself if you have access to legal counsel willing to take on that fight for you, if it rises to that level. Arguing MMA with an SA at the dealership wont get you anywhere.

To the original point, generally speaking, coding would not be outright voidance of warranty. Suspension coding such as lowering out of spec (levels outside of pre-programmed settings) could possibly void suspension components but coding such as "saving" settings like start stop would likely not. As mentioned above, it would be foolish to walk into a dealership with obvious modules, etc attached and in your best interest to avoid the conversation all together by minimizing/removing appearance or evidence of modifications before going in for service.

polo1

You have that exactly backwards...

The plaintiff in a Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act claim is the consumer bringing the action, or class action - the manufacturer, etc. is the defendant.

The Act also allows for a more simplified claims process than a normal action - and allows the plaintiff (the consumer) to recover attorney's fees and costs associated with bringing the claim if they prevail.

The Act also authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to develop regulations and enforcement of the Act.

vincheung

The class action plaintiff aspect is noted in civil matters, I deal with criminal more frequently. In my experience with a few civil matters, two personally resolved in my parties favor unrelated to automotive; the preponderance of evidence regarding aftermarket performance parts would be a difficult standard for an owner of a car to overcome. If I were a juror, say in a case of suspension module lowering out of spec, it is reasonable to accept that the out of spec change had caused premature wear and I dont read where MMA would help in that matter.

What, if any successful MMA related class actions regarding aftermarket performance/modification parts can be referenced?
Has anyone had first hand experience they can reference or is it just links to manufacturers explanations, subreddits, and "I heard" stories from forums?

I've personally experienced warranty denials due to modifications, never the opposite, i'm genuinely curious to know of success stories and successful application of MMA regarding aftermarket performance.

MBGuy2022

THINKCAR Thinkdiag Bidirectional Full Software Free OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145392858546

$79.49 delivered from eBay

bimmerm3

*** With this device can you programme the car to start up and stay in sports transmision mode?

VII

If that's coded on the CPC or ME it would work.

Robb92914

Work on W222's?

edhettich

I just got mine yesterday from Amazon, followed the complete setup instructions, put in my 22 GLC 4matic and I dont see anywhere where there is a way to play with the start/stop. The Amazon site shows an advanced menu but I dont see it on mine. Havn't tried it yet on my 15 S.

VII

It's in the CPC variant coding.
Need to find start stop strategy, not sure if it was in German or in English.
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