SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Looking for star system

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Old Apr 10, 2015 | 06:07 PM
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2017 S550 cabriolet 2007 SL550 , 2012 C300
Looking for star system

Looking to see if someone has a star system for sale or a good source to purchase. Or does somebody have one in Connecticut that is willing to show how to use. Thanks to all
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Old Apr 11, 2015 | 12:43 PM
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i bought mine from shardul here on the board. You can get them 300-400 cheaper if you shop hard and find one on alibaba or something, but those won't be turnkey and will have the newer (2014) software that doesn't allow you to use developer mode (need a 2011 or older software version to use that). If you don't plan on doing anything crazy getting one without developer mode is probably fine though.
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Old Apr 11, 2015 | 04:02 PM
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Thanks for the info. But I have no idea what you mean by developer mode what is that exactly. I'm real Good with the mechanical Work not so good with the software
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Old Apr 11, 2015 | 04:15 PM
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Developer mode lets you do things even the dealer can't do from a programming perspective. It was used by companies developing various modules on cars for Mercedes. The downside is the developer mode menus are in German so you either need to follow a guide someone has posted, know German, or be prepared to use an online translator a bunch. The rest of the software is still in English, only the developer only menus are German. Things like changing the top speed limiter require developer mode.
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Old Apr 11, 2015 | 06:50 PM
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My 2 cents...
I almost ordered from Autoscanit in Canada, check out their website.
I thought to save a few bucks via Ebay, finding a used Dell 630, hard drive with Star (2014) software loaded, and a made in France C3 multiplexer/cables. I am still sorting out what works, what doesn't, having to contact Ebay seller, etc. If I had to do it over, and I still might, I would spend the extra for a proven plug and play complete system.
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 07:25 AM
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Bought mine on ebay, it has/had the Newest Software C4 DVD12|2014 (Ver. 16.8.2.1) and has Developer Mode, I bought the system that came with Hard Drive and than bought a Used Dell. Works perfectly! All Software unlocked and working DAS,WIS, etc. Cables for all MB Vehicles and Virus Free!

SDS = 592.00
Shipping= 85.00 (1 week delivery)
Dell Laptop = 100.00 with maxed out Ram

Last edited by cadbob; Apr 12, 2015 at 07:27 AM.
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 09:39 AM
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Purchased mine off ebay. Jimmy I think the guys name was. Great deal experience. I got the complete turn key system with the Dell laptop.
No problems what so ever. Just plug it in and go. $700.00 or so.

I see from a previous post there is a board member selling units. If I would have know that at the time I would have seriously considered going that route.
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by cadbob
Bought mine on ebay, it has/had the Newest Software C4 DVD12|2014 (Ver. 16.8.2.1) and has Developer Mode, I bought the system that came with Hard Drive and than bought a Used Dell. Works perfectly! All Software unlocked and working DAS,WIS, etc. Cables for all MB Vehicles and Virus Free!

SDS = 592.00
Shipping= 85.00 (1 week delivery)
Dell Laptop = 100.00 with maxed out Ram
your developer mode won't work on the older R230s. Mercedes locked out developer mode for older platforms in 2011, so you need software from then or earlier.
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 04:07 PM
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2 cents followup

My Ebay seller was great in activating/correcting software, all done remotely. All issues have been resolved, thus far. My preference was a US seller, and France or Germany manufactured multiplexer.

Last edited by cyglee; Apr 12, 2015 at 07:34 PM.
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by carguyshu
your developer mode won't work on the older R230s. Mercedes locked out developer mode for older platforms in 2011, so you need software from then or earlier.

I have a 2003 SL500, all working!

It may be Dongle/Software Lock for SDS Software that Controls Developer Mode.

Last edited by cadbob; Apr 12, 2015 at 07:31 PM. Reason: adding
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Old Apr 14, 2015 | 12:19 AM
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Originally Posted by cadbob
I have a 2003 SL500, all working!

It may be Dongle/Software Lock for SDS Software that Controls Developer Mode.
It will appear to be working fine, but you won't have all of the features or programming options that a 2011 software version would have. Many features were locked down and no longer available in the newer software.
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Old Apr 16, 2015 | 08:48 PM
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cadbob how long ago did u buy your SDS and do you know from who? Do you know are the China ones any good or go with German or one of the others. Thanks for any info I'm not very savvy with this stuff but want to learn
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 11:52 AM
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Hi guys looking on line for star system found this site was wondering if any body could tell me if this is what I need I drive 2007 SL550 http://www.plusobd.com/Mercedes Benz Star Compact 4 SD Connect hardware with laptop Dell D630
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave3359
cadbob how long ago did u buy your SDS and do you know from who? Do you know are the China ones any good or go with German or one of the others. Thanks for any info I'm not very savvy with this stuff but want to learn

Hi Dave,

I bought mine on ebay for 500.00 it is the C4 with 12/2014 software. I bought last November and it shipped from China, took about a week. Very Happy with it.
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 09:39 PM
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One more stupid question. Do you know where the SDS plugs in on my 07 sl550 is it under the hood some where or does it plug inti the OBD plug under the dash? Thanks again for your help
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 09:42 PM
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It will plug into the OBD II I believe Dave. Not stupid question, hell I'm still and always learning myself.
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Old Apr 18, 2015 | 09:15 AM
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Thanks again for all the help. There sure is a big learning curve on these cars. But I do love the car still looking for the SDS found a couple of site to buy from.
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Old Apr 18, 2015 | 08:16 PM
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Dave check this thread out. Appears to be member in here that sells the SDS System. Read about 1/2 way down. Let me know curious also.

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...pressures.html
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Old May 7, 2015 | 10:24 AM
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would one of you guys with the newer software and a dell be willing to make a clone of your hdd in exchange for a clone of the older sw (with the developer mode) that I have?

Let me know,

Thanks,

George
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Old May 7, 2015 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by dirtyguido
would one of you guys with the newer software and a dell be willing to make a clone of your hdd in exchange for a clone of the older sw (with the developer mode) that I have?

Let me know,

Thanks,

George
Hi George, I do not think it will work, the Key Code they punch in looks at Hard Drive ID I believe. I could be wrong and willing to try.

Last edited by cadbob; May 7, 2015 at 08:51 PM. Reason: correct answer
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Old May 8, 2015 | 10:32 PM
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There are code/key generators around. Google is you friend.
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Old May 9, 2015 | 07:24 AM
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LOL, Yes I know. Wasn't me I was worried about.

Last edited by cadbob; May 9, 2015 at 07:24 AM. Reason: correction
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Old May 26, 2015 | 10:49 PM
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Can I just purchase SW and cable? What is good source? Apreciate any updates, do and don'ts when purchasing. Older developer mode would be nice but urgency is because tired of taking car to shop to perform ABC flushing//

Thanks everyone
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