Heatwave

I have drilled around the Internet looking at what I conclude are bootleg SDS kits. The going price appears to be north of $650 for all the necessities.

In considering whether to make a purchase, these questions arise:

(i) how current is the data in these SDS kits (or is there any way of determining this)?

(ii) is the data ever updated following purchase of a kit?

In asking this question, I assume that these kits comprise data, instructions, and solutions that were current ... or reasonably current ... somewhere around the date the kit was assembled. Or maybe not ... I don't know. Does not MB update its SDS materials periodically? If I purchase one of the Chinese SDS rigs, do I qualify for periodic updates from MB, or Shanghai, or somebody somewhere? Or is what I get all I am going to get?

kbob999

Most of these kits, if not all, are not intended to go 'on line' to retrieve updated information from MB. They are stand alone units.
Therefore, whatever you buy is pretty much what you get. The date "09-2015" will give the SDS version you purchase. You can always buy a newer version on a hard drive.

That said - I have a 2014 SDS for my 2003 cars, and never worry if I had the latest updates. My 2011, on the other hand, is going to need a newer version of SDS for any recent help.

Speaking of newer versions...preferably get the C4 communication box, with LAN cable, rather than the C3 box with COM cable. The C3 will not work on my 2011...as it switched to 'Xentry' (an updated SDS) which requires C4. My C3 only works on the 2010 or early cars.

Heatwave

kbob999: thank you for your reply, especially the comment about the C4 comm box. I gotta figger out what "Xentry" is, and a lot more about SDS.

kbob999

Xentry is just the latest version of Star (SDS). It is essentially the same info, look, and operation, but a new name, and set up for newer vehicles, as well as all older vehicles.

I've posted a few DIY steps for the SDS on this forum, or the 'other one', and there are more to be found on the W211 forums. You can use these DIY guides for making some initial trials or changes once you get a system.

The handiest feature is the quick scan, which will find any active or stored codes. 'F' is an active fault; 'f' is a stored code but not active. I like to scan; then read all codes; then Clear the codes; then run the scan again to see what is active.

The latest car I bought and scanned had about 12 codes total, but only 4 active once cleared. This became my to 'do list' to clear everything up. Would make a great sales tool to demonstrate to a prospective buyer should you sell. Nothing like a clean bill of health and records of service to close a deal.

Good luck in getting a system and exploring the features of this great tool.

mbwolf

I bought mine on Aliexpress for about $350 and I bought a used Dell 630 laptop for $100. I can not be more happier. Good support out of China to get it working.
Go to Aliexpress http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2014-...783909054.html
Any questions just let me know.
Good luck

Heatwave

Many thanks to all who responded. I've got to replace tires and brake rotors/pads prior to the annual Indy 500 trip next month, so I'm probably several months away from acquiring an SDS system, if I decide that's what I need. The utility of SDS is clear; but it may be a sure-fire way to get into things over my head. I'm thinking ... I'm thinking ....

kbob999

Heatwave - To be honest, I would not own a Benz (I have 3 now) without this tool.
Especially the R230 with its loaded systems. It pays for itself in the first year. Trust me, I know.

mbwolf

Heatwave
Be aware to keep the car locked and not to be opened during brake work!!!!. If you do not shut down the brake assist system (SBC) in Xentry you will pop your caliper pistons if a CanBus wake up signal is sensed by opening the doors or trunk. The safety aspect during brake work alone justifies the $500 for a SDS.

Wolf

bha

An alternative for brake work on the R230 is to locate the SDS unit under the hood (it's clearly labelled) and unplug the big wiring connector from it.

Also with SDS if the car is locked up and keys are kept far away (to not activate keyless go) the system won't activate.

But I wouldn't trust just locking the car personally. Unplug the SDS unit and you'll be fine.. with no need for Xentry.

Having said that, the Xentry tool is VERY useful and I also wouldn't own an MB without it!

Heatwave

Time out. It finally occurred to me, after drilling the Internet for various SDS products, that the rigs are, with but few exceptions, Chinese pirate-edition units. Pirating another company's intellectual property and products is illegal and just plain wrong. I won't buy pirated products. So ... my search is over. Many thanks to all who posted informative responses to my queries.