N559br

What are the best service manuals and affordable system diagnostic tools. I know about the Star system but I dont want to spend a couple of grand to read codes.

Any help for a Merc newbie would be appreciated .

White Spyder

Rudeney

You do not need to spend more than about $600 to buy a turnkey SDS "clone" system complete with (used) laptop.

Bhopkins

I've also recently bought an SL550 (2007), and have been considering which diagnostic tool to buy. I've seen a few positive reviews of the iCarsoft MBii and the Launch Creader VII. Will either of these ABC diagnostics? Will they do the rodeo?

Rudeney, I've noticed that you regularly recommend the SDS system, as you have here on this discussion. Are there some significant shortcomings of other systems that keep you recommending the SDS?

Rudeney

SDS (Star Diagnosis System) is MBZ's official tool. It "does it all" - reads and resets codes, performs actuations and adaptations and does all coding. It also includes WIS (Workstation Information System, i.e. official shop manuals) as well as EPC (Electronic Parts Catalog) and other information tools that can be very helpful. Of course buying a genuine, licensed SDS setup is beyond what most DIYers will want to spend. Not only is it very expensive to purchase (At one time it was about $20K), you also have to pay a monthly licensing fee.

Lucky for us, the Chinese have "cloned" this tool and it does everything the dealer's version can do, plus a few extra things, but with some limitations. The limitations are that without a monthly subscription/license with MBZ, you can't do any SCN coding, i.e. any of the coding that requires writing the encoded VIN to various "securitized" parts, like the ECU. However, the clones usually come with "developer mode"enables, which opens up some settings int he car that dealers cannot access.

You need three things to run an SDS clone: The software, the multiplexer and a computer. Some setups can be purchased "turnkey" where the software is installed on a used laptop (Dell D630 or similar) and includes a multiplexer. There are two versions of the multiplexer: wired (via RS232 serial port), which is usually called "C3" and wireless (via WiFi) usually called "C4". It can be a little confusing, because C3, C4 and now C5 also refer to the software revisions. All version can work with all multiplexers. Although the genuine SDS can now only use WiFi multiplexers, most clones have been setup for either. In my experience, the serial port hardwired multiplexers are easier to use and more reliable. There are actually places where you can download the software for free. The multiplexer can be bought stand-alone for less than $200. So if you are a computer expert and so inclined, you can bring your own laptop, download the software, and buy a multiplexer and do this all pretty cheap. If not, the turnkey systems are available from $600 or so, up to $1500 and more. This is all Chinese stuff, so more expensive does not always mean better. Some US sellers buy them and test them, and provide some support, and thus charge more.

Note that this system is VERY complex and can even be dangerous. For example, if you choose to actuate an airbag squib, it actually FIRES the airbag! That function will warn you to use a special tool in place of the squib, but if you ignore that - BLAM! Also, some of the programming options are "point of no return" things. So, there is some risk if you don;t know what you are doing, but if you are willing to learn and be cautious, it is the tool to have.

As far as I know, none of the hand-held tools like the iCarsoft or Autel have the ability to code or actuate, but they will pull and reset codes from all systems.

Bhopkins

Rodney,

Thanks! That is the most extensive explanation of the SDS that I've seen here. It really explains a lot.

You are right about the availability of turn key systems. I found several for between $500 and $600, some with a Dell and others with a Panasonic Toughbook. On a MotorMedic website, the author cautions about the software expiring in a few years on the clone systems. Is there an easy solution for this?

Rudeney

I still use an old October 2010 version of SDS and I do have to set the system date back, or it will tell me that it has expired. I think there is a patch that can be installed to fix that, but I run SDS as a VMware virtual machine so I don't mind changing the date. In fact, I just create a batch file that sets it for me so I double-click that icon and then launch DAS/Xentry.

bobterry99

There are various software key generators available, and if you purchase a hard drive with pre-installed software those generators are typically included. With them you can set the software expiration date to be whatever you desire.

Heatwave

I have a Chinese clone SDS system, including a Dell laptop with all the apps included. I got the unit back during my 2007 SL550 fling, but only put it to use once: to replace brake rotors and pads.

I packed most of the unit ... less and except the various cables that work on other MB models ... into a Zero Halliburton case, and of course the ZH case is included in my price.

I bought the unit over Ebay, direct from China .... there are no instruction manuals or other guidance of any kind.

I'll sell you the entire SDS unit, including the ZH case and the cables for other MB models for $550 + postage/shipping from North Mississippi to you.

If you are interested, I invite you to email me at: arlencoyle@gmail.com

CPDay

I just want to add my own experience with a clone SDS packaged with Xentry, WIS, etc, on a preconfigured Dell laptop. I bought it in 2015 for about $600 and have used it on both of my Mercedes.

I was concerned, initially, about the shipping, but what arrived was a carefully packaged, pristine, set of hardware. It was shipped via DHL, which provides the usual tracking tools. The Dell was advertised as used, but must have had very light use. I separately bought a suitcase-type carry case and foam rubber that I cut to fit everything.

The system can be a little scary to use, due to the potential damage that one can do. I would have to say that it was a recent thrill to run the ABC rodeo routine on my SL550.

Well worth the money, in my case.

bobterry99

There's no need to spend more than about $300 on an SDS. The multiplexer and cables are $200, the laptop is $50, and the hard drive with software is $50.

It's easy to use SDS in a manner that has no risk of degrading the vehicle in any way. Obviously if you enter the engineering menus which are written in German and start changing configurations you may be assuming some risk.

Rudeney

If you are skilled in PC software and using key generators, and willing to do a bit of digging, then I agree. For those who have limited computer skills, it might be worth it to them to buy a turnkey system that comes pre-configured.

For those putting together their own system, I highly recommend a "virtualized" setup. These typicall run under any OS, but use VMWare as a host environment. It makes isolating it from The Internet easy and also make it easy to backup a full copy of the environment once it is all configured and working.

Even if you do get into one of the airbag test menus, there are many warnings about not running it without installing the proper test devices in place of the squibs. But ignore those warnings and you will have a problem.

CPDay

bobterry99

I routinely encourage members to purchase for themselves a Chinese-cloned SDS. I view posts like the one above as counterproductive to someone who is on the fence about whether or not to purchase SDS.

But if you can't speak or translate German, then you probably will eschew the engineering menus which are written in German. Outside of the engineering menus you can not fire an airbag!

CPDay

SD1

Can I ask how routinely one would need to rely on the ability to interface with the vehicle? I am rarely without a Mercedes and aside from basic error codes, I don't see why one would need to have the ability to interface with the car at this level?

N559br

Guys

Thanks for the info. It looks like I need to get an sds . What is the best service manual? The power steering pump has a small whine so it looks like I'll be replacing the ABC/ps pump over the winter and need to understand the bleeding process .

Rudeney

SDS includes WIS (Workstation Information System), which is the official MBZ shop manual. If your pump is making noise, it could be the pulsation dampener (lots of threads about it).

bobterry99

Suppose your A/C is not blowing cold. There are no diagnostic codes. How would you proceed? If you have Star Diagnosis, then you can read the value of sensors relevant to controlling the compressor, and you can see what control signal is being output to the compressor based upon those sensors.

N559br

I'm somewhat of a geek about these which is why I want the diagnostics. If something doesn't seem quite right I don't want to pay a diag fee to the dealer when I can run them myself .

​​​​​​I be been wrenching on cars a long time. I've built a Cobra kit car with Ford fuel injection and got the dish tools for that so I could meet with fuel floors and other settings. I see no reason not to do the same here v

N559br

Thanks for the help guys. I went ahead and bough an SDS clone with just an HDD since I have several old computers. It didnt make it in time for my Pulsation dampener replacement. I just took a swing at it using what I've seen her. I purchased a MB rebuilt dampener and it fixed the problem. It's definitely tight in there and removing the fan assembly made my life a lot easier.

I'll update later once I get the SDS up and running.

Rudeney

I just did this job on mine. It is tight, but I just removed the three bolts securing the pump, slid it forward an inch, and the dampener cleared the valve cover. WIS will tell you to completely remove the pump, turn it upside down and ONLY replace the dampener that way to prevent dirt and debris from entering the pump. I was just very careful and cleaned things thoroughly.