Blazeracer

I think it's time to order my STAR system. Looking at em on eBay, the C3 versions come with a HDD, so I would need to get a dedicated laptop. A dinosaur of a laptop at that, but if it's dedecated to my SL, that's fine. I'm seeing the C5 version that runs through wi-fi and can run the Xentry software on any Windows 10 computer for about $100 more, so no need to get a dedicated laptop. However, you do have buy the software separately ,which is only like $20 or so. Does anyone know of MB has a registration fee or anything to get your VIN in the system or is the $450 hardware and $20 software all I would need? I've run HP Tuners on my LS motor and it's generally $100 to add a VIN for single users, but the interface is much much cheaper. Thanks.

Blazeracer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MB-Star-SD-...cAAOSwY8NcfQg8

AND

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Be...3aba342fe75345

kbob999

Let me see if I can help.

The Dell D630 is the latest PC that has a COM1 port, which is no longer available on most PC's.
The COM1 is required for the C3 system cable.
The C4 multiplexer (MUX) uses a LAN cable, so any PC with LAN will work.
C5 uses the wifi, or LAN, and again any PC will work.
Most use Windows XP or 7 as the operating system to start the Star software.

Any VIN can be input into the Star software, and you can use as many VIN as you want.

The difficulty is getting the Star install to perform on the PC.
There is special coding keys required, like you would use to install Microsoft operating systems, and any change to hardware requires a new code.

There is also special communication setup for the WIS and EPC and C3/C4/C5 communication that requires setup.
This is the 'additional setup fee' that the eBay sellers address with their software. I would recommend this, as it can be a daunting process for a newbie.

I run the D630 PC on a C4 MUX, and aside from the long startup (3-4 minutes), it performs just fine on the LAN cable once the PC boots up.

One last thing...I recommend getting the Star software with 'Developer Mode' which allows removing speed limiters and other in depth features not available in the 'standard' Star software.

Rudeney

Unless you are a PC expert, you might consider getting a turnkey system. For the price, this is abut as cheap as I have found:

https://www.dhgate.com/product/mb-st...s2-10-1b;searl 1570037733

I can't recommend that particular seller or not, but I have dealt with DHGate (like a Chinese amaza, Alibaba, eBay, etc.) and was happy with the service.

I know Bobterry has a system he has recommmended, too. Personally, I like the VMware version, but I put it on an internal SSD and it runs very fast. Most people are find with a dedicated oot hard drive int he laptop. I don't recommend running a VMWare version from an external hard drive - that's very slow.

bobterry99

I don't believe you'd get that software running, and you are going about this all wrong. To get turned around in the right direction I suggest you search MBWorld for "dhgate" and "aliexpress".

Blazeracer

So it would seem the simplest way to get it work on my 03 SL500 would be just going with C3 that comes with the hard drive set up for the Dell and go? By COM1 you mean a serial port or a USB designtated as a COM port via software? I'm assuming it would be hard wire serial port. Reminds me of the old days on Win 95 setting a throttle and a joystick for a flight simulator while still being able to print and scan.. It took all 4 COM ports to do that!! LOL.. Look for one with developer mode also? Thanks for the info.

kbob999

Yes - COM1 is the serial port required for the C3 MUX.
Personally, I'd go for the C4 MUX with LAN cable for forward compatibility.

bellwilliam

can you post an Ebay link for a c4 MUX. so I can order one and use it with my own laptop. thanks.

bobterry99

According to a friend on aliexpress.com for $200 you can buy a kit which includes all the software pre-installed on a Dell D630-compatible hard drive, all the necessary cables, and a C3 multiplexer. The Dell is c. $55 on eBay shipped.

Leej

@Blazeracer
You need 3 things for Star SDS, and they can be purchased together in a kit or separately:
1. MUX (multiplexer: C3, or C4, etc.) and cables
2. Software (typically sold already installed on a hard drive (HDD) with operating system, and everything)
3. laptop/PC to run it

@bobterry99's advice is cheapest option by ordering a C3 MUX and Hard Dive (HDD) with software loaded from Aliexpress (for about $260), and then buy a used Dell D630 on ebay (I was finding them for about $70 with a good battery and power supply, including shipping).

Total price would about $330.

Here is a link to a C3 and hard drive (HDD) kit from the seller ODB2DEVICE on aliexpress (there are others on dhgate, aliexpress, and even ebay): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Full...2e674c4dRZBuet

The main thing is just to make sure you are clear about what they are selling (HDD only, or C3 only, or C3 and HDD, or sometimes C3 and HDD and laptop)...

Regarding buying a laptop separately, prices can vary by condition and depending whether it includes a good battery and or power supply (power cord and transformer). Pricing also varies by memory (I suggest 4GB, but 2GB is probably fine), and the operating system and size of the HDD. However, if you are going buying a HDD with pre-installed software as suggested in the kit above above, you won't be using the HDD or operating system that comes with the laptop anyway, you will use the HDD (and operating system) that comes with the kit, and you could probably buy a D630 cheaper without a hard drive or operating system...

Regarding getting everything set up: swapping/installing the HDD is easy (check youtube for a video on how to do it if needed). However, even though the HDD in the kit is preloaded with software, you still need to generate keys that are unique to the laptop hardware. This can be difficult and confusing (software tools to generate what is needed are typically installed on the HDD, but it still can be confusing and there will likely be no instructions). However, the seller in the link above includes TeamViewer installed on the HDD, and they will log in to the laptop and get everything set up (I suspect others will also do this). Communication with sellers in China can be difficult and time consuming because of the time differences, but ultimately can work out just fine.

If the set up sounds too difficult (it can be confusing), take @Rudeney's advice and buy a complete system including the laptop with everything pre-configured and set up from alliexpress or dhgate (or maybe even ebay), however in my searching this would cost about $500 or more.

Incidentally, I really like having a separate laptop just car diagnostics, and I like that its running XP (I also use TechStream for Toyota/Lexus diagnostic, and this requires XP).

Regardless, well worth the money and effort! Just my thoughts.

Lee

Rudeney

One more note...the "virtualized" copies generally don't need licensing. The license is based on the MAC address of the Ethernet port on the computer. With a virtual machine, they can set the MAC address and pre-license to that address. As Bobterry mentions, that can be a slower way t run SDS, but only if you run it from an external drive. If you copy the VM to the internal drive on the laptop, it runs reasonable fast. In my garage, I have a Dell D630 with 8GB, Windows 8.1 and a 256GB Samsung SSD. As a general laptop, it runs pretty good. It's not going to be a gaming machine, but would work find for web browsing, streaming video, or using MS Office. The SDS VM is on the HD so I just fire up VMWare player to run it. It works as fast as any "live" copy of SDS I've ever used.

krazzdav

Blazeracer first of all let me correct a few inaccuracies that have been stated above ---

"The COM1 is required for the C3 system cable" You DO NOT need a laptop with COM1 but just a USB adapter. --- This is the serial adapter I have been using over 6 years and through a virtual machine with a C3 mux --
"The C4 multiplexer (MUX) uses a LAN cable" C4 MUX can be used with WIFI or LAN.

You DO NOT need a C5 mux and is only needed for some newer cars with DoIP protocol like W222.

Now you need to answer a couple questions why you want a MUX/Diagnostics --

• Do you just want to read and reset fault codes in your car?
• Do you want to change configurations?
• Do you want to purchase something now that you can use for any newer cars you may get?

If you only want to read and reset fault codes you do not need ANY MUX (C3/C4) at all!! You can just use a passthru cable for around $20 or get fancy and get a wireless passthru "cable". There are limitations with what a passthru cable can do but not sure what. I only used it to read initial codes on a 2017 GLA 250 while I was waiting for my C4 to arrive. I used a Toyota MVCI Xhorse clone from ebay.

If you want more support capability than a passthru you only need a C3 MUX for your car and use XENTRY/DAS 11/2012 version (this is the last most thorough version compatible with C3 MUX)If you want to purchase a "future proof" mux that can read old and new cars then purchase a C4 MUX and use the latest XENTRY 2019 version. C3 MUX with 2012 DAS software can work up to 2011 W204 from my own experience.

There are different chipsets (better or cheaper clone copies) on the circuit boards in the C4 MUX so you have to be careful which you buy --- many places may have just as good of quality mux but this is where i purchased mine with the better chips (verified once I received it), good packaging, fast shipping and communicated well prior to buying it https://www.aliexpress.com/item/S-qu...3da24c4dLjyEDG

C5 MUXs that are being sold are mostly FAKE -- they are only C4 MUX with upgraded housings. You can mod a C4 for DoIP if needed. A true C5 is very expensive and has its own HDD.

You can get the software from cartechnology.co.uk for free and another great site is *******.com but have to pay $25 to register -- both sites are invaluable!! I have had to use information from both sites. There are members that you can pay to do your software installs also and have coded programs/patches to make things easier like DieTRih and others

I myself went overboard and spent a bit on a Samsung 9 Pro laptop upgraded to a 1TB NvME SSD drive with Windows 10 that converts into a tablet that I use dedicated to my car diagnostic programs (325GB+ just in XENTRY/Vediamo/EPC/WIS/Starfinder/SDMedia) I use this wirelessly with a C4 MUX.

If you are not computer literate then by all means purchase a complete set with MUX and laptop with software preloaded. Anyhow hope this helps get you in the right direction but most users can get by with everything needed for only a few dollars using just a passthru cable.

850csi

Does anyone have any particular recommendations about sellers offering C3 mux?

MarkCan

I’m looking at the C4 setup at the moment. Currently not much more $ than the C3. Since I have several older laptops I’ll be able to dedicate one to the star system. I’ve seen lot of C3 systems pre-installed on SSD for the Dell but I’m yet to see the C4 sold that way.
1.Does anyone here run the C4 on the Dell D630?
2. Is there anything special about C4 software installation?

MarkCan

I run the D630 PC on a C4 MUX, and aside from the long startup (3-4 minutes), it performs just fine on the LAN cable once the PC boots up.
[/QUOTE]

Is I on the internal or external drive?
HD or SSD?

NHSl550

Is this what I would need to code my command in my 2009 Sl550 for rear view camera? once getting this is it easy enough for someone to walk me through coding? I don't know much about this.

Rudeney

SDS is not easy to use. My advice would be to find someone who has it to help you. If you;d add your location to your forum user's profile, you might get some volunteers.

NHSl550

Thanks. I'm in Southern NH
If someone can help me out that would be great.

MarkCan

Did anyone purchase from this seller before?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3288...00000000000000
Feedback looks good. I’m about to pull the trigger.

krazzdav

This is the mux i purchased; i loaded my own software so did not buy a "kit"
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32858957827.html

bobterry99

According to the seller feedback some buyers received a faulty multiplexer. Reportedly this is a bane of purchasing cloned C4 multiplexers from China, and it is the reason I recommend a C3 unless one needs the ability to diagnose a late-model Mercedes.

krazzdav

Only had 1 bad review about the batteries.... but you aren't supposed to use batteries on clones. C4 is wireless so is much more convenient than a C3. C3s are also clones

bobterry99

There is also a comment that the unit would communicate with some of the vehicle controllers but not many others, and that has nothing to do with batteries. There is also an accusation that the seller you linked to was advertising a superior product but delivering something discernibly inferior.

I'll add that the quality of C3 multiplexers varies widely. In particular, some have decades-old relays, while others have new relays. When making a purchase I'd try to ensure I was getting a C3 with new relays.

krazzdav

I agree need the new relays etc and i asked many questions to ensure the pictures posted are actually what was sent. I took mine completely apart upon arrival and everything was exactly as advertised and took pictures i can post if requested. The MUX itself is fine and i have been able to communicate and modify software in 2017 X156 GLA 250 with Vediamo, communicated to the same 2017 fine with XENTRY and a 2010 W204 C240 which my C3 MUX would not recognize the SRS module though another 2010 had no issue with my C3 (only stated because it is possible).

I personally had no problem with only the C4 but cannot comment on their software as I installed my own for free. The seller was very responsive to messages which is important and shipped fast. I only changed the WIFI card to a Netgear i believe it was for better range and stability.

bobterry99

Since you purchased your multiplexer the seller has received three reviews, and two of them are negative. One of those negative reviews accuses the seller of sending something other than what is pictured.

It's plausible to me that if you were to purchase from this seller today you would not receive the same multiplexer you got back in the spring.

I think MarkCan recognizes the points made above, and that is why he is leaning toward a seller who is charging a bit more than what you paid but has perfect feedback from many recent sales.