SL/R230: Questions on the SDS
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 143
Likes: 8
From: Newport News, VA
2005 SL500 & 2021 Jeep Willys Gladiator
Questions on the SDS
I am trying to figure out what exactly the SDS or Star Diagnostic System is. Is it a total standalone system including all cables, adapters and the computer? Is it only a software package? Is it a software package with all cables and adapters minus the laptop? Just going the "SDS route" leaves a lot open to interpretation. Is that an all in one system out there that does not break the bank? I don't want to get too wrapped around the axle getting all this expensive stuff that will get rarely used.
I am new to M-B but not new to doing my own work. I have been an acft mechanic for over 40 years with 20 of it in the Army. So I know the value of self reliance, hard work and doing good work. I do know the value of good tools but I am confused on which diagnostic system to use.
TIA
I am new to M-B but not new to doing my own work. I have been an acft mechanic for over 40 years with 20 of it in the Army. So I know the value of self reliance, hard work and doing good work. I do know the value of good tools but I am confused on which diagnostic system to use.
TIA
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 449
Likes: 129
From: Melbourne Florida
SL500
There is no better tool than SDS. Period! It can do much more than any scanner on the market. There are many junk Chinese Multiplexers in the market along with bad software. The system includes cables, the multiplexer, and an inexpensive laptop with certain memory capability and hard drive space. It is a very complex system as it can make changes to the systems in the car and even add features. The easiest way and one you can trust is to use the services of BenzNinja.com. Peter will suggest reputable vendors for multiplexers and cables, give you parameters for the lap top, and he will load his software on the laptop. But it does not end there. He will provide his service when your car needs analysis and updating for life when you join his club for a one time fee. He has many client-members and can do this over the internet. He went over my car, corrected some issues added an agility mode that learns how you drive adding to the comfort/ sport modes. He was in Paris and I live in Florida. If you want the best equipment and software tool there is no better than Benzninga.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 473
Likes: 120
From: North West England
SL500
As said above, SDS (Star Diagnostics, or Xentry) is the factory diagnostics tool for Mercedes.
It comprises of three elements. A Laptop, a Multiplexor (and cables) and the software.
Ideally you need a dedicated windows 10 laptop, though it will run alongside other programs if necessary.
The multiplexor, often called a C4 multiplexor is available from the China selling platforms, for around £/$350 including cables, but quality is reported to be hit and miss. The one I got worked perfectly, both with ethernet and WIFI, and there are a lot of C4 working systems around.
The software is hacked (only source of genuine software is via Mercedes) so any you get will be pirated and illegal!. It can be found for free if you search hard enough, or ask around. Avoid the Chinese HDD or SSD versions. They offer an easy option, but if they get corrupted you have no comeback. Better to install yourself. They need patches and password generators to install, and you can install as developer mode for more advanced options. Also add on software available such as Vediamo or Monaco. Can take a few hours to install, and not straight forward. Also for free is WIS/EPC, which is the workshop manual, and spare parts catalogue.
Xentry (SDS) is the most expensive diagnostics (even if you already have a laptop and get the software for free), but it is the best if you want to get involved with any Mercedes. Not only is it a code reader, but also a guided test system, can re-code options, and back up modules on the car when replacing them (some of them, not all!).
It is way over the top for most people, but a must have for the Mercedes enthusiast mechanic.
It comprises of three elements. A Laptop, a Multiplexor (and cables) and the software.
Ideally you need a dedicated windows 10 laptop, though it will run alongside other programs if necessary.
The multiplexor, often called a C4 multiplexor is available from the China selling platforms, for around £/$350 including cables, but quality is reported to be hit and miss. The one I got worked perfectly, both with ethernet and WIFI, and there are a lot of C4 working systems around.
The software is hacked (only source of genuine software is via Mercedes) so any you get will be pirated and illegal!. It can be found for free if you search hard enough, or ask around. Avoid the Chinese HDD or SSD versions. They offer an easy option, but if they get corrupted you have no comeback. Better to install yourself. They need patches and password generators to install, and you can install as developer mode for more advanced options. Also add on software available such as Vediamo or Monaco. Can take a few hours to install, and not straight forward. Also for free is WIS/EPC, which is the workshop manual, and spare parts catalogue.
Xentry (SDS) is the most expensive diagnostics (even if you already have a laptop and get the software for free), but it is the best if you want to get involved with any Mercedes. Not only is it a code reader, but also a guided test system, can re-code options, and back up modules on the car when replacing them (some of them, not all!).
It is way over the top for most people, but a must have for the Mercedes enthusiast mechanic.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 449
Likes: 129
From: Melbourne Florida
SL500
a couple of things, BenzNinga is licensed. Nothing hacked whatsoever. BenzNinga has the sources who provide excellent multiplexers no guessing there about hardware. He installs the software remotely. He teaches you and he can take over the car remotely if you are not the curious kind. MB charges 300dollars for their diagnostic service. Do the math.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 473
Likes: 120
From: North West England
SL500
Licensed!....Licensed by who? Certainly not Mercedes. Mercedes are the only source of licensing Xentry, at around $3000 per year. Mercedes also do not permit "cloned" multiplexers to be used with their software, and part of the installation involves hacking this part of the software so the cloned multiplexers work.
BenzNinga has the sources who provide excellent multiplexers no guessing there about hardware. He installs the software remotely. He teaches you and he can take over the car remotely if you are not the curious kind. MB charges 300dollars for their diagnostic service. Do the math.
There are plenty of ways of obtaining a XENTRY Diagnostics system, some ways will suit some, other ways will suit others.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 473
Likes: 120
From: North West England
SL500
Whoa there!
Check my posts, when have I ever said anything negative about BenzNinja, or his business? I even credited him for adding value to cloned/hacked Xentry systems for some people, in my last response to you. He has plenty of satisfied customers, and that is his business, not mine. (In fact some of his posts on automotive software sites were very helpful in getting my system working)
You are the one who seemed to take offense when I said all Xentry systems, other than those supplied directly from Mercedes Benz are going to be hacked/Pirated.
It was you who brought BenzNinja into the discussion (I never mentioned him in my post, nor made any reference to his business) claiming he is licensed to distribute Xentry systems. Who told you that? I have never seen that claim made before...
your claim his systems are legitimate, licensed systems is just not correct.
If you think I am wrong, then please submit your evidence to the contrary.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
