Star Diagnostic How To DIY with lots o pics


This sort of BS pisses me off Mack is way way out of line with some of his comments on the previous page.
If only people with ECU tuning knowledge would also do this on this platform.

Mack is helpful in some respects to people ... I've talked to him on other forums attempting to diagnosis certain issues, and he and I are on the same technical forum for Xentry which I assume is where most of his information comes from. The problem is Mack keeps a lot of information close to the vest, likely because he makes a business out of it, which is contrary to the purpose of these forums. I remember him asking me for an 06 firmware version for NTG1 which I sent, then not responding when I asked him for his "08" version he supposedly received from his "friend" at Harman/Becker... when in reality it came from MHH, and where I received mine from in the same thread he downloaded it.
Selling Xentry and multiplexors is very illegal though, by the way. You shouldn't **** people off when you're doing that on a very public forum.
But since Mack is being a tool in this latest series of posts, and I'm relatively new here vs Benzworld, I'm happy to tell anyone how to do the following mods through Xentry for free. Just PM me.
When I get the chance, I'll do write ups by section. It's not magic. It's just knowledge. Share it.
...But since Mack is being a tool in this latest series of posts, and I'm relatively new here vs Benzworld, I'm happy to tell anyone how to do the following mods through Xentry for free. Just PM me.
I presume Google Translate is not much help with Developer Mode because of the specialized terms? Just curious...
No my knowledge is not from other forums. The knowledge I have (how to use it) came from trial and error and I messed up stuff too on my own cars and paid for it. So why should I give this knowledge out for free? Xentry is old and with SCN in place most Developer stuff is gone. Latest versions this year don't even have developer functions anymore. I don't even use Xentry when retrofitting options. Other better tools are available for it. So everyone who keeps updating their systems are SOL. If you don't have a dealer login you can't program or even flash ECUs anymore. Some people think certain fixes do it but really they don't. And if you're not sure what they do then how do you know they don't case any damage? So what's the point of talking about developer anymore if it's gone?
Have you ever seen people like Steve or Miro or Sun... Giving out stuff for fre? I haven't. As a matter of fact Steve is so secretive over SD that he gave misleading and dangerous hints to people who asked him for help with their SD. There are a bunch of people I helped and will continue help for free simply bc they give back their knowledge. And if people ask in PMs I help as well with SD questions.
Yes 2008 NTG1 update came from my friend and not some forum. If it's there good for you guys. I didn't post it there and never will. And I never saw it there. But I never looked either.
I can't remember that I asked you for 30/06 ever. If I did get it from you it might have been for a different car than W211. The reason I don't post it anywhere is simply the fact that it was never released by MB. 30/06 was the last update officially released by MB. I have it running in mine and a few other cars. That's it.
I only **** people off when I don't tell them what they want to hear or if they hear the truth about something. How come that so many people are greatfull and only a hand full have to complain all the time. Why don't some of you simply try it nicely? Some ask me for tutorials and I didn't turn them down either.
And last but not least: I don't just have 7 posts or so. I give a lot of help and information here and in other forums. Primarily technical stuff that is way beyond an owners manual or mechanic's knowledge.
But I think it's time to say good bye to this thread. Haters and disgruntled people.
Last edited by Mackhack; Aug 24, 2015 at 10:47 AM.
I too come from a BMW INPA/NCS Expert background and it was a real surprise to see how guarded folks were on the MB equivalents.
equitiesguy, very much looking forward to what ever you manage to put together.

I have a 2012 C63 and mainly looking for software updates.
I have been chatting with the guys that sell this:
http://www.cnautotool.com/goods-3183...Fi+201507.html
They say that they can do offline coding without SCN access for their 2014.12 software version for my 2012 but not with their 2015.8. Does this seem plausible? I have had conflicting opinions on this.
The better question is, what modules are you trying to program to newer versions and why?

I didn't know that some modules are SCN locked and other aren't. Thanks for that.
Without a full map of a 2012 C63 modules I am a bit in the dark on which modules I may be wanting to update.
Why is a good question. I would like to confirm that my TCU is up-to-date as I understand there have been measurable improvements in the software here.
I am about to apply a EC tune but before I do I would like to upgrade the ECU to the latest version.
Coming from an IT background I know that it can be best to find a particular version of code that has the features you need and is the most stable with the least known bugs that you are likely to hit so latest is not always best especially if using an early deployment or tech train. That said would I be right in assuming that most of the updates for the M156 2012 cars and the MCT trans are mainly refinements and bug fixes by now?
I would be interested in a list of modules, opinions on upgrades, which ones to leave well alone, which ones seem to upgrade reliably.
Now here is the catch. Mine is a Japanese version that has had the NTG 4.5 converted to ECE and New Zealand maps added. So I am guessing all the Comand modules are out for a start?
I am I on the right track?
The Best of Mercedes & AMG

I didn't know that some modules are SCN locked and other aren't. Thanks for that.
Without a full map of a 2012 C63 modules I am a bit in the dark on which modules I may be wanting to update.
Why is a good question. I would like to confirm that my TCU is up-to-date as I understand there have been measurable improvements in the software here.
I am about to apply a EC tune but before I do I would like to upgrade the ECU to the latest version.
Coming from an IT background I know that it can be best to find a particular version of code that has the features you need and is the most stable with the least known bugs that you are likely to hit so latest is not always best especially if using an early deployment or tech train. That said would I be right in assuming that most of the updates for the M156 2012 cars and the MCT trans are mainly refinements and bug fixes by now?
I would be interested in a list of modules, opinions on upgrades, which ones to leave well alone, which ones seem to upgrade reliably.
Now here is the catch. Mine is a Japanese version that has had the NTG 4.5 converted to ECE and New Zealand maps added. So I am guessing all the Comand modules are out for a start?
I am I on the right track?
Yes, and no. Mack's suggestion isn't a bad one, but my experience is most dealers won't update your programming for free, from a liability reason alone. Mercedes Benz of San Diego might --- I remember that particular dealer when I lived in La Jolla and they're pretty decent. That was years ago though.
Let's start from the start... Do a quick test on STAR, with expanded details. It will give you the hardware version, and software version of every module in your car (and the full list of modules in your car). As an IT person, that's what you're looking for to figure out where you want to go.
Yes, I trade equities and treasuries.
Why not simy stopping by your trusted dealer? If they deny for liabity easily ask to get the Customer Complaint Authorization from to sign. Therefore you release them from any liability bc of your wishes.
- TCU before I replaced it with a Used one from eBay that I got flashed by Renntech Germany to remove the torque limiter.
- AGW
- Driver Seat Control Unit
- Power Trunk Close Control Unit
- Battery Control Unit
And a few other ones. It was a total of 11 on the E320 and 12 on the E55.
SCN required for TV Tuner and Distronic. I never checked the ECU. If this one gets bricked you're looking at around 4-5k USD plus it is a theft relevant part and needs to be coded through MB. Not worth it.
Last edited by Mackhack; Aug 25, 2015 at 01:27 PM.
Mack, LSD stands for a Limited Slip Differential. When you retrofit one you are best to activate option 471 to reduce the sensitivity of the ESC to rear wheel slip and stop the car applying brakes on launch and corner exit.
A tuned or even standard C63 without an LSD is like Ken Kesey without the same.
The car is 2012 rather than 2013 NTG 4.5 rather than 4.7, I believe. Not sure on the relevance of that to SCN.
I have no major concerns flashing the ECU. I will be doing that a number of times via the MyGenius handheld unit for the EuroCharged tune I will be installing.
And yes lets keep the discussion alive here rather than PM.
Now what I would like to understand, if we are sure of the answers is;
Essentially I am also trying to evaluate what exactly I am going to be able to do, if anything, with my car on an offline after market Star system.
About your radio issue: Dealer once updated my radio without permission and ****ed it up. It was an ECE COMAND. Bricked. They claimed it wasn't their fault and it was defective before they touched it. Took me weeks to get them to pay me $$$ for a new one.
About the list of what control modules require SCN: assume every control module since your car is that new.
To avoid it ask them to not mess with your COMAND or make lots of print outs from all possible setting screens in case they do mess up.
I don't care about you sending me emails or PMs. Whatever is fine with you is fine with me.
Last edited by Mackhack; Aug 25, 2015 at 04:20 PM.
Hold on for a second..... is their an option 471 for the E55? also is their a way to code the traction control that it's in a CLS for those of use that swapped to the faster rack?
Thanks!
Anyone else feel free to chime in about it.
I spoke to a couple of Weistec dealers Australia including the tech that has built the fastest N/A and forced C63s there. He had done over 80 LSD retrofits as well and tracked on both the Quaifes and WaveTracs.
He said that the coding to activate 471 (LSD) does not require SCN and does reduce the sensitivity of the traction control and helps stop brakes being applied on launch.
Is this correct for all 2007 - 2014 W204s or just for some of them?



