Mercedes Garage

Purpose: To provide info about Mercedes vehicles for anyone interested in MB auto repair

Note that I’m not an expert at this; just collect any useful data together. So, I’m not responsible for anything will happen to you and your car. You’re trying on your risk!

Mercedes Forums

Mercedes Diagnostic Tools

  • MB STAR C3/C4/C5/C6: diagnosis, coding, programming
    MB Star C3:
    C3 was the best-quality sztar diagnostic multiplexer.
    —the most reputable/ well-received in the market;
    —has a better performance and usually it will not happen to be poor connected or work stably during operation. Because of that, an increasing number of customers select MB Star C3 be their professional diagnostic equipment for Mercedes Benz cars.
    —its technology and quality is developed after lots of experiments and improvement. The new version MB Star C4 need time to perfect its reliability and operation.

    MB Star C4: 
    The great performance of MB Star C3 is accepted by the market, while MB Star Compact-4, as a new-born and updated tool of C3, it also own its comparative advantages.
    —much different in the shape from Compact3;
    —smaller in size, lighter in weight than Compact3;
    —C4 2008 can do all the works what Compact3 does and it is the replacement of Compact3-Star.

    SDconnect Compact 4: 
    MB SD C4 overcomes the shortage of C3, C4.
    —now connected via a LAN cable but not COM port as MB Star C3 multiplexer. Most modern laptops have not this COM port; also, used Laptop may have problem on COM port so that you would not communication well.
    So it can fit all computers not only IBM T30; the is, SDconnect works perfect across many different laptops. It’s both wireless and LAN. No need for super slow 9pin. And you can also ditch that slow hard drive and put in an SSD. You do have to watch out though. It is able to work on many different laptops (Alienware/Sager/Dell/Toshiba etc). And it’s still up and running fine after many years of constant use.
    —covers a wide range of vehicles including trucks and some cars that C3 and C4 do not support; and MB Star C3/old Star C4 will no longer work on new Mercedes models, but SD Connect will. 
    —supports wireless diagnose;
    —not only support K line diagnose and CAN BUS, but also UDS diagnose protocol. Because old MB STAR C4 main board do not have UDS chip, so old MB STAR C4 can not support it;
    —adopts Military quick swap technology, and supports 10,000 times pull plug, more stable;
    —new star diagnosis SD Connect C4 (SP100-B) comes with D-LINK WIFI card.

    Original BENZ SD C5 Connect:
    —covers all new Mercedes Benz models,W222, W221, W212, W203, 211,W 204,W207, W212, GL166, B 246, CLS 218, SLK172 and Smart405, 451, 452, 454
    —efficient diagnostic program and complete vehicle database;
    —advanced upgraded VCI+ communication interface;
    —support wired/ wireless connection.

    VCI C6: 
    The C6 device unlike any other devices:

The device “C6”  have a particularly rules first of all the reseller must send you the driver’s files for each version because it is not like C3 , C4 , C5 devices working with any version

like, if you have xentry version 12 2018, and you want install “Xentry” versions 05 2019 or 09 2019
you will have to have the driver files for  versions 05 2019 , or 09 2019 from the manufacturer.

VXDIAG Benz C6:

I have the older VCXDiag C6 (the one without USB and ethernet on the side) and other than DOIP it has worked well for me with my May 2015 MY2016 W212 and I last used it about 8 weeks ago. I only use it personally on the one vehicle and not commercially though.

I don’t use the WiFi side, only ever the USB or ethernet cable – I tend to stick to the ethernet cable.

I never could get DOIP working – it passed the tests once in Xentry from 2018 with the manufacturer supplied HDD but as soon as the drivers updated it never worked again with that version and I spent hours messing around with it. I think they have an additional fudge in place somewhere to make the DOIP tests pass.

The supplier did say that the new disk they had would work with DOIP but I never sent this one back to test it – I should get around to it at some point. For now I just used a fresh Windows 10 64 bit install with Xentry 07.2019 and the VCXDiag drivers and Xentry worked.

I got the MB dealer to update my NTG5.1 in the end.

I need to use it later as I’m having some hesitations when pulling away, not sure if it’s a fault or just need to reset the transmission.



Note: Internal hard drive or external hard drive:
—External hard drive features:
1) If laptop broke, you could just plug it into another machine.
2) It is a lot slower than running it from disk, because of VMware overhead. If you use it 2 or 3 times a year, a VM solution is perfectly fine.
3) Hangs off the machine and can be damaged as you move the laptop around. If you pick up the laptop, the USB drive unplugs, then it will fall to the ground and you’re cooked.
—Internal Hard drive advantages: 
1) Much faster, if you use it quite a bit then go External hard drive.
2) Internal hard drive has two format T30 for IBM T30 laptop and Dell format for Dell D630 laptop. IBM T30 format is quite old stuff and is out of date.
3) Internal is so much nicer because now I just have the multiplexer and laptop to carry to the car. Nothing to unplug or fall off.

  • VVDI MB TOOL: MOTO, NEC, BGA key programming

The VVDI MB Key Programmer from XHorse is the latest key programmer for Mercedes Benz. It will allow you to program new keys to your customer’s Mercedes without the need for desoldering/resoldering. Features frequent online updates, supports Mercedes Benz keys, reading password and preparing a new key via IR. Mainly used for key reading and writing, EIS tools, password calculation, key file preparing, ESL tools, ECU/Gearbox renewal, and many more special functions.

Includes the original Xhorse VVDI MB BGA Tool Mercedes Benz Key Programmer BGA Calculator. Features frequent online updates, reading Mercedes passwords, preparing a new key/remote via IR, and more necessary functions for Benz key programming.

in detail…
http://lauranotes.com/vvdi-mercedes/

  • CGDI MB: programming

The most important:
The main difference between cgdi mb and vvdi mb is that, on old Mercedes, cgdi mb is able to OBD program a new key while you have to disassemble EIS to add a new key with vvdi mb tool. That is why you should have a cgdi programmer for mb.

More difference…this is feedback from users!


Old EIS: 
CGDI MB key programmer wins!I think, you should buy Vvdi prog too, because the are some eis and ecu’s that you cant do with MB Tool independently. For example some w210 eis or Sprinter 906. I have both, MB Tool and prog. If I had to buy some tool again, I would think about Simone Touch, but its more expensive.
But if you have a CGDI MB, you have a chance to program a new key through OBD. All done with a tool. That’s the reason why I bought it.

ESL: 
VVDI MB wins! vvdi mb can renew esl, cgdi cannot

Token number: 
vvdi mb tool can buy tokens alone, it is more suitable for those customers who need more tokens one day, cgdi mb prog do not offer tokens alone, you can get two tokens for free every day, it is enough for personal usage.

Token cost: 
CGDI until 6 months after purchase, you have 10 free by days. After 2 free by days. If you need more, you can buy:
free token for the first half a year, then 70 usd for half a year
You can calculate password with tokens twice a day if you have a cgdi or cg pro.
But you can have four times if you have both cgdi and cg pro. 

So, in the token VVDI is very more expensive
It’s 30 usd per time
And around 350 usd without limitation for a year 

  • Autel MaxiIM IM608: diagnosis, coding, programming (OBD)
    For beginners, it’s good to start with IM608 for Mercedes programming (with XP400 and G-Box 2). it’s not easy to use VVDI MB or CGDI MB.
    Also, you can take IM508 and XP400 instead. It’s the same on key programering. Diagnostic part is not same. That’s the only difference.
    On Autel you got the smart mode. And with the smart mode you not need to do much.

Mercedes Diagnostic Software

Xentry/DAS:

All MB from 2010+ = Xentry(new model cars)

All MB from 2001 to 2009 = DAS(older models, but still most cars communicate through this program)

If you set it up correctly, you can program offline in DAS only. Then if we need to go online with DAS we switch the modified flash folder to the original.

Xentry there is no offline programming to my knowledge, only online. Obviously, you need to have login and pass to go online.

And yes we can do ‘synchronizations’, miss daimler calls them adaptations.

Xentry is for cars from 204 “upwards” but if you have a setup with direct DAS access, then you can do 204 diagnosis from DAS too (at least up to certain MY cars).

You are never supposed to get into Xentry from DAS car selections but if you select e.g. 211 from Xentry, Xentry starts DAS and diagnosis is performed like if you started DAS directly and selected 211 from there.

HHT-WIN:

All MB from late 80’s to 99 = HHT-WIN

HHT is for the oldest models but the line between DAS and HHT is not that clear because cars like 210 perform some diagnosis within DAS and for some control units DAS opens HHT for the actual task.

HHT-WIN should be able to read all Modules.

Having said that, for Model Years 1990 – 12/1993, the Roadster Soft Top Module has 30 possible fault codes associated with it.
Whereas for Model Years 1/1994 – 1996, the Roadster Soft Top Module has only 11 possible fault codes associated with it.

FYI, The year 2000 is a weird transition period — some MB made in 1999 but the model year is 2000 will be diagnosed from the 38-pin under the hood and thus use HHT-win. Other MB made in early 2000 and sold as a 2000 model will have the OBD port and the SDS will require the OBD cable to diagnosis….and will use DAS.

And then there are orphan cars, like some SLK models — some 2000-2001 SLK require the 38-pin.

I’ve even seen a 2000 E320 that had both 38-pin and OBD port — I could use either port to conduct a full diagnosis. That was funny.

EPC. net:

The most detailed and extensive Mercedes Benz parts catalog on the Internet.  Comes with exploded diagrams for a detailed analysis of all parts.

WIS/ASRA:

WIS: The most detailed, comprehensive step-by-step procedures, explanations, and pictorial diagrams from bumper to bumper you will ever see. All major and minor service and repair instructions included.

ASRA: Arbeitstexte Standardtexte Richtzeiten Arbeitswerte. Descriptions of works, standards.

ST FINDER:

Star Finder is catalog – contains electrical wiring wiring diagrams and information on an arrangement on the car of elements of electric schemes, including gauges and sockets for Mercedes models. In the catalogue Star Finder standard numbering of elements of firm MB is used, therefore for work with the program, it is necessary to have the electric scheme of the car.

SDMEDIA:

Benz SDmedia is is a multimedia guide that contains information about the repair and maintenance of vehicles of the firm, with visual clips that facilitate the process of solving problems, and is in addition to the program Mercedes-Benz DAS/Xentry.

SDmedia is a bridge between information and repair program Mercedes WIS, diagnostic system, Mercedes Star Diagnosis, and TIPS media library and knowledge base in the Star Diagnosis.This program has been designed as a useful complement to the Mercedes WIS, which was the beginning of the draft Service AET, Warranty and Goodwill, and Fixed First Visit. Multimedia presentations are designed to be used to illustrate complex procedures or those procedures that can not demonstrate the usual way. They provide for a permanent reduction in the number of subsequent types of repair and are a valuable way to obtain new knowledge and skills of specialists in different areas.

PL 73: 

Price list for car parts and autobus

Vediamo:

Vediamo – the distributed diagnostic application for engines (Verteilte Diagnose Anwendung für Motoren) – is a software system for electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics which is integrated in the CAESAR/DIOGENES process chain. It allows diagnostics on any ECU over K-line as well as CAN, and encompasses all established protocols from RTMD+, MBISO, KWFB, KW2000 to UDS. Despite its name, Vediamo is no longer limited only to engine ECUs.

DTS Monaco:

DTS Monaco is a program for softening. Mercedes-Benz is dealing with some company for developing some some software’s for the control units fixed on the cars. check the web side of this company and you will understand what they are doing. My advise to you if you want to play with this program you need to be expert with the vehicles software and programming other wise you will destroy it.

For many, DTS is the best software used on cars.
Coding works very good an easy, because for all coding-points it shows a “coding description”. With Vediamo you can not sort the list and have to make “right click” on any coding-point to read the description.
So, if you search for special things or “browse” through the functions in the ECU, Monaco is more comfortable.

Btw, vediamo unlocks units same as dts. Monaco can save codings in one click and upload them in one click too especially on MVCI smr-d units, which vediamo cant handle. Quite useful, but requires quite powerful system

FunctionsDTS-monacoVediamo
All cars have one key code accessYesNo
Vehicle control unit software,One key storageYesNo
Car fault codes readingYesNo
Data exchangeYesNo
Quick testYesNo
Single control unit keys off-set codeYesNo
Offline programmingYesYes
Increase reduced SA codesYesYes
Personalize the control unit parametersYesYes

Mercedes Vehicle Coverage
XENTRY/DAS vehicle list:

  • Passenger Car: A(176), A(169), A(168), B(246), B(245), CLC(117), C(204) C(203), C(202), 190(201), E(212), E(211), E(210), 124(124), S(222), S(221), S(220), S(140), S(126), E(207), CLK(209), CLK(208), CLS(218), CLS(219), CL(216), CL(215), CL(140), SLK(172), SLK(171), SLK(170), SL(231), SL(230), SL(129), SL(107), SLS(197), M(166), M(164), M(163), G(463), G(461), E(212), E(211), E(210), 124(124), S(222), S(221), S(220), S(140), CLK(209), CLK(208), CLS(218), CLS(219), CL(216), CL(215), CL(140), SLK(172), SL(231), SL(230), SL(129), SL(107), SLS(197), M(166), M(164), M(163), G(460), GL(164), GLK(204), R(251)
  • Van: MB 100(631), T1, SprinterIII, SprinterII, SprinterI, Sprinter900, Citan, Vito(639), Vito(638), V(638), Viano(639), T2, Vario, Vaneo(414)
  • Truck: Actros963/4, Actros2,3, AtegoIII, AtegoII, AxorII, Eonic, Zetros, Actros, Atego Light, Atego Heavey, HPN M96, Atron, HPN M2000, SKL, FSK, Further model series
  • Unimog: U20, UGN, UHN
  • Bus: TRAVEGO, INTOURO, INTEGRO, CITARO, CAPACITY, CITO, TOURISMO, O350/ O403, CONECTO, O404, O405- O408, Minibus, OC500, TOURO, TOURINO, MBC, MULITEGO, O500, O500/ OH, OH, OH368, OF, OF384, LO, O400, FURTHER MODEL SERIES

EPC/WIS/ASRA vehicle list:

AMG,B250,C180,C200,C250,C300,C350e,C43 AMG,C63 AMG,C63 AMG S,CLA250,CLA45 AMG,CLS400,CLS500,CLS550,CLS63 AMG S,E200,E250,E300,E400,E43 AMG,E63 AMG,E63AMG S,G500,G63 AMG,GLA250,GLA45 AMG,GLC 250,GLC300,GLC43 AMG,GLC63 S,CLE350,GLE350d,GLE43 AMG,GLE550e,GLE63 AMG,GLE63 AMG S,GLS350d,GLS 450,GLS550,GLS63 AMG,Maybach S560,Metris,S450,S550e,S560,S63 AMG,S65 AMG,SL450,SL550,SL63 AMG,SLC600,SLC43 AMG,Sprinter 2500,Sprinter 3500,A200,A250,A45,A45 AMG,Aliado,AMG GT,AMG GT S,Boxer 50,Boxer OF..

ST Finder 2016 vehicle list:

117,129,140,163,164,166,170,171,172,197,199,202,203,204,207,208,209,210,211,212,215,216,218,219,220,221,222,230,231,240,251,463,Sprinter,Smart