Forum Replies Created
- Replies
Hi, TehTDK.
These “clone” systems are easily available on sites like eBay and also Alibaba.com from hundreds of vendors. As with any Chinese copy of anything, quality varies and quite often — but not always — one gets what they pay for. The recent reduction in price of the MB STAR C3 systems has made even relatively good quality systems very very affordable for the DIY mechanic and/or MB enthusiast — providing them with the same diagnostic power as the dealership mechanic (but not the same level of training and knowledge). Typical options that are available with MB STAR C3 systems available on the
Internet include: an array of cables; a multiplexer; a hard drive containing the MB STAR software package; and
instructions on how to set up the system. The software typically includes: MB Xentry, WIS, EPC, STAR Utilities; EWA net; Star Browser; Star Finder; and a recent MB parts price list (which goes out of date quickly). Quite a number of vendors also provide Internet support, including the ability to remotely control systems over the Internet (with the user’s permission, of course) to diagnose installation and software problems.There has been precious little information on the Internet about the Chinese MB STAR C4 systems, how they operate, and in general how the system operates. This thread will be a thorough, methodical investigation of how the system works, what it looks like, and how it can be used with the E500E (and by extension, the 400E/E420). It is up to the individual owner as to whether they need or would want such a unit. It would be overkill for many if not most owners. However, there are a number of owners who do want to do their own maintenance and want the tools to help them do this properly. For these owners, purchasing an HHT or MB STAR system may be a good idea.
Hi, TehTDK.
These “clone” systems are easily available on sites like eBay and also Alibaba.com from hundreds of vendors. As with any Chinese copy of anything, quality varies and quite often — but not always — one gets what they pay for. The recent reduction in price of the MB STAR C3 systems has made even relatively good quality systems very very affordable for the DIY mechanic and/or MB enthusiast — providing them with the same diagnostic power as the dealership mechanic (but not the same level of training and knowledge). Typical options that are available with MB STAR C3 systems available on the
Internet include: an array of cables; a multiplexer; a hard drive containing the MB STAR software package; and
instructions on how to set up the system. The software typically includes: MB Xentry, WIS, EPC, STAR Utilities; EWA net; Star Browser; Star Finder; and a recent MB parts price list (which goes out of date quickly). Quite a number of vendors also provide Internet support, including the ability to remotely control systems over the Internet (with the user’s permission, of course) to diagnose installation and software problems.There has been precious little information on the Internet about the Chinese MB STAR C4 systems, how they operate, and in general how the system operates. This thread will be a thorough, methodical investigation of how the system works, what it looks like, and how it can be used with the E500E (and by extension, the 400E/E420). It is up to the individual owner as to whether they need or would want such a unit. It would be overkill for many if not most owners. However, there are a number of owners who do want to do their own maintenance and want the tools to help them do this properly. For these owners, purchasing an HHT or MB STAR system may be a good idea.
Thanks for al the advice, I have had a look round and one particular but very specialist car diagnositc tools that keep getting suggested is the Launch Tech’s car diagnostic tool range, have people used these and do they think it is value for money?
Thanks for al the advice, I have had a look round and one particular but very specialist car diagnositc tools that keep getting suggested is the Launch Tech’s car diagnostic tool range, have people used these and do they think it is value for money?
I have had a look round and found some. Which brands and models would your recommend, bearing in mind their is no financial restrains?
I have had a look round and found some. Which brands and models would your recommend, bearing in mind their is no financial restrains?
Until a few days ago, I had no idea what an OBD2 is. But a quick Google search made me remember: that thingy my mechanic plugs into my Honda Civic to read out all sorts of fancy data. It probably also knows whether I’ve been speeding. Scary.