Introduction
In this series of mini-blogs, our Technical Director, ‘Awesome Knowledge’ Dave Jones, explains the essential hardware and software for Mercedes Benz diagnostic tools.
The Star Diagnostic System
The most common name for the Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tool is the “Star Diagnostic System.” There have been several VCI units used from the original HHT to the Actia C3, C4, C5 multiplexer, and now the new C6 unit manufactured by Bosch called the Mercedes VCI.
Original Star Diagnosis Tester
The original Mercedes Star Diagnosis tester was extremely difficult and expensive to purchase genuinely, and this caused several Chinese companies to make cheaper-priced and lower-quality systems, often produced with minimal components on the circuit board. Many of these systems have been sold worldwide with a laptop and full software offerings such as DAS, Xentry, WIS, ASRA, EPC, Starfinder, SDmedia, and even engineering software Vediamo and DTS Monaco.
Current Genuine Mercedes-Benz Diagnostics options
There are currently three genuine offerings from Mercedes-Benz.
1. XPT (Xentry Pass Thru EU)
This is the most cost-effective offering. The software Mercedes supplies is for use with all Mercedes-Benz and Smart passenger cars and vans certified to Euro 5 & 6.
The software is purchased directly from Mercedes-Benz and is designed to be installed on a Windows PC that meets the minimum specs as outlined in the instruction manual and is also to be used with an approved J2534 Pass thru Device.
The J2534 devices that have been tested and recommended are Actia Passthru+ XS 2G, Bosch KTS560, and the ADIS Technology EURO VCI. Other J2534 devices are available and may function, but please be warned if problems occur, Mercedes-Benz may refuse to help.
Costs associated with XPT as of November 2022 are a basic system fee of 180 euros payable each year. Usage time credits are required, and these can be purchased by the hour, day, week, month, or year starting from as little as 6.60 euros for 1 hour of MB Vans.
2. Xentry Diagnosis Lite
This product has just recently been released and is basically a newer version of the product Mercedes-Benz discontinued a few years ago called XDU (Xentry Diagnosis EU).
Very similar concept to XPT with regards to requiring your own PC to install the software. However, unlike XPT, included in the 1st year’s basic fee of 1,470 euros is the Bosch VCI unit.
The differences don’t stop there; the software is also different as this uses the OpenShell Platform that covers DAS & Xentry Software for vehicles from 2004 to current, including the newer DoIP Ethernet-based W206 & W223 Chassis Vehicles. The yearly usage fee is the same as XPT after year 1, and the time credits can be purchased in exactly the same way, from as little as 14.20 euros for an hour.
The Xentry Diagnosis Lite kit is only available to businesses that operate within the European Union, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland.
3. Mercedes-Benz Xentry Kit 4
Mercedes-Benz Xentry Kit 4 is the complete kit offered by Mercedes-Benz. The package includes the Xentry Diagnosis Pad 2 (Diagnostic Tablet) and the Xentry Diagnosis VCI.
Unlike the XPT and Xentry Diagnosis Lite, you do not have time credits to purchase, as the software is purchased either monthly with the cost of the kit or yearly.
This product is available to workshops worldwide. Additionally, the RDS (Retail Data Storage) is used to update the Xentry Diagnosis Pad 2. Costs and the application form to purchase the tool are available from Mercedes-Benz directly.
Feature Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the three latest Mercedes-Benz dealer tools:
| Features | Xentry Pass Thru | Xentry Diagnosis Light | Xentry Kit 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop/ Tablet | Customers Own | Customers Own | Included |
| VCI | Customers Own | Included | Included |
| Diagnostic Vehicle Coverage | Euro 5 & 6 2009/10* onwards | From 2004 | From 2004 |
| Flash Programming | All except for Head unit / IPC on DoIP Vehicles | ALL | ALL |
| Technical Information | Purchase as required | Purchase as required | Included in monthly / Yearly subscription |
| Quick Test | Quick test and functional diagnosis (single-channel therefore longer runtime) | Full Quick Test and functional diagnosis | Full Quick Test and functional diagnosis |
Dealer Tool Training
When you purchase a dealer tool through Maverick Diagnostics, initial training is included. One of our Maverick Help Desk technicians will take you through the basics of functionality, software updates and subscriptions during an online training session.
If you want to find out more, call one of our advisors on (+44) 1978 594 002.
