I want a STAR machine

[mr. shr]

I understand quite a few members have their own STAR Diagnostics machine.

Is it correct that GENUINE ones are only available to Dealers, and all the others out there are simply clones?
Hence are indy's and specialists that have STAR Diagnostics using cloned machines?

I take it these are ok to use by the public?
Can anyone recommend where I should look?

There are a couple on eBay but which ones should I avoid, and which is good?

 

[davidjpowell]

Indies can purchase I think from MB genuine ones. Bet it costs though, and then more again for the updates..

 

[mr. shr]

But for private users, you could just do the updates once a year or whenever you like, yes?

 

[Shude]

But for private users, you could just do the updates once a year or whenever you like, yes?

Very much depends on what age of car you're dealing with. If it's a 2000 model then the last 10 years of updates might not make any difference.

If you're interested I know of someone who might be selling a STAR setup - he needed a new serial multiplexer or something and ended up buying some bits from the USA but the kit he bought was enough to make two STAR setups Will pass on your details if you want.

 

[mr. shr]

That would be great.
Just sent you a PM.

 

[billy_whizz]

You can buy a STAR machine direct from MB along with software updates if required.

I would recommend waiting until next year as MB will be replacing the STAR with just a universal multiplexor and software which can be used with any laptop.

 

[mr. shr]

Anyone bought from MB directly? Ideas on price?

I suspect this replacement system will be mega money!!
Will the old STAR machines still work when the new kit becomes available? I suppose STAR machines will be dirt cheap once the universal mux comes out?

 

[whitenemesis]

Have you read this article on all things STAR? Gives some part numbers and links to suppliers ...

Mercedes Star Diagnosis

 

[mr. shr]

Yes there's good info on there (as there is on whole of that site).
Trouble is, I can't tell how that relates to stuff for sale on eBay. The multiplexets look like Mercs ones (logo etc.) but I can't tell if they are just nasty knock-offs that don't work.

Plus they are quite dear. i know people on here have paid a lot less than the current eBay prices.

 

[billy_whizz]

This is the link to teh MB Portal where you can get all the info you need including contacts at MB for prices:

Daimler AG - Service & Parts net

 

[A210AMG]

Is this any use ?

Parts & Accessories : Mercedes Benz Carsoft 7.4 Mulitiplexer

(nothing to do with me at all I was just on the site looking....)

 

[toolman1954]

Is this any use ?

Parts & Accessories : Mercedes Benz Carsoft 7.4 Mulitiplexer

(nothing to do with me at all I was just on the site looking....)

I would welcome anyones comments on the usefulness and usabilty of this fault code reader.

 

[chris846]

I bought a system from Oohbay which uses my own T30 laptop. It works fine and seems good quality. The backup from the seller seems solid.
Downsides: system is not updated, so is as at september 2009 (although I think the seller is able to provide updates at ongoing cost) - all I have to do is make sure the BIOS clock on my laptop never gets more than 3 months past the expiry date of the software. Some of the system features rely on a on-line link to MB (which I haven't got). I haven't worked out how to recode replacement parts (I think the coding data is supposed to be obtained on-line from MB on submission of VIN no.)
Upsides: It's a great value tool nonetheless, the electrics on my car hold no fear for me. It has paid for itself easily just on my own car (new module sir? - no thanks, just a dodgy earth). Great fun moving the xenons and wiggling the wing mirrors from the keyboard.
Please no trolling about the morals of this - I'm running a ten-year old car on a shoestring. Anyone who expects somebody in my position to pay MB 'new module sir?' workshop prices for a car I'm keeping from the scrapheap is stupid.

 

[billy_whizz]

I have the latest update discs if you are interested, both DAS and WIS for £60.00.

 

[markjay]

...Please no trolling about the morals of this..

I read your post and I fail to see where a moral dilemma could rise?

I seems you bought an after-market dealer-level diagnostic tool, it isn't stolen, and isn't pirated/copied from MB - or did I miss something?

 

[mercmanuk]

ian at 124 works had one for sale

 

[mr. shr]

ian at 124 works had one for sale

Yep, I've been speaking to him about it.

 

[stevep222]

I bought a system from Oohbay which uses my own T30 laptop. It works fine and seems good quality. The backup from the seller seems solid.
Downsides: system is not updated, so is as at september 2009 (although I think the seller is able to provide updates at ongoing cost) - all I have to do is make sure the BIOS clock on my laptop never gets more than 3 months past the expiry date of the software. Some of the system features rely on a on-line link to MB (which I haven't got). I haven't worked out how to recode replacement parts (I think the coding data is supposed to be obtained on-line from MB on submission of VIN no.)
Upsides: It's a great value tool nonetheless, the electrics on my car hold no fear for me. It has paid for itself easily just on my own car (new module sir? - no thanks, just a dodgy earth). Great fun moving the xenons and wiggling the wing mirrors from the keyboard.
Please no trolling about the morals of this - I'm running a ten-year old car on a shoestring. Anyone who expects somebody in my position to pay MB 'new module sir?' workshop prices for a car I'm keeping from the scrapheap is stupid.

Do you have some contact details for this supplier? As a new W140 owner, I'm looking for something that works without too much hassle.

 

[rpe2]

I read your post and I fail to see where a moral dilemma could rise?

I seems you bought an after-market dealer-level diagnostic tool, it isn't stolen, and isn't pirated/copied from MB - or did I miss something?

Unless you are paying a lot of money, it will be a copy...

 

[mr. shr]

Unless you are paying a lot of money, it will be a copy...

Think you're talking in the region of 6k+ for a genuine one.
Otherwise, yes it will be a clone.

But I believe most indy's use clones without problems. It's all about getting a decent copy.
Apparently, a lot of the latest clones are bad quality so you've got to be careful.

Clones used to be pretty good quality, but over the last five years or so, apparently the quality has dropped quite a bit, so you've got to be on your guard as to what you buy.
Ideally need to see the insides of the clone to determine if it's good quality or not. There are certain things to look for eg:

• Heat sink along side of pcb needs to be secured and screwed to side of mux case,
• LED on side needs to be board mounted, not dangling on wires.

I'm sure there will be other things to consider. Maybe others here in the know could list them?