MB Star C3 or C4

[andyg0141]

Morning All,

I have done a fair bit of reading on this but cant decide whether to go for C3 or C4 version of Star. I have a 2006 W221 which I would like to use it on.

Any advice would be greatly received and if anyone has recommendations of where they have purchased from again it would be appreciated.

Thanks, Andy

 

[bob6600]

For personal use either is fine, I only updated mine from 09.2013 to 09-10-11.2014 yesterday as my vehicle is a 2000 W210, it really makes no difference as I do not need it for newer vehicles. C3 does everything I need it to, don't feel the need to pay extra for a wireless interface.

Look on ebay and aliexpress, although the latter can be a bit of a gamble but considerably cheaper

 

[andyg0141]

Thanks for the advice. I didnt want the wireless interface as I feel it is more to go wrong so have ordered up a C3. Will report back on it when it arrives and I get it installed

Andy

 

[popes11]

Out of interest where did you order it up from? I was thinking of getting one myself.

 

[markmifsud]

Most get them from Ebay. Some will say that a UK seller is better due to the build quality but in reality all of the clones are made in China and its hit and miss as to whether you get a decent one or not. The only good side to getting one thats shipping from the UK is that you can send it back easier if its faulty.

I have had a clone C3 for 4 years or more now. They are OK for personal use.

 

[markmifsud]

Thanks for the advice. I didnt want the wireless interface as I feel it is more to go wrong so have ordered up a C3. Will report back on it when it arrives and I get it installed

Andy

Be prepared for quite a slow system. Many supply the applications via a usb HD and you run VMplayer to access it.

 

[andyg0141]

I ordered it form aliexpress. I have been looking at them for months so went for one with good feedback and the photos showing the components ok. I am sure they will be all made in the same place anyway.

I also went with a HDD for a Dell 630 rather than the USB HDD. Will buy a laptop (£50) just to run this and another car related programmes from.

Andy

 

[markmifsud]

I ordered it form aliexpress. I have been looking at them for months so went for one with good feedback and the photos showing the components ok. I am sure they will be all made in the same place anyway.

I also went with a HDD for a Dell 630 rather than the USB HDD. Will buy a laptop (£50) just to run this and another car related programmes from.

Andy

Thats probably the best option. Just be aware that they sometimes put protection codes on a few files to lock it down to a single laptop. Easily removed.

 

[andyg0141]

Ahh thats good to know. I am more worried about them loading viruses/bugs onto the laptop and when you connect to the wifi it infects others on the network - not sure if thats possible/happens or not though?

 

[markmifsud]

Just load malewarebytes and do a full scan if your worried.

 

[Darnott]

Andy,
I'm in Aberdeen also, I made a C3 system for myself.
If you like you can try your car on my system.
I can tell you of my experience with it.
I am on 208650 or 0776 290 2284 (from Wed 22nd)
Regards
David

 

[popes11]

had a look on aliexpress. £140 delivered seems cheap.

 

[mersum1es]

Ahh thats good to know. I am more worried about them loading viruses/bugs onto the laptop and when you connect to the wifi it infects others on the network - not sure if thats possible/happens or not though?

Yep, transfer anti-virus program to hd via cd or use usb memory (disable computer autorun option). I have T30 system, virus scan found over 2k infected files Sometimes scan will trigger vital files too, careful when cleaning.

 

[markmifsud]

I have seen Darnott's work, he will not send you in the wrong direction.

 

[andyg0141]

Some great advice here thanks. I will drop you a message tomorrow Darnott and maybe meet up with you when suits - thanks for the very kind offer!!

Andy

 

[wywywywy]

If you could, convert it into a VM and run it from there.

It's much safer this way (as mentioned it's full of dodgy stuff) and you can use a faster laptop as long as it has a serial port. The software is SLOW.

 

[andyg0141]

Just want to say a massive thanks to Darnott for spending the time with me talking me through Star, how to run it etc. He was very helpful and really knows a great deal about Mercedes electrical systems!!

I now have my Star system and it all appears to be working well (for now).

Thanks, Andy

 

[danch]

Andy, what did you go with in the end ?

Dan

 

[andyg0141]

Dan,

I went with a £140 unit straight from China with a Dell D630 HDD. Bought the laptop from Ebay for £50 and was up and running in 20mins. They loaded all the software i.e Star, WIS, price lists etc so saves a bit of time doing all that!!

Andy

 

[danch]

That's great, have you a link to the place you purchased the Star kit from & whats the speed like once loaded?