which diagnostic tool to buy

Alx

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Hi,
I am about to buy a used Merc approx yr 2000-2004 not sure which model, probably C class or clk.
I want to buy a diagnostic kit so I can run checks on all systems before buying, does anyone have any good suggestions ?
What kind of Diagnostic connectors are common in Mercs this age.

Thanks,

Alex
 

turbopete

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the only system that will run ALL system checks, as far as i know, is STAR, the MB one. there are code readers on the market for around £50 on ebay that are fine for diy use but only read/clear engine codes. they wont read brake assist, srs, abs systems etc. last time i saw a laptop on ebay with STAR ready installed it was around £1200+!!!
 

Alex Crow

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there is one on ebay now for about £580 plus postage - ibm t30 with 02/2009 version das,wis,epc etc etc etc. get it quick before i do.

having said that, if alx thinks reading stored codes is a good way to check a car over, think again.
 

rpe2

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Taking Alexander's point above, surely it would pay to get to know your local indie well. The cheapest U581 reader is £60ish, I'm sure that a good indie would accompany you to a viewing or ask the seller to take it to the indie for a check. 30 mins £50ish well spent.
 

turbopete

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there is one on ebay now for about £580 plus postage - ibm t30 with 02/2009 version das,wis,epc etc etc etc. get it quick before i do.

having said that, if alx thinks reading stored codes is a good way to check a car over, think again.

where on ebay? i want one! but having programmes to check other makes would be useful too. i might even set myself up then, if i could find a building suitable.............
 

Alex Crow

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here......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mercedes-Benz...ment?hash=item4a9a2817f1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

or without t30....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mercedes-Benz...ment?hash=item4a9a2811fc&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

the only thing putting me off this seller is the feedback that shows they have not sold many/any yet. sold plenty of other diagnostics though.

if one searches 'mercedes star' in 'garage equipment and tools' on ebay there are currently 20 matches. take your pick, the boss has just ordered a second kit for backup, will give feedback here on kit and seller indue course.
 

turbopete

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hmmm sounds like all i need is a cheap laptop to run it on, and enough reason to justify spending the money to buy the programme then......... cheaper the better at the moment!
 

Alex Crow

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it must be an ibm t30, possibly a t23 or other one, but definately ibm t30 best bet. the reason is simple, they supply the software pre-installed on a hard drive, this will only work properly in a t30 due to the harware driver configurations etc. mb star was designed to run on these ibm laptops.

we have a t23 at work with star 02/2007 on, the 02/2009 update we purchased would not run on it! only runs on a t30.

if i were buying for myself now i would go for the package which includes the t30, all ready to go. until you realise that the laptop battery is u/s (they always are) and a decent new one is £50+!
 

turbopete

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seems th kits without the t30 are almost the same price! and all you get is the programme on disc, the multiplexer and the leads!
 

amwebby

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If you just want to read DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) and standard OBD II PIDs; Calculated engine load value, long and Short term fuel % trim, Timing advance, oxygen sensor fuel trim etc, then a cheaper solution is a Bluetooth OBD II unit and some software on your mobile phone. I've got the Nokia software described in the thread below and an ELM327 device and it works fine.

[URL="http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=53636&highlight=diagnostic+n95"]Diagnostics Software and OBD II for my Nokia[/url]
 
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Miffy

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it must be an ibm t30, possibly a t23 or other one, but definately ibm t30 best bet. the reason is simple, they supply the software pre-installed on a hard drive, this will only work properly in a t30 due to the harware driver configurations etc. mb star was designed to run on these ibm laptops.
!

I have installed DAS a few times now on HP and Sony laptops, it doesnt really care what hardware it runs under, as long as there is a valid rs232 port. The pre-isntalled china knockoffs need a t30 as the windows XP has been cloned off that system so its less hassle when you add the HD to your laptop.

Any laptop will be fine, just do a recovery install over the top of the preisntall and your up
 

turbopete

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I have installed DAS a few times now on HP and Sony laptops, it doesnt really care what hardware it runs under, as long as there is a valid rs232 port. The pre-isntalled china knockoffs need a t30 as the windows XP has been cloned off that system so its less hassle when you add the HD to your laptop.

Any laptop will be fine, just do a recovery install over the top of the preisntall and your up

sounds a bit beyond my knowledge! i only got the pc in january! (my first one ever!):shock::shock::shock:
 
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