From what I have heard, the only codes that MB will allow with a generic OBDII scanner are the "emissions related" Pxxx codes, these are the most rudimentary ones.

I think you can read P07xx (transmission) codes but there are only a couple "catchall" codes passed and it will not let you use the reset function.

I think there are some higher end scanners out there that go a level deeper but nothing touches STAR DAS. As previously discussed there are 2 ways for that to happen in your garage. Pay multiple times what your car is worth for the legit system or take your chances with the Chinese copies that are most likely illegal.

I wish MB would open this up to hobbyists. Charge say $1000 for the legit multiplexer and a copy of the software. The software would be locked to only VINs for vehicles you own and only for vehicles that are out of warranty would be eligible. You provide the suitable Windows computer. Having it locked to the VINs you own would prevent you from trying to run a business with it or fixing cars other than your own.

That could become unmanageable locking to VIN's. when people swap transmissions how can you authorize the transmission to work with your car? This is where it becomes trickier the management of the software via VINs.

Ask Professor Google about hacking the particular car you're interested in. There is some interesting stuff out there.

He seemed to be talking about all custom module codes. So you don't have to buy their proprietary $27,000 century system to work on Mercedes. He mentioned he had a new $30,000 scanner for all makes in the same conversation. We were scanning my e320. They couldn't tell what was wrong. Can bus communication errors.

I have a Maxidas that was 800.00 and works good and can do lots of custom stuff, service reset, teleaid, command, navigation, diesel control module. I'm thinking Mercedes didn't release their API out of the goodness of their heart. Maybe these third party scanners reverse engineered them though.

Yep. This gives a good basic understanding of car systems. Car Hacker's Handbook

Very helpful to understand diag codes

Yeah but do we really want there to be :) i mean 80s-now are ugly.i think relative to sleek classics. I think we may be coming out of ugly era I hope though.

Electronics Get better and cheaper and mechanics get trained on them. Today's cars will be simple like a 240 d manual compared to self driving cars. But humans won't be on this planet but for maybe 200 more years so it don't matter.

I just hope we can move towards more clean & functional design, and away from today's organic, often-bulbous, reptilian-gnome styling, with squashed rooflines, bizzarre windows, and cramped interiors with massive blindspots that now require even more government-mandated electronic safety systems.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Hear Hear!

I had the misfortune of renting a Cadillac SRX last year.
I managed to sideswipe someone in traffic due to the MASSIVE blind spot caused by the stupid back end design and 2-foot wide C pillars.
It has the little blinking yellow blinds spot LEDs in the mirrors but I did not notice them until after my accident.

I am still amazed at the sight lines in all 3 of my MBs. Especially the wagon, it is like you are in a bubble top.

A pre federal 115. The early ones did not have a glow plug timer. That is emp proof. Although you could wire a button in.

It is satisfying to shut off the key and the car keeps running.

I got cut off by an SRX the other day. Maybe the driver couldn't see me.

I never make a lane change without turning my head to look first. Never rely on the mirrors alone.

My point was that much of today's styling, with it's massive pillars and tiny wedge-shaped rear windows, often makes it impossible to see the back of the vehicle, or even what's behind you. So now, in addition to the mirrors, we really need rear sensors or cameras!
On my '60 220S, which was once widely reviled for it's so-called 'American-inspired tail-fins' , those fins were (perhaps unintentionally) a safety feature by marking the rear corners of the car and making them visible from the driver's seat.
Actually, I think the styling of many of today's vehicles might be improved by a set of tail-fins!

Happy Motoring, Mark

Probably has less to do with styling and more to do with crash safety


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I'd rather crash than drive with tail fins

Wait there's a car made with tail fins nowadays? Where's my wallet!?


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