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.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

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.

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92 e300d2.5t
01 e320
05 cdi
85 chev c10

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

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

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.

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What Would Rudolph Do?
1975 300D, 1975 240D, 1985 300SD, 1997 300D, 2005 E320 , 2006 Toyota Prius

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

Very helpful to understand diag codes

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What Would Rudolph Do?
1975 300D, 1975 240D, 1985 300SD, 1997 300D, 2005 E320 , 2006 Toyota Prius

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.

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What Would Rudolph Do?
1975 300D, 1975 240D, 1985 300SD, 1997 300D, 2005 E320 , 2006 Toyota Prius

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

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DrDKW

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.

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

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.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

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

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

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

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DrDKW

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


Sent from an abacus

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

I'd rather crash than drive with tail fins

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What Would Rudolph Do?
1975 300D, 1975 240D, 1985 300SD, 1997 300D, 2005 E320 , 2006 Toyota Prius

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


Sent from an abacus

__________________
TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth