MB Service Manual DVD won't do Vista? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

hisport · #1 03-02-2009, 05:13 PM

We got our "new" '02 e320 4matic wagon, and I called MB (1800 637 3672)to order a technical service manual (Star Classic P 2700 210 5).

Its $150, but apparently will not work in Vista. As we no longer have old PC's in the house, what to do?

Any other options?

TIA

john

pawoSD · #2 03-02-2009, 06:31 PM

It works fine in firefox on Vista/Windows 7

Worry not.

Matt L · #3 03-02-2009, 07:12 PM

Firefox? How does that figure in?

pawoSD · #4 03-02-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

Firefox? How does that figure in?

Thats just the web browser I have opened it in. If this is the same FSM that everyone else speaks of (and I have) then yes, it works within a web browser (either IE or Firefox work)....its flash based.

hisport · #5 03-02-2009, 08:33 PM

A friend suggested I just buy one of the cheap EBay CD's and try and manage with that.

I looked on EBay, and seems you can get a (CD?) for $25 that covers a dozen Merc models. I was skeptical, but then read (in bold caps) WILL NOT WORK IN VISTA.

Listen, I hate microsoft as much as the next guy, but what gives here?

Firefox: that's the browser we tried on our last perpetually buggy XP computers (to help resist malware....not). Upgraded to the "more bugs than a tropical isle" Vista; after we donated the XP boxes.

Why would the browser type matter, assuming the data is on a disc (DVD)?

I'm glad to pay the $150, assuming this MB DVD is actually a factory technical service manual which covers the entire car in detail. Does it?

Glad to load my Vista box with firefox if thats what it takes, as long as it ain't buggy.

Whatever happened to real factory service manual books?

TIA

Matt L · #6 03-02-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Thats just the web browser I have opened it in. If this is the same FSM that everyone else speaks of (and I have) then yes, it works within a web browser (either IE or Firefox work)....its flash based.

You have the W210 FSM? I was pretty sure that you didn't have a 210.

Matt L · #7 03-02-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hisport

A friend suggested I just buy one of the cheap EBay CD's and try and manage with that.

I looked on EBay, and seems you can get a (CD?) for $25 that covers a dozen Merc models. I was skeptical, but then read (in bold caps) WILL NOT WORK IN VISTA.

Listen, I hate microsoft as much as the next guy, but what gives here?

Firefox: that's the browser we tried on our last perpetually buggy XP computers (to help resist malware....not). Upgraded to the "more bugs than a tropical isle" Vista; after we donated the XP boxes.

Why would the browser type matter, assuming the data is on a disc (DVD)?

I'm glad to pay the $150, assuming this MB DVD is actually a factory technical service manual which covers the entire car in detail. Does it?

Glad to load my Vista box with firefox if thats what it takes, as long as it ain't buggy.

Whatever happened to real factory service manual books?

TIA

The 210 DVD, part number P-2700-210-05, covers the entire car with the exception of the 722.4 mechanical transmission used in MY '96. If you have the 722.6 and want do do a full rebuild, the instructions are there.

It runs a viewer program on your computer. If there is a way to bypass that viewer, I would really like to know because it can be a pain to navigate. However, it would seem to not be the case.

Also note that this DVD is copy-protected.

Software like this almost begs for its own older computer. A laptop would be good, so you can take it to the garage.

hisport · #8 03-02-2009, 09:35 PM

Do I gather that it really WON'T work in Vista, then?

Assume its different and much better than the EBay stuff?

BTW, I use fully licensed Bentley CD's for Audi and VW. Microfiche for my old 930 Porsche.

I may try and find an XP laptop for the garage for the MB DVD, if thats what it takes. I dearly love a factory book, as I do all my own repairs and maint (the closest dealer is 3 hours away; same with our Audi A8).

Funny, I have an old Toshiba windows '98 laptop in the garage for the VAG COM (VW Audi diagnostic) software, but it doesn't have a CD drive.

What do you use for diagnostic codes on your MB?

Appreciate your help.

john

Matt L · #9 03-02-2009, 09:51 PM

I only have XP installed here, and it works pretty well with that. But I have no idea whether it would work with Vista. If they say not, I would tend to believe them.

I only have a OBD-II scanner right now. I was thinking about getting something for that. (I'll probably buy a VAG-COM too.)

pawoSD · #10 03-02-2009, 09:59 PM

Huh...I guess I figured there's a way to bypass the viewer.....I bet there is if you're determined.....

HarryM · #11 03-03-2009, 05:06 AM

To 'hisport':

Make sure you're not logged in as 'Guest' on your Vista machine. It requires Admin capability. At least that's how the W140 service manual works with XP Pro.

Harry

PhantomLord · #12 03-03-2009, 10:46 AM

You can try "Run this program in compatibility mode" choosing XP.

Select MB Application-->Right Click-->Properties-->Compatibility-->Compatibility Mode:

hisport · #13 03-03-2009, 01:15 PM

MBNA was really quick to say it won't work in Vista (and ain't returnable). I didn't ask.

So, I would guess hey've had some issues...

What say you: Should I buy it anyhow and try in Vista?

Matt L · #14 03-03-2009, 01:47 PM

Good question, and it isn't such an easy choice. The price will likely come down on that DVD in a few years. Then, who knows how much later, they won't have any left.

pawoSD · #15 03-03-2009, 04:08 PM

I'd buy it. If it turns out that it truly won't run in Vista, pick up a cheapo laptop on ebay with XP on it. Buying one with a dead battery makes it even cheaper.

I keep an older PC (way older) out in our garage for viewing the FSM stuff. I run WinXP on it. PIII 933Mhz....its quite a speed demon.

Plenty fast for playing some web-radio and viewing pdf's.....