Used Mercedes Star Diagnostic Tools?
 

I've been looking for a used Star Diagnostic tool and have been having a hard time finding one. Is there some reason they can't be bought used?

my understanding is mbna doesn't sell them, they're a lease. it's spelled out on startekinfo, but I haven't bothered because I don't have the 20k or so the new tool is. and so it goes, chuck.

I see them on ebay for around $400-$600 but they're new only. I've not seen any used ones.

the ebay 1s are Chinese clones and get no sympathy from mbna. I got a nastygram email from mbna because I registered to lurk on a forum in England selling bootleg compact 3s when they sued them and closed it down. oh well, chuck.

The ones from China are only good for a couple/few years then they time out and wont work.

Really? Why is that? Since I'm not associated with an MB dealer at the moment, I was hoping to pick one of those up including a laptop.

I picked one up a couple years ago and when I purchased it I asked how long it was good for, something about needing an updated key or some such. Anyway, was told it was good till 2014 and sure enough it tells me the key is out of date or something like that when I try to run it.

$300.00 is worth it to me if it last 4 years or so and I don't have to pay another tech to do my car for me. When I pick up the W221, I'll need it.

Oh yea, if you can get it for that it will be well worth it:).

a w221 will need more than an sds if you buy 1. but if you get a clone-and 300-400 is too cheap, then i hope the 221 is not hydro but air susp. you will need a rodeo test for a hydro car and i HEAR but do not KNOW, some clones can't do that. good luck, chuck.

Don't you know any hackers?

If the 221 is a hydropneumatic, why can't you uise one of the Peugeot or Citroen testers? Have you checked?

Funk,

You can go certain avenues if you extract/reset data, and yes star is the best, but others will work..

Carsoft, works, and works fine for most...You need a PC with a DB9 serial port running Windows XP or Windows 7 Ultimate(only ultimate will work).

Check out this post, around post 100 is the software, and the last 30 or so posts talk about the hardware to use-Not bad for under $70 bucks or so?

Carsoft 7.4 Multiplexer Diagnostic Tool for MB - Mercedes-Benz Forum

Here is a thread that may help too..

38 pin and carsoft 7.4 - Mercedes-Benz Forum

Star, the Chinese version...All you wanted to know is here:

Who has their own MB Star / DAS C3 Diagnostic kit? Need some pointers.. - Mercedes-Benz Forum

How a Mercedes Tech does it with SnapOn...

Air intake temperature sensor - Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hope it helps,

Martin

Found this but have not purchased it.

Amazon.com: autoaid Internet Diagnostics+ Professional OBD-2 Car Diagnostic Scan Tool for Mercedes-Benz: Automotive

The majority of the time I use an Autel MaxiDas system. It does a good job for everything I use it for.