Hello all,
Is it possible to get an adaptor to hook a lap top up to the ML. So you can reprogram keys, turn on fogs etc. I understand software and interface would be neccessary. Would be a great tool to have. Thanks.
Hans

Possible yes, not practical for home use.

Gilly

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Well, it would be a great tool to have!

In fact I just bought the software and the cable to do this on my VW. The problem with doing to on a Mercedes is the software is 4-5 times as expensive. There is generic OBD2 software available for cheap, but to scan the transmission, radio, etc. the only decent tool I'd found is called Carsoft. Last year they quoted a price of nearly $900; this is the "impractical" part.

Still, if you plan on keeping a Mercedes or two for a long time, it seems it would be worth the investment. I'll play with the VW first, and probably won't get the software until an error code appears.

How many dealer visits would you have to avoid to cover the $900 cost, I wonder?

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Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)

Wow.........900$....a little much. Software can be copied and i am sure i will find it somewhere. I will keep looking. How much was the adapter for the VW? thanks.

The cable was $200 here , and it acts as a dongle to unlock the software. The hardware itself is probably worth $50 - 100. If you Google "OBDII" you should be able to find other sources.

The hard part is finding software that can look at Mercedes-specific parts of the computer. Also, I believe (someone correct me if I'm wrong) that there are four different protocols that different auto manufacturers use to send data back and forth from the laptop. The generic scan tools can communicate with all four, but can only read the federally mandated OBDII codes. My VW specific program may not even read the basic codes, and definitely won't communicate with the transmission, radio, foglights, etc.

I hate to say it but if I keep the car long enough, I'll probably take the plunge someday. I haven't had any luck finding it on e-bay either.

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Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)

A pretty good looking "generic" OBD-II scanner is available here. I haven't tried it yet but will before long (when my laptop comes in). Should clear the MIL (check engine light) and read engine sensors, but won't do anything for the other systems.

Assenmacher has a handheld device with a module made especially for Mercedes, that will access all the systems (ABS, all-wheel drive, etc.). Should be available from Baum Tools. Carsoft says they won't sell to individuals.

Hope this was helpful. It would be interesting to hear from anyone who's tried these or other diagnostic products.

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Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)