What Is MB Star?
It’s the common name for the set of tools used by Mercedes and Smart to perform all diagnostics and coding.
It consists of a laptop, various pieces of software, several cables and a multiplexer.
What Can MB Star Do?
You can code keys, activate paddles, activate auto, activate cruise control, turn off all the error lights, read out
all of the error codes, set the clutch, check all systems, actuate everything on the car etc. The list is enormous.
How Much Is MB Star?
Due to the varying prices, I won’t put a figure here as it’ll be wrong next week. Read the rest of the page and
at the base of this page you’ll see a link to who I bought mine from. Click the link and have a look at the prices.
What Software Is Used?
Xentry DAS – Diagnosis Assistance System. This is the main diagnostics software.
WIS – Workshop Information System. This shows you how things are fixed.
EPC – Electronic Parts Catalogue. Lists out all of the part numbers for each car.
They are all handy to have and generally come as 1 package from the seller.
What Is A Multiplexer?
A multiplexer (or mux) is a device that can take several input signals and forward them all down a single line.
Essentially, it takes data received through several pins and transfers it down 1 line
into the laptop for the software to view. There are a few main types of multiplexer
This was the original design from Mercedes. It’s a rubber capped aluminium brick with a connector at each end.
200mm x 130mm x 85mm and weighing in at 1.3 kilograms*. It has 1 LED on the front panel.
This multiplexer was created to communicate with the CAN bus cars that were being brought out.
It could also communicate with K-line diagnostic cars like the smart 450 fortwo and Roadster.
C4 Multiplexer
a.k.a. SDconnect
The update was called the C4. An aluminium extrusion with a hard plastic surround and 2 connectors at 1 end.
215mm x 155mm x 50mm and weighing in at 1 kilogram*.
It has 4 LEDs, an LCD and 4 buttons. This multiplexer is wireless between the laptop and the multiplexer.
This replaced the C3 multiplexer due to an addition of a third diagnostic protocol.
It still covered K-line and CAN bus but now it also covered the new UDS protocol.
UDS is what is used in the smart 453 fortwo and forfour.
*Actual size and weight may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Alternative C4 Multiplexer
Before Mercedes even came out with the official C4 multiplexer, a Chinese company decided to make their own and attempt to sell it as an update. Steer well clear of this type. They are very unreliable.
Essentially, it is a C3 multiplexer, made as small as possible using the cheapest parts available.
They were a massive bodge up and they would fail all the time. Don’t buy this type.
C5 Multiplexer
a.k.a. Xentry Connect
This is the newest multiplexer from Mercedes.
Because it is so new, there doesn’t seem to be any clones of this unit yet.
I don’t know how this differs from the C4 device but it is required for the new Merc hybrid (W222).
Original Multiplexer Or Chinese Clone?
I hate to be the messenger of bad news but you aren’t buying an official multiplexer for less than about £7,000.
So it’s a no-brainer to get a Chinese clone multiplexer from a reputable company for less than 1/10th of the prce.
Software
The software you get will normally be preinstalled onto a laptop or hard drive for you to install into your own laptop.
Preinstalled is a lot easier than doing it yourself and will save you 2 or 3 hours of installing and messing around.
You will get cracked versions of all of the software that you require. Some companies will also add other software on there too like the TAN code calculator.
Laptop
The original MB Star setup uses an unknown Toshiba touchscreen tablet or the newer Panasonic CF-D1 tablet.
The CF-D1 is very expensive so not worth considering. You could buy 30-40 compatible laptops for the same price.
Can I Use Any Laptop?
You can but you really shouldn’t. I don’t advise it for simplicity sake.
The MB Star software was tweaked to work with 1 specific touchscreen tablet. When loaded onto other laptops, it wouldn’t function properly. Wouldn’t connect to the car, kept crashing and didn’t do what it was supposed to.
This was mainly down to the MB Star drivers controlling the hardware in the computer.
Over time, hundreds of laptops were tested for compatibility but only 2 laptops were found to work correctly.
Dell Latttude D630
IBM Thinkpad T30
The IBM T30 has a smaller screen, slower processor and was launched in 2002.
The Dell D630 has a larger screen, faster processor and was launched in 2007.
As you can imagine, the Dell D630 is the better of the 2 to go for. It’s also easier to find as they aren’t as old.
If you really want to use your own laptop, you can get the MB Star software on an external hard drive and run it all through a virtual machine. This is a terrible way to do it, full of problems and I really suggest you don’t bother.
The Dell D630 can be bought in working condition for around £50. I paid less than £100 for these 2 including postage. The orange top is just vinyl to cover up the scratches on the lid.
It makes more sense to source your own laptop instead of buying it in a kit from a Chinese seller.
You’ll pay more for the laptop, you’ll pay more postage and you’ll pay more import duty.
The Dell Latitude D630 came in 2 subtle variations but they both work as an MB Star laptop.
The difference can be seen in the touchpad button layout.
Where Can I Buy These From?
There are countless shops online and 10 times more sellers on Aliexpress who will sell you these items.
However, it’s always nice to have a company recommended that someone has experience with.
