FYI Exploring the Super MB Star M6+ Diagnostic System

[felipewdb]

@gerryvz has not actually tried to use his M6+ with his E500 so we don't know if he has a "good" system or not.

Oh, yes, I know, I meant through the hole process so far. I looking forward to know if he will succeed to connect to his E500.

I'm very tempted to send Seven a link to this thread but I will wait until we hear more from other people and their experiences.

It would be good. Maybe he could improve their process to deal with this kind of quality issue with their products and customer attention.

Thank you very much!

 

[gerryvz]

I have been out of the US for a while but am back. I apologize for not trying to connect the Star M6+ to my E500. I will try to get to this today / this evening. I think I have the time to do it. I will report back. If there is a problem, I will contact Seven directly and tell him that I want to get the problem solved with the adapter.

 

[R129 UK]

I have been out of the US for a while but am back. I apologize for not trying to connect the Star M6+ to my E500. I will try to get to this today / this evening. I think I have the time to do it. I will report back. If there is a problem, I will contact Seven directly and tell him that I want to get the problem solved with the adapter.

No apologies needed, it will be interesting to hear how you get on though.

 

[Unavita]

I guess this is what is changing everybody's perspective on the new systems.

 

[Jlaa]

I am perfectly happy with my CCD supplied C4 clone, CCD supplied Lenovo Thinkpad with software, and CCD supplied 38 pin cable, which connects just fine with my 1993 w124 and my 2002 w210. I most recently used it to troubleshoot @Russell R Coe ‘s 036. Call me Mr. Obsolete.

 

[gsxr]

I am perfectly happy with my CCD supplied C4 clone, CCD supplied Lenovo Thinkpad with software, and CCD supplied 38 pin cable, which connects just fine with my 1993 w124 and my 2002 w210. I most recently used it to troubleshoot @Russell R Coe ‘s 036. Call me Mr. Obsolete.

The big question is... if someone were to order this same hardware + software kit today, would it work... or not?

 

[Unavita]

Let's see what Gerry comes up with. If his unit has an issue or should it not work perfectly I am sure he will contact Seven and inform him of any issue. Many of us have had some kind of experience with quality control. Heck, just think of the differences between different year same model of MB's! I can only imagine that QC is exponetial in CCP. That is at least what I have seen in other industries.

@gerryvz

@gsxr

 

[bgalakazam]

Interested too. I am tempted to get this instead of roll the dice on a C4 for practically the same cost. (1995 OBDI 38pin R129).

 

[Unavita]

Back to square uno!

Seems I really need a diagnostic system rather than throwing parts at a problem. But does the SDS tell you if the ignition itself is in need of replacing?

I am still having an infrequent on off problem. Some thought it may be the CPS but with the car starting intermittently AND NOW running but quitting intermittently the finger is pointed at a possible ETA issue. I have already replaced the ETA once (one of the fastening bolts broke when the original owner swapped one out. I haven't fixed that so can a small air leak be the issue there now??) Even after i replaced he unit it would go into limp mode randomly. That makes me think my replacement was not very good at doing it's job.

NOW my cooling fans are running full time for some reason as well!

I was hoping on getting an older sds system. That has not been possible.

Ugg.

 

[gsxr]

The EZL has limited fault-recognition capability. So it cannot tell you if a cap or rotor is bad, or a coil is bad, etc.

The codes can help you pinpoint the root cause of going into limp mode.

I'm not sure what to recommend anymore for a functioning HHT-Win software + hardware kit.

 

[riethoven]

I recently had a CEL and needed to get my non functioning M6+ fixed because my state inspection on my W166.024 was overdue and I wanted to do a tranny fluid change and needed it for the ATF temperature readout. I had bought the M6+ from Seven of OBD Tools Master (that is what it said on the receipt) on September 27, 2023. It worked intermittently but worked enough that I was able to install a trailer hitch on my W211 CDI and program the SAM so the trailer lights would work.

I didn't know that you can't go online with it while using the Xentry because nothing worked after going online. This happened in early 2024 and I never got back to Seven. The EPC and ETM never worked. This month we looked up Seven and my wife (the IT person in the family) contacted Seven via WhatsApp. It took a few sessions, but they got everything working including the EPC and the ETM, but I still couldn't get it to connect to the W166. To fix things, Seven would go on the tablet with TeamViewer. My wife was able to watch him on when he was connected to the tablet and she saw that he updated licenses. He also did some configuring in Xentry so that everything would work as it should.

After a couple more go arounds with Seven and $30, he sent a new cable that goes from the MUX to the OBD Port and it connected to the W166 without an issue! I will say that it was frustrating that it didn't work as it should have right out of the box and if there was any warranty it had long since lapsed. Seven could have told me to go eat dirt, but through the diligence and IT experience of my spouse and good service from Seven, my M6+ is working as it should.

One thing that surprised me is that my OBD port only has 5 active terminals which are 4, 5, 6, 14 & 16. I did a pin out of the old MUX to OBD cable and 27 of the 44 terminals go to nowhere. My new cable doesn't have any male to female adapter. The MUX is male and the cable is female. The cable is completely different than the old one and the OBD plug doesn't have the red piece of plastic that slides to lock the cable in the port. The new one just plugs in.

 

[gsxr]

Thank you for the update, Doug!

 

[Jlaa]

I recently had a CEL and needed to get my non functioning M6+ fixed because my state inspection on my W166.024 was overdue and I wanted to do a tranny fluid change and needed it for the ATF temperature readout. I had bought the M6+ from Seven of OBD Tools Master (that is what it said on the receipt) on September 27, 2023. It worked intermittently but worked enough that I was able to install a trailer hitch on my W211 CDI and program the SAM so the trailer lights would work.

I didn't know that you can't go online with it while using the Xentry because nothing worked after going online. This happened in early 2024 and I never got back to Seven. The EPC and ETM never worked. This month we looked up Seven and my wife (the IT person in the family) contacted Seven via WhatsApp. It took a few sessions, but they got everything working including the EPC and the ETM, but I still couldn't get it to connect to the W166. To fix things, Seven would go on the tablet with TeamViewer. My wife was able to watch him on when he was connected to the tablet and she saw that he updated licenses. He also did some configuring in Xentry so that everything would work as it should.

After a couple more go arounds with Seven and $30, he sent a new cable that goes from the MUX to the OBD Port and it connected to the W166 without an issue! I will say that it was frustrating that it didn't work as it should have right out of the box and if there was any warranty it had long since lapsed. Seven could have told me to go eat dirt, but through the diligence and IT experience of my spouse and good service from Seven, my M6+ is working as it should.

One thing that surprised me is that my OBD port only has 5 active terminals which are 4, 5, 6, 14 & 16. I did a pin out of the old MUX to OBD cable and 27 of the 44 terminals go to nowhere. My new cable doesn't have any male to female adapter. The MUX is male and the cable is female. The cable is completely different than the old one and the OBD plug doesn't have the red piece of plastic that slides to lock the cable in the port. The new one just plugs in.

Its good to hear Seven is trying and making things right when he can. Thanks for relaying this bit of news.

 

[LWB250]

For what it's worth, I got a "Launch" brand scanner from my Amazon Vine program a good year or two ago, and I've rarely used my C3/4 systems since. (Note that I only have one car left in the fleet that uses the 38-pin diagnostic port.) I've found pretty much everything I need to know, even with unique systems and the maintenance functions like the ones used for calibration and bleeding brake on cars with SBC, for example. it can also print out results/reports and email them as well as showing links for each OBDII code if an error is reported.

Yes, I realize this won't work on a W124, but if you have a later model that uses the standard OBDII port like a W211 or later it's a functional equivalent for the most part for Xentry/SDS. I keep mine in my ML550 so it's always on hand. It's so much easier to use and I don't have to drag the laptop, MUX and cables out, which collectively takes a good 10-20 minutes. I can connect, read codes, run a health check, or access a module and be done in a matter of minutes.

Launch Scanner

 

[okiebenz]

I just ordered one of these M6 systems from Seven, so i will report what all happens when I receive it.

 

[gsxr]

I just ordered one of these M6 systems from Seven, so i will report what all happens when I receive it.

Hey, you finally posted here after 5 years, Kaleb! Here's a belated "welcome aboard"...

 

[gerryvz]

Hey, you finally posted here after 5 years, Kaleb! Here's a belated "welcome aboard"...

I wonder if @The Emperor had anything to do with that .... ?

 

[R129 UK]

I wonder if @The Emperor had anything to do with that .... ?

Did you manage to get around to trying your system on your 500E Gerry?