XENTRY Diagnosis vs Aftermarket: Which is better for your shop?

by | Dec 2021 | 3 comments

If you think you already know the answer, you might be surprised.

A XENTRY Diagnostic machine from Mercedes-Benz can pay for itself many times over, despite the higher initial cost.

We’d be shocked if your shop didn’t have at least one afterma...

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3 Comments

  1. Jonathan Gagnon

    Im looking to buy a unit now. Im curious if there are limitations in flashing security items like steering locks etc??

    • Automotive Tech Info

      Hello Johnathan,

      Thank you for your question.

      The XENTRY Diagnostics system includes full programming (flash) rights for the registered user, so all (but one) control modules can be updated/flashed/programmed/etc. in the same way that the dealer does it.

      The one exception is the DAS4 version of the electronic ignition switch: Only dealer personnel with special training from Mercedes-Benz AG can be authorized to program these. In the same way, it is also not possible to program a DAS4 vehicle key in-vehicle without this same authorization.

      No special authorization is needed to program other DAS4-relevant components, such as an engine or transmission control module, only the EIS (and keys). MBUSA cannot grant this authorization, only MBAG can.

      We’re not exactly sure about steering locks, since these are not updateable via software, but they can (and must) be ‘version coded’ which is the process of enabling the steering lock (for example) to ‘marry” (irreversibly program to function in) a specific vehicle. Most control units need version coding of some kind to be usable in a vehicle.

      The current version of XENTRY is the Kit 4. We are not aware of any plans to replace it, but even if something newer comes out eventually (and you can be sure that it will), in the past the older versions were also supported, meaning yours won’t become obsolete any time soon.

      We hope this answers your questions. However, if we can be of further help, please be specific and we’ll try to answer you as accurately as possible.

  2. Rick Zirbes

    The Xentry system is excellent when it works. The problem isn’t the program. It’s the tech support. Their tech support is dismal at best, and the email method can easily set you back two weeks or more. Fix this problem, and I would love Xentry!

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