Kajtek1 - I am moving this discussion to a new thread from here ... http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1501861-w210-aux-water-pump-used-new-5.html#post4610701 since the "W210 Aux Water Pump" sticky was getting off topic. Sorry, I'm the one that digressed.
I and Texholdem provided the following links for the Carsoft Multiplexer kit...
$106.80 - MB Carsoft 7.4 Interface Multiplexed MCU Interface for Mercedes Benz - OBD/OBD2 Car Diag. Tools
MB Carsoft 7.4 Multiplexer Diagnostic Tool for sale at Gadgettown.com
I have the first kit. The two kits seem identical except the first one includes a nice carrying case. The second link doesn't explicitly say that a copy of the software is included. My kit came with Carsoft 7.4 software. Software installation was a bit kludgy but it works.
I am running the software on a spare IBM Thinkpad T40 laptop with Windows XP. This laptop doesn't have a serial port that is need for the Carsoft kit. I use a SIIG Single-Serial PC Card that I got off ebay for 10 bucks.
There is not much documentation for the software. There's just a quick overview under the help menu. The usage is mostly self evident.
Some nice features in the software:
1. Live data analysis for ME (including O2 sensors) and EGS. But there's no graphing capability like the one found on ELMSCAN. In any case, I don't see myself driving around with the carsoft setup; you can't close the hood with the 38 pin connector plugged in. I might get the ELMSCAN some day just for live engine analytics and graphing (the ELMSCAN plugs into the OBD-II connector; you can plug it in and drive the car. But you shouldn't look at the laptop screen while driving
Have someone else drive the car while you observe the live data).
2. Ability to do "coding" for ME, Airbag, and D2B and to perform "adaptation erase" for EGS and ME (I haven't tested these features.) I recall reading on another thread here that someone coded a new transmission control unit with carsoft. I don't see that feature in the software.
3. Ability to reset service interval
4. The software includes a glossary of all the MB acronyms such as PSE, EGS, etc. This was a big help for me. Also, as part of the live Airco analysis, it lists what all the 20 or so climate control diagnostic readings stand for.
If nothing else, Carsoft kit gives me peace of mind.
I and Texholdem provided the following links for the Carsoft Multiplexer kit...
$106.80 - MB Carsoft 7.4 Interface Multiplexed MCU Interface for Mercedes Benz - OBD/OBD2 Car Diag. Tools
MB Carsoft 7.4 Multiplexer Diagnostic Tool for sale at Gadgettown.com
I have the first kit. The two kits seem identical except the first one includes a nice carrying case. The second link doesn't explicitly say that a copy of the software is included. My kit came with Carsoft 7.4 software. Software installation was a bit kludgy but it works.
I am running the software on a spare IBM Thinkpad T40 laptop with Windows XP. This laptop doesn't have a serial port that is need for the Carsoft kit. I use a SIIG Single-Serial PC Card that I got off ebay for 10 bucks.
There is not much documentation for the software. There's just a quick overview under the help menu. The usage is mostly self evident.
Some nice features in the software:
1. Live data analysis for ME (including O2 sensors) and EGS. But there's no graphing capability like the one found on ELMSCAN. In any case, I don't see myself driving around with the carsoft setup; you can't close the hood with the 38 pin connector plugged in. I might get the ELMSCAN some day just for live engine analytics and graphing (the ELMSCAN plugs into the OBD-II connector; you can plug it in and drive the car. But you shouldn't look at the laptop screen while driving
2. Ability to do "coding" for ME, Airbag, and D2B and to perform "adaptation erase" for EGS and ME (I haven't tested these features.) I recall reading on another thread here that someone coded a new transmission control unit with carsoft. I don't see that feature in the software.
3. Ability to reset service interval
4. The software includes a glossary of all the MB acronyms such as PSE, EGS, etc. This was a big help for me. Also, as part of the live Airco analysis, it lists what all the 20 or so climate control diagnostic readings stand for.
If nothing else, Carsoft kit gives me peace of mind.