Free On-Line EPC parts lookup - includes Euro models

MBGraham · May 12, 2017

Don Shorty;160.10714 said:
Thanks, Rowdie. The title refers to a website that is no longer working. I was asking about the DVD available on ebay that was mentioned in the thread. I guess that is what you were referring to??

It looks and works just the same as the MBUSA EPC. You can enter the VIN. And it lists all 107 models. For $16 you can't go wrong!

raymond- · May 12, 2017

a more technically savvy forum member over on PeachParts posted a cautionary
reason why we shouldn't use this, but it was way over my head.
that said, I would add that I've tried this a half dozen times and it appear to
function well (with some limits since it's not connected to the Web to an MBUSA
online account) and provides a great deal of info

"I'm thinking that it pays to go legit, and pay up for access. If you go with any of the bootleg versions, there are a few things you need to know: - they run as virtual machines. That means that they are software simulations of standalone hardware. Anything inside the virtual machine is invisible to your anti-virus software, so you need to take steps to protect yourself. - Before you do anything else, you need to download and install a browser. The ancient version of Internet Explorer that comes with the distribution is outdated and unsupported. Download Chrome, Opera or Firefox and make it your default browser. - Next thing you want to do is install an anti-virus tool inside the VM. If this means buying a fresh software license (hopefully something compatibile with XP), the cost of that could probably pay most of a year's access to the real EPC. - Once the AV package is installed, and before you run any scans, make sure it's current by running it's update process. Most vendor distributions aren't up to the minute. - Once the AV package is installed and updated, you need to run the deepest scan possible. There is at least one virus hidden in the distribution. - The VM runs an outdated XP operating system. Microsoft terminated support for XP earlier this year. But the distributed version is the original 15 year old XP. You still need to go to the Microsoft site and apply years of bug fixes and updates. You can't use automatic updates, because that would require the VM to run all the time. This process alone will take two days, because many of the fixes require reboots. Some of them are huge and will take hours to install. - You need to bring Java and Adobe reader up to date as well. - If you're thinking you'll just let it go, bear in mind that the virtual machine isn't perfectly isolated from your system. For one thing, it bridges into your network BEHIND your router or firewall. It also implements a software bridge into your printers and USB ports. It's an ideal vehicle for bypassing your security. Finally, it does communicate with the web, and who knows what it's doing. - Once you've plugged all the security holes, it will run like a pig. It's XP for crying out loud, and it's running virtual. You should probably add a couple of gig of memory to avoid paging. - If you don't understand what I'm talking about, you probably shouldn't be running this junk at all. If you do understand, then you probably won't want to. It's a shame Mercedes drove people to this, I don't understand why they cut off access."]I'm thinking that it pays to go legit, and pay up for access. If you go with any of the bootleg versions, there are a few things you need to know:

- they run as virtual machines. That means that they are software simulations of standalone hardware. Anything inside the virtual machine is invisible to your anti-virus software, so you need to take steps to protect yourself.

- Before you do anything else, you need to download and install a browser. The ancient version of Internet Explorer that comes with the distribution is outdated and unsupported. Download Chrome, Opera or Firefox and make it your default browser.

- Next thing you want to do is install an anti-virus tool inside the VM. If this means buying a fresh software license (hopefully something compatibile with XP), the cost of that could probably pay most of a year's access to the real EPC.

- Once the AV package is installed, and before you run any scans, make sure it's current by running it's update process. Most vendor distributions aren't up to the minute.

- Once the AV package is installed and updated, you need to run the deepest scan possible. There is at least one virus hidden in the distribution.

- The VM runs an outdated XP operating system. Microsoft terminated support for XP earlier this year. But the distributed version is the original 15 year old XP. You still need to go to the Microsoft site and apply years of bug fixes and updates. You can't use automatic updates, because that would require the VM to run all the time. This process alone will take two days, because many of the fixes require reboots. Some of them are huge and will take hours to install.

- You need to bring Java and Adobe reader up to date as well.

- If you're thinking you'll just let it go, bear in mind that the virtual machine isn't perfectly isolated from your system. For one thing, it bridges into your network BEHIND your router or firewall. It also implements a software bridge into your printers and USB ports. It's an ideal vehicle for bypassing your security. Finally, it does communicate with the web, and who knows what it's doing.

- Once you've plugged all the security holes, it will run like a pig. It's XP for crying out loud, and it's running virtual. You should probably add a couple of gig of memory to avoid paging.

- If you don't understand what I'm talking about, you probably shouldn't be running this junk at all. If you do understand, then you probably won't want to. It's a shame Mercedes drove people to this, I don't understand why they cut off access.

PanzerPuff · May 12, 2017

I understand this argument but the advice is highly questionable. The author seems to think the virtual machine requires internet access. Not so. This virtual machine is also a virtual internet, meaning the ancient version of Internet Explorer is being used to access files WITHIN the virtual machine, there are no calls to or from the internet.
If you don't believe me, just run the virtual EPC with your internet cable unplugged and wireless internet connection disabled. You will find it works just fine, there is no information flowing in or out of your computer; and even the technically challenged know that if your PC is disconnected from the internet, there is not much threat from the internet.

raymond- said:
a more technically savvy forum member over on PeachParts posted a cautionary reason why we shouldn't use this, but it was way over my head. that said, I would add that I've tried this a half dozen times and it appear to function well (with some limits since it's not connected to the Web to an MBUSA online account) and provides a great deal of info

- they run as virtual machines. That means that they are software simulations of standalone hardware. Anything inside the virtual machine is invisible to your anti-virus software, so you need to take steps to protect yourself.

- Before you do anything else, you need to download and install a browser. The ancient version of Internet Explorer that comes with the distribution is outdated and unsupported. Download Chrome, Opera or Firefox and make it your default browser.

- Next thing you want to do is install an anti-virus tool inside the VM. If this means buying a fresh software license (hopefully something compatibile with XP), the cost of that could probably pay most of a year's access to the real EPC.

- Once the AV package is installed, and before you run any scans, make sure it's current by running it's update process. Most vendor distributions aren't up to the minute.

- Once the AV package is installed and updated, you need to run the deepest scan possible. There is at least one virus hidden in the distribution.

- The VM runs an outdated XP operating system. Microsoft terminated support for XP earlier this year. But the distributed version is the original 15 year old XP. You still need to go to the Microsoft site and apply years of bug fixes and updates. You can't use automatic updates, because that would require the VM to run all the time. This process alone will take two days, because many of the fixes require reboots. Some of them are huge and will take hours to install.

- You need to bring Java and Adobe reader up to date as well.

- If you're thinking you'll just let it go, bear in mind that the virtual machine isn't perfectly isolated from your system. For one thing, it bridges into your network BEHIND your router or firewall. It also implements a software bridge into your printers and USB ports. It's an ideal vehicle for bypassing your security. Finally, it does communicate with the web, and who knows what it's doing.

- Once you've plugged all the security holes, it will run like a pig. It's XP for crying out loud, and it's running virtual. You should probably add a couple of gig of memory to avoid paging.

- If you don't understand what I'm talking about, you probably shouldn't be running this junk at all. If you do understand, then you probably won't want to. It's a shame Mercedes drove people to this, I don't understand why they cut off access.

MBGraham · May 12, 2017

PanzerPuff said:
I understand this argument but the advice is highly questionable. The author seems to think the virtual machine requires internet access. Not so.

As I understand it, running the xp vm is same as running xp itself. You would want to have virus protection. But only if you are connected to the Internet. To be safe, disconnect from Internet when using the xp vm and don't upgrade the vm (which would need Internet access) That said, I have run wis and epc as well as Carsoft diagnostics under xp in vms for years with and without Internet connection and had no problems. Maybe just lucky?

Some discussion here:https://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/m...elfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1026504

Hillingdoner · May 12, 2017

Here is the seller I actually got mine from.

dmaze45780000 | eBay

Loads of them out there. Whichever your choose I'd just email and ensure how their discs work and what is included. I got the one with that said it had WIS + ASRA EPC EWA

The previous link posted by @MBGraham is the thread I saw that prompted my purchase. Now I remember it was @PanzerPuff that very kindly tested my VIN for me (thanks again for that!) to ensure it works with older VINs as the listing mentioned something like it was from the 1980's up or something. Obviously it did :grin

It has been a while since I installed mine, but I seem to remember it was pretty basic install wise. Install the discs, click to open and sort of go. It auto opens the VM. Like booting up your computer from having it turned off. Once it is open the desktop shows the shortcut to open the program. On mine the programs opens in a different window and has a log in on it. The user and password is written on the desktop screen if you forget, but it auto fills for me (never had to actually input) by clicking on the user and it gives a drop down of the user name to click. From there the Mercedes screen comes up and you can pick what you want to use. I just click the EPC although I did muck with the repair section (older ones like mine not in the repair section).

I've run VINs for older and newer cars to mine. Also for EURO models. Never clicked it, but there is a Japan choice too on certain VINs. Search works the same etc. Only thing is that it will not update. Not really been an issue.

PanzerPuff · May 12, 2017

Hillingdoner, thanks for crediting me with testing your VIN but it is no big deal; the people selling this software do not market it properly as the EPC covers several more years than advertised.

I have no problems with the virtual machine running ALL THE TIME with the internet connected; it puts a negligible load on my Windows 10 OS, the task manager reports 0.3% load on the CPU when running and most of the time 0% per the screenshot. I think the alarming reports are highly exaggerated, as if anything invades the virtual machine, one could just click X (close) and restart as every time you run the program it starts from scratch and any malware would be overwritten.

Hillingdoner · May 12, 2017

Hey Panzerpuff, credit where credit is due. Was nice of you to do so for me before I purchased. :thumbsup:

I don't leave mine running, but have had no issues with it doing anything strange either.

My only issue is I have a bad habit of printing off the diagram page and part number index while I'm working on a section. Then of course I loose that and have to print it all again... Toner and paper are getting expensive

tuc2k · May 13, 2017

I've found this site to be useful:

Mercedes-Benz Teilekatalog (Ersatzteile online)

Browser will translate.

MBGraham · May 14, 2017

tuc2k said:
I've found this site to be useful:

Mercedes-Benz Teilekatalog (Ersatzteile online)

Browser will translate.

Interesting - that looks just like the defunct one in post #1 did. Maybe that's why it got closed?

raymond- · May 14, 2017

here is one of several stop gap EPC looking online services out there.

Free On-Line EPC parts lookup - includes Euro models

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