Star Diagnostic System
 In 1998, Mercedes Benz introduced the Star Diagnostic System. The SDS was developed as the diagnostic platform for all future Mercedes Benz vehicles and power systems. This platform was intended to replace the Hand Held Tester (HHT) that was introduced in the early ‘90’s. SDS is a PC based platform, initially developed on a proprietary version of the Windows NT operating system. Recognizing the need to develop beyond the basic scan tool technology of the HHT, an independent firm developed the CEASER multiplexer that enabled MB to utilize an infinitely expandable PC based platform that would enable diagnosis, programming and communication with current and future model Mercedes Benz vehicles and power systems.
Initially SDS provided an interface to communicate with all existing digitally enabled Mercedes Benz on board diagnostic systems (beginning with model year 1993 & some 1992 models) by running a PC version of the Hand Held Tester called HHT-WIN. This interface would scan all systems, read codes, do basic programming including version coding, normalizing, adaptation resets and initial programming. Beginning in MY 2000, a new graphic user interface (GUI) appeared. (it actually appeared on the 1998 ML’s, but they retained the HHT-WIN until 2000). The new GUI was the Diagnostic Assistance System(DAS). With DAS Mercedes began to integrate the Workshop Information System (WIS) with the diagnostic information directly linking repair and diagnostic information for the first time. Additionally, the fault codes were directly linked to diagnostic tests and information that could be processed directly while connected to the vehicle. In most cases on vehicles since model year 2000, DAS is the only source of information on the fault codes and test procedures to correctly diagnose them.
With the introduction of the Star Diagnosis Compact 3 (SDS C3), Mercedes Benz switched to a proprietary version of Windows XP. The C3 utilized an Intel Pentium4 processor, touch screen and much larger hard drive with ample RAM to handle updates far into the future. All Mercedes Benz Vehicles since 1998 have been developed around the SDS diagnostic platform, with great leaps forward since model year 2000. The vehicles since have become completely dependant on SDS for diagnosis and programming. SDS allows many levels of diagnostics to be performed with out direct access to circuits, many times enabling the technician to localize the problem before accessing and testing circuits directly, if at all. SDS enables flash programming of many systems, allowing the latest software to be installed in many control units since model year 2003. Since Model year 2004, SCN or Secure Computer Number programming has been required to activate and program certain control units in Mercedes Benz automobiles. These are usually TRP’s or theft related parts that are programmed to the individual vehicle and cannot be switched from vehicle to vehicle. SCN coding can be performed with a factory SDS and an authorized Sdflash user ID number. Ben’s Workshop is one of the few Independent Service Providers (ISP’s) , that is an independent, none Mercedes Benz franchised service facilitiy that has both.
Ben’s Workshop acquired their first factory Star Diagnostic System in 2000. We now own 3 factory systems, a compact 2, Basic and Compact 3. We have also maintained a current and continuous subscription to full SDS software updates since the year 2000 as well as a current SDflash user ID.
This equipment, along with our continuous subscription to Startekinfo.com, Alldata and membership in the largest independent Mercedes Benz technical information association in North America plus our own personal fixed data base means that the ability of Ben’s Workshop to diagnose and correctly repair your Mercedes Benz is simply unmatched. |
