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Since C4 will be banned (or already is) in the latest versions of Xentry, and most new laptops no longer have LAN/Ethernet ports, I decided to switch from a LAN-connected C4 to a USB-connected VCI.
You can use a WLAN or USB-LAN converter, but it's still a C4. As for WLAN, I know that new devices and computers have fast WLAN, but in this case I'm very old-fashioned, I always use a wired connection. If you've ever seen a control unit that failed due to a WLAN flashing process, this will forever be etched in your memory.
Of course, you can modify Xentry, or more accurately the toolkit, in such a way that you can still use C4, but at least in the long term I don't see that as a choice.
Which model to choose? Alternatives to C4:
There are still a few multiplexers on the market, but some of them are C4 clones in other housings (eg C5) and are out of production again or replaced by VXDIAG devices or J2534 dongles.
My requirements for the multiplexer are as follows:
So, with these requirements, I settled on a VCI C6 clone. The original VCI is too expensive (3000 euros and up) and at least here in my country, it is not easy to get. Some of the used or refurbished C6s are in an affordable price range (1600 euros and up), but still very expensive, and some without warranty or return options. The VCI C6 clone (around $450) is still a risk, since it is almost impossible to return the device to China, but the loss of money is much less.
Why did I abandon VXDIAG, Openport and other options?
I had the VXDIAG kit, and it wasn't cheaper than the other options, but it was more difficult to use. If you forgot to renew your license and you're somewhere without an Internet connection, but you need to do something with the car, it's a real pain in the ass. So I skipped all those options. VXDIAG never worked with Vediamo anyway, or at least I didn't have the brains to make it work. So that was another argument against any VXDIAG options.
Some ultra-low-cost systems come with Openport, but it's a J2534 device that only works with the PassThru version of Xentry. Maybe I'm old-fashioned too, but I decided to use the XDOS version, so J2534 devices weren't an option at all. I also avoided MDI or Scanmatik devices.
But I have a clone of the Opel MDI device, and it works fine with GDSII on a separate laptop. It is connected to the Internet, and I also installed MBTools on it. With this combination (Dell laptop, MDI device, MBTools) I can use MBTools on any Mercedes, at least for now.
I also have a Super MB PRO M6, it shows that it is something different than C4 but in the end it is just a clone of C4. The new versions seem to be modified but I haven't checked them anymore because of the brick I bought from them in the past.
My experience with VCI C6 clone so far.
The clone has been running for some time now (3 months) with Xentry OpenShell version 09.2023 and compared to the C4 it is significantly faster and more stable than a regular MUX. The original VCI C6 comes with a separate WLAN USB stick. In my case the clone came without a separate stick. It is administered in the VCI Manager in Xentry, no separate drivers or software are required. When my C6 arrived it did not work at first, but the seller provided a new firmware via TeamViewer and it has been working stable since then. The only cables that come in the box are a 3m USB cable and an OBD connection cable. There are no other cables for connecting to the old 38-pin connector or for Sprinters. There are no cars in my range that need these connections. I'm not sure if there is an adapter or other solution to connect to older cars with C6. As far as I understand, the original version supports older cars, so I expect the clone to support them too.
The price of the VCI C6 clone is almost the same as the C4 and I believe most users will eventually choose this device if they have the same requirements as me.
At the moment I can recommend the VCI C6 clone. For any questions, please contact me or write comments.
You can use a WLAN or USB-LAN converter, but it's still a C4. As for WLAN, I know that new devices and computers have fast WLAN, but in this case I'm very old-fashioned, I always use a wired connection. If you've ever seen a control unit that failed due to a WLAN flashing process, this will forever be etched in your memory.
Of course, you can modify Xentry, or more accurately the toolkit, in such a way that you can still use C4, but at least in the long term I don't see that as a choice.
Which model to choose? Alternatives to C4:
- New Mercedes VCI C6 (i.e. Bosch MTS6532 with special Mercedes firmware and modified housing with Mercedes branding)
- Used or refurbished Mercedes VCI C6
- Cloned Mercedes VCI C6
- VXDIAG VCI C6 or SE
- Any J2534 device like Openport, Scanmatik 2 PRO or MDI
- Super MB PRO M6
There are still a few multiplexers on the market, but some of them are C4 clones in other housings (eg C5) and are out of production again or replaced by VXDIAG devices or J2534 dongles.
My requirements for the multiplexer are as follows:
- Can be used with XDOS
- VCI should work without additional software or drivers
- Administration must be performed in the Xentry system configurator, so in this case it should be done using the VCI Manager
So, with these requirements, I settled on a VCI C6 clone. The original VCI is too expensive (3000 euros and up) and at least here in my country, it is not easy to get. Some of the used or refurbished C6s are in an affordable price range (1600 euros and up), but still very expensive, and some without warranty or return options. The VCI C6 clone (around $450) is still a risk, since it is almost impossible to return the device to China, but the loss of money is much less.
Why did I abandon VXDIAG, Openport and other options?
I had the VXDIAG kit, and it wasn't cheaper than the other options, but it was more difficult to use. If you forgot to renew your license and you're somewhere without an Internet connection, but you need to do something with the car, it's a real pain in the ass. So I skipped all those options. VXDIAG never worked with Vediamo anyway, or at least I didn't have the brains to make it work. So that was another argument against any VXDIAG options.
Some ultra-low-cost systems come with Openport, but it's a J2534 device that only works with the PassThru version of Xentry. Maybe I'm old-fashioned too, but I decided to use the XDOS version, so J2534 devices weren't an option at all. I also avoided MDI or Scanmatik devices.
But I have a clone of the Opel MDI device, and it works fine with GDSII on a separate laptop. It is connected to the Internet, and I also installed MBTools on it. With this combination (Dell laptop, MDI device, MBTools) I can use MBTools on any Mercedes, at least for now.
I also have a Super MB PRO M6, it shows that it is something different than C4 but in the end it is just a clone of C4. The new versions seem to be modified but I haven't checked them anymore because of the brick I bought from them in the past.
My experience with VCI C6 clone so far.
The clone has been running for some time now (3 months) with Xentry OpenShell version 09.2023 and compared to the C4 it is significantly faster and more stable than a regular MUX. The original VCI C6 comes with a separate WLAN USB stick. In my case the clone came without a separate stick. It is administered in the VCI Manager in Xentry, no separate drivers or software are required. When my C6 arrived it did not work at first, but the seller provided a new firmware via TeamViewer and it has been working stable since then. The only cables that come in the box are a 3m USB cable and an OBD connection cable. There are no other cables for connecting to the old 38-pin connector or for Sprinters. There are no cars in my range that need these connections. I'm not sure if there is an adapter or other solution to connect to older cars with C6. As far as I understand, the original version supports older cars, so I expect the clone to support them too.
The price of the VCI C6 clone is almost the same as the C4 and I believe most users will eventually choose this device if they have the same requirements as me.
At the moment I can recommend the VCI C6 clone. For any questions, please contact me or write comments.
