As technology advances, the tools we rely on must evolve too. For Mercedes-Benz diagnostics, the shift is becoming clear: the traditional C4 multiplexer is phasing out, particularly in newer Xentry software versions. This, coupled with the disappearance of LAN/Ethernet ports in modern laptops, necessitates a move towards more contemporary vehicle communication interfaces (VCIs). For many professionals in automotive repair, including myself at xentryportal.store, this means transitioning from a LAN-connected C4 to a USB-connected VCI. While workarounds like WLAN or USB-LAN converters exist, they still tether you to the older C4 architecture. Having witnessed firsthand the pitfalls of WLAN during critical operations like control unit flashing – a scenario no technician wants etched in their memory – a wired connection remains my steadfast preference for stability and reliability.
While technically, Xentry’s toolkit could be modified to prolong C4’s usability, this feels like a short-term fix. Looking ahead, embracing newer VCI technology is the more sustainable and logical path. So, the question arises: which VCI model is the right successor to C4? Let’s explore the viable alternatives:
- Genuine Mercedes VCI C6 (Bosch MTS 6532): This is the official, Mercedes-branded device, essentially a Bosch MTS6532 unit with custom firmware and housing.
- Used or Refurbished Genuine Mercedes VCI C6: A more budget-conscious approach to acquiring a genuine C6.
- Cloned Mercedes VCI C6: A cost-effective, albeit potentially riskier, aftermarket alternative.
- VXDIAG VCI C6 or SE: Another aftermarket option, popular for its broader vehicle compatibility but with its own set of considerations.
- J2534 Devices (e.g., Openport, Scanmatik 2 PRO, MDI): Universal diagnostic interfaces that offer flexibility but may require a different approach to Xentry usage.
- Super MB PRO M6: Positioned as an alternative, but historically, some versions have been essentially C4 clones in different casings.
The market presents a range of multiplexers, some being rebranded C4 clones, others discontinued or superseded by VXDIAG or J2534 solutions. My selection criteria for a replacement VCI were straightforward and focused on seamless integration and reliable performance within the Mercedes diagnostic ecosystem:
- XDOS Compatibility: Essential for utilizing the comprehensive capabilities of Xentry Diagnostics Open Shell (XDOS).
- Driverless VCI Operation: The VCI should function natively without the need for supplementary drivers or complex software installations.
- Centralized Administration via Xentry: VCI management and configuration should be seamlessly handled within the familiar Xentry system configurator, specifically through the VCI Manager.
These requirements led me to the Mercedes C6 VCI clone. The genuine VCI C6, with its premium price tag (starting around 3000 euros), felt prohibitively expensive, especially considering limited availability and support in some regions. Used or refurbished genuine units, while more affordable (1600 euros upwards), still represented a significant investment, often without warranty or return options. The VCI C6 clone, priced around $450, presented a more palatable financial risk. While returning a faulty unit to China could be challenging, the lower initial cost made it a worthwhile experiment.
Why did I deliberately steer clear of VXDIAG, Openport, and other alternatives? My past experience with VXDIAG kits wasn’t entirely positive. They weren’t significantly cheaper and introduced complexities, particularly with licensing. Imagine being on a roadside job, needing to diagnose a Mercedes, only to be hampered by a license renewal requirement and no internet access – a technician’s nightmare. Furthermore, VXDIAG’s compatibility with Vediamo, a crucial tool for deeper diagnostics and programming, remained elusive in my experience.
Ultra-budget systems sometimes bundle with Openport interfaces. However, Openport, being a J2534 device, primarily works with the PassThru version of Xentry. While PassThru has its merits, my preference leans towards the comprehensive XDOS version for its broader functionality and offline capabilities. Therefore, J2534 devices, including MDI and Scanmatik, weren’t the ideal fit for my workflow.
It’s worth noting that I do utilize an Opel MDI clone, which works effectively with GDSII on a dedicated laptop. This setup, connected to the internet and equipped with MBTools, allows me to use MBTools on Mercedes vehicles, at least for the time being, offering a degree of flexibility. Similarly, the Super MB PRO M6, despite being marketed as distinct from C4, often behaves like a C4 clone under the hood. While newer iterations might have evolved, past experiences with unreliable units made me hesitant to reinvest in that platform.
My experience with the VCI C6 clone over the past three months using Xentry OpenShell version 09.2023 has been notably positive. Compared to the C4 multiplexer, the C6 clone exhibits significantly improved speed and stability. While the genuine VCI C6 includes a separate WLAN USB stick, my clone arrived without one, which aligns with my preference for wired connections. Administration is indeed streamlined through Xentry’s VCI Manager, requiring no external drivers or software.
Initially, my purchased C6 clone wasn’t operational out of the box. However, the vendor promptly provided updated firmware via TeamViewer, resolving the issue. Since then, it has performed reliably and consistently. The package includes a 3-meter USB cable and an OBD connection cable – essential for modern diagnostics. Notably absent are cables for older 38-pin connectors or Sprinter-specific connections. Currently, my work primarily involves newer vehicles that don’t necessitate these legacy connectors. While I haven’t yet encountered a need to connect to older Mercedes models with the C6 clone, I anticipate that adapters or compatible solutions exist, mirroring the older vehicle support offered by the genuine VCI C6.
Considering the comparable price point between the VCI C6 clone and the older C4 multiplexer, and given its enhanced performance and modern connectivity, I believe the C6 clone represents a compelling upgrade for many users. For technicians seeking a practical, efficient, and future-proof diagnostic solution, the VCI C6 clone is, in my experience, a recommendable choice at this time. For any further questions or shared experiences, feel free to reach out or leave comments below.
