For independent workshops seeking a robust and versatile diagnostic tool, the Xentry Open Shell Program, embodied in XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, presents an exceptional solution. Tailored specifically for standard PCs, this diagnostic software provides a powerful and efficient way to service Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and more. This article delves into the features, benefits, and crucial details of the XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, highlighting why it stands out as a premier diagnostic option in the automotive aftermarket.
Who is Eligible for XENTRY Diagnosis Lite?
XENTRY Diagnosis Lite is exclusively available to independent operators, aligning with EC regulation 2018/858. This ensures that independent workshops and businesses involved in motor vehicle repairs can access manufacturer-level diagnostic capabilities. To streamline the application process, prospective users are required to provide evidence confirming their eligibility. This typically involves uploading documents such as a trade license, commercial register entry, proof of professional qualification in the automotive trade, or other official documentation verifying the business’s purpose. This verification process ensures that XENTRY Diagnosis Lite reaches the intended audience of independent automotive professionals.
Important Considerations When Ordering XENTRY Diagnosis Lite
Before ordering XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, it’s crucial to understand certain prerequisites and limitations. Crucially, XENTRY Diagnosis Lite is designed for standard PCs that do not currently have an active StartKey or contract. This is a key point to prevent conflicts and ensure smooth operation. Workshops already utilizing a XENTRY Pass Thru EU system with an active StartKey/contract on a specific hardware ID cannot order XENTRY Diagnosis Lite for the same PC. To use XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, they must either utilize a different, unoccupied standard PC or wait until their existing XENTRY Pass Thru EU contract concludes. This hardware restriction is in place to manage system licensing and ensure proper usage.
Understanding XENTRY Diagnosis Lite Pricing
The cost structure of XENTRY Diagnosis Lite comprises both fixed and variable components, offering a transparent and flexible pricing model.
Fixed Price Components:
- Annual Flat User Fee: This product-specific annual fee covers online operating costs and access to support services. It’s important to note that this fee applies to contract renewals but is not charged for the initial order.
- One-Time Hardware Costs: These are one-time costs associated with the XENTRY Diagnosis COM Kit, which includes the essential Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) and supplementary items required for vehicle communication.
Variable Price Component:
- Time Credit Units: Usage of diagnostic data is based on purchased time credit units. This pay-as-you-go system allows workshops to manage costs effectively, paying only for the diagnostic data they consume.
- Automatic Credit Management: The diagnostic application automatically manages the consumption of these time credits. A credit unit is activated upon opening the diagnostics system and continues to run until it expires, even if the diagnostics session is ended or vehicles are changed. This ensures a seamless and efficient credit usage system.
| Flat-rate user fee (1 year) | €180.00 / year (only for contract extension, not applicable to the first order) |
|---|---|
| Hardware-costs, one-time | €1,522.00 (one-time) |
| 1 hour | |
| MB passenger car incl. VAN, smart, EQ, Maybach | €15.90 |
Functionality and Diagnostic Capabilities of XENTRY Diagnosis Lite
XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, as a powerful XENTRY Open Shell Program, delivers a comprehensive suite of diagnostic functions, rivalling dealer-level capabilities:
- Quick Test: Rapidly assesses the overall health of the vehicle’s systems.
- Basic Diagnosis: Includes essential functions like reading actual values and performing actuations to test components.
- Commissioning: Encompasses critical tasks such as flashing, coding, and parameterization of control units.
- Fault Memory Management: Allows for efficient reading and clearing of fault memory, crucial for identifying and resolving vehicle issues.
- Guided Diagnosis: Provides step-by-step instructions to streamline complex diagnostic procedures.
- Functional Diagnosis: Enables in-depth testing of specific vehicle functions.
- Repair Forecast: Offers valuable insights and predictions to aid in repair planning.
- Broad Vehicle Coverage: Supports diagnosis for all control units across all model series from 2004 onwards, covering both XENTRY and DAS series (excluding HHTWIN).
The XENTRY Diagnosis VCI included in the XENTRY Diagnosis COM Kit, essential for vehicle communication in the XENTRY Open Shell Program.
Scope of Delivery for XENTRY Diagnosis Lite
A new order of XENTRY Diagnosis Lite includes the XENTRY Diagnosis COM Kit, containing all the necessary hardware and digital components to get started:
- XENTRY Diagnosis VCI
- WiFi stick
- OBD cable (16-pin)
- USB cable (5m)
- User information and safety instructions
- Digital components (software, manual, help cards)
It’s important to remember that XENTRY Diagnosis Lite is designed for vehicles of all XENTRY Diagnosis series from model year 2004 onwards. The contract period for XENTRY Diagnosis Lite is 12 months. The XENTRY Diagnosis COM Kit (VCI) is a purchased device, providing long-term hardware ownership. While software access, updates, diagnostic data access via time credits, and support services are authorized for 42 months, continued use of diagnostic data beyond the initial contract period requires annual usage fees.
Important Geographic Restriction: XENTRY Diagnosis Lite is available exclusively to users with a business domicile within the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Key Benefits of XENTRY Diagnosis Lite at a Glance
Choosing XENTRY Diagnosis Lite offers numerous advantages for independent workshops:
- Comprehensive Solution: Provides a fully coordinated software and hardware solution supporting a wide range of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, vans, and smart models from 2004 onwards (excluding smart model #1). This broad compatibility surpasses the limitations of XENTRY Pass Thru EU, which is restricted to Euro 5 and Euro 6 certified vehicles.
- Standalone VCI Purchase: Allows independent purchase of the XENTRY Diagnosis VCI, previously only available with the XENTRY Diagnosis Pad/Pad2. Now, workshops can leverage this high-quality VCI with the XENTRY Diagnostics Open Shell software on their own standard PCs, making it a flexible and cost-effective option.
- Superior Communication Stability: Ensures faster and more stable communication between the software and the XENTRY Diagnosis VCI compared to generic pass-thru VCIs, leading to more reliable diagnostic processes.
- Dedicated Support: Includes software and hardware support* throughout the contract term, providing peace of mind and expert assistance when needed.
*Hardware support specifically pertains to the XENTRY Diagnosis COM Kit.
System Requirements for Running XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell Program
To effectively utilize XENTRY Diagnosis Lite and the underlying XENTRY Open Shell Program, your PC system must meet specific requirements:
- Unique Hardware-Dependent StartKey: A StartKey, ordered through Mercedes-Benz B2B Connect, is essential for software activation and licensing.
- Administrator Rights: Required for software installation and updates to ensure proper system maintenance.
- Personalized Login: Mandatory personalized login with standard diagnosis rights, obtained through the UMAS platform, enhances security and user accountability.
- Processor: Windows-compatible PC or Laptop with an Intel i5 processor or better (or equivalent) for optimal performance.
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64 Bit) or Windows 11 (64 Bit) for compatibility and security.
- RAM: Minimum 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended) to handle diagnostic processes efficiently.
- Storage: Minimum 150 GB free HDD space, with SSD (Solid State Drive) recommended for enhanced performance and robustness.
- Browser: Edge for Windows is required for accessing online resources and functionalities.
- USB Ports: One USB 3.0 port for connecting the XENTRY Diagnosis VCI via USB cable and one free USB port for the included WiFi stick.
- Internet Access: Broadband internet access via LAN/WiFi is mandatory for online functionalities and data access.
- .NET Framework: Microsoft .NET 4.0 (or higher) must be installed. (http://www.microsoft.com)
- Firewall and Proxy Settings: Specific URLs and Ports must be unlocked in the local or network firewall/proxy. (Refer to the table below).
System requirements documentation, highlighting the necessary specifications for optimal performance of the XENTRY Open Shell Program.
StartKey Flexibility: The StartKey enables diagnosis applications to run on designated end devices, such as laptops, identified by their unique hardware ID, offering flexibility in device usage.
Firewall and Proxy Configuration:
Ensuring proper network configuration is vital for seamless operation of the XENTRY Open Shell system. The following URLs and ports must be enabled in your firewall or proxy server. Consult your IT administrator to verify these settings.
| Purpose | URL/Domain | Port |
|---|---|---|
| XENTRY Portal | https://xentry.mercedes-benz.com/ | 443 (https) |
| XENTRY WIS | https://retailfactory.mercedes-benz.com/iri-gui/ | 443 (https) |
| XENTRY Operation Time | https://xentry.mercedes-benz.com/xot/ | 443 (https) |
| GoToAssist(For provision of remote support) | http://gotoassist.comhttps://gotoassist.comhttps://goto.com | 80 (http)443 (https) |
| XENTRY Tips | https://xentry-tips.mercedes-benz.com/neo-reader/index.html | 443 (https) |
| Windows Update Links | http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com(Enabling required for *.microsoft.com) | 80 (http) |
| XENTRY (AKT) | https://aftersales.mercedes-benz.com/ | 443 (https) |
| XENTRY Flash | https://aftersales.mercedes-benz.com(For control unit commissioning) | 443 (https) |
| XENTRY Diagnosis Domains | For operation of the XENTRY Diagnosis Software with and without RDS, the following domains must always be accessible and must not be blocked, even if no communication has taken place over them for a longer period of time: – *.mercedes-benz.com – *.mercedes-benz.de – *.corpinter.net – *.akamaihd.net – *.fastsupport.com – *.go2assist.me – *.gofastchat.com – *.gotoassist.com – *.gotoassist.at – *.gotoassist.me – *.goto.com – *.helpme.net – *.logmeinrescue.com – *.tokbox.com – *.opentok.com – *.pingone.eu – *.pingidentity.eu – *.startekinfo.com (MBUSA) – *.microsoft.com – *.windowsupdate.com – *.windows.com – *.time.windows.com | 80 (http)443 (https)123 (UDP) |
| AddOns | http://xentryupdateservice.i.mercedes-benz.com/msi-updates/* | 80 (http)443 (https) |
| Retail Data Storage to the Internet | – *.mercedes-benz.com – *.corpinter.net – *.akamaihd.net | 80 (http)443 (https) |
| XENTRY Diagnosis to Retail Data Storage | 80 (http)443 (https)9000 (http)7001 (tcp)7002 (tcp) |
New Compulsory Login Procedure for Enhanced Security
Mercedes-Benz has implemented a two-stage security concept to protect access to and usage of the XENTRY Diagnosis software. This enhanced security protocol ensures that only authorized personnel can utilize the diagnostic system.
- Personal User ID and Password: Users must log in with their unique user ID and password.
- Standard Diagnostics Role: In addition to login credentials, users require the standard diagnostics role, which can be requested via the UMAS platform.
Identification Prerequisite: Successful completion of the identification procedure, initiated through UMAS (or local identification procedures in certain markets), is necessary to obtain the required role. This identification process, required only once, ensures user verification and system security.
This security framework applies across all brands and divisions, mandating personal login for all diagnostic users. Anonymous access to vehicles and backend services is no longer permitted, significantly enhancing data security and accountability. The standard diagnostics role is essential for all diagnostic activities. For control unit commissioning in newer models (from series 213 model update 2020 and 223 onwards), the extended XENTRY Flash role is necessary.
Obtaining Diagnostic Rights:
- XENTRY Standard Diagnostic Rights: Each diagnostic user must apply for standard diagnostic rights independently through https://umas.mercedes-benz.com/umas/ and complete the one-time identification process. Independent service providers without a user ID can register via https://umas.mercedes-benz.com/orgprocess/. Select “New Registration” for new customers or “Registered Organization” for existing customers without a User ID. For assistance, contact your local IT administrator or utilize the support button (headset icon) on the UMAS page.
- XENTRY Flash Authorization: Both Standard-Flash and Extended Flash roles can be requested via UMAS. Each user must complete a one-time identification via UMAS to acquire these Flash roles.
Further details on XENTRY diagnostic user rights and Flash rights are available here.
XENTRY Diagnosis Lite Support Resources
For support with XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, users can access a comprehensive help section. The “Need help?” category provides FAQs and troubleshooting information. If you cannot find the answer to your query in the FAQs, you can open a support ticket via the link provided at the bottom of the help page: ticket.
Important Notes on Time Credit Usage and Online Connectivity
Time Credit Validity: Once activated, a time credit unit remains valid until it expires, even after the diagnostic session ends or vehicle changes. Time credits purchased in error or no longer needed are non-refundable. Unused or unactivated time credits at contract expiration are also non-refundable; however, credit is transferred upon contract extension, providing continued value.
Online Connection Requirement: Utilizing diagnostic content requires a permanent online connection for:
- Accessing diagnostic data (per diagnosis session).
- Verifying access authorizations for data content (StartKey).
- Checking contractual data, ensuring up-to-date access and compliance.
By understanding these key aspects of XENTRY Diagnosis Lite and the XENTRY Open Shell Program, independent workshops can make informed decisions and leverage this powerful diagnostic solution to enhance their service capabilities for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
