As technology advances, so must our diagnostic tools in the automotive repair world. For Mercedes-Benz technicians, the transition from the traditional C4 multiplexer to Vehicle Communication Interfaces (VCIs) is becoming increasingly necessary. With the phasing out of C4 support in newer Xentry versions and the disappearance of LAN/Ethernet ports in modern laptops, I, as a seasoned auto repair professional at xentryportal.store, decided to explore the USB-connected VCI as a forward-thinking solution. While WLAN or USB-to-LAN converters remain options, they still tether you to the older C4 technology. My preference, rooted in years of experience, leans towards wired connections for crucial operations like control unit flashing – the reliability simply outweighs the convenience of wireless in such critical procedures.
Modifying Xentry to prolong C4 usability might seem like a short-term fix, but it’s not a sustainable long-term strategy. The industry is clearly moving towards newer VCI technologies. So, the question isn’t if you should switch, but which VCI to choose.
When considering alternatives to the C4 multiplexer, several options emerge in the market. These are the viable paths I considered:
- Genuine Mercedes VCI C6 (Bosch MTS6532): The official, Mercedes-branded Bosch MTS6532, representing the cutting edge.
- Pre-owned or Refurbished Genuine VCI C6: A more budget-conscious approach to acquiring genuine hardware.
- Cloned Mercedes VCI C6: A cost-effective, albeit riskier, alternative sourced from the aftermarket.
- VXDIAG VCI C6 or SE: Popular aftermarket options offering broader vehicle compatibility.
- J2534 Devices (Openport, Scanmatik 2 PRO, MDI): Versatile tools compliant with the J2534 standard, offering flexibility.
- Super MB PRO M6: Another aftermarket contender, promising advanced functionality.
While numerous multiplexers populate the market, some are merely rebranded C4 clones, like certain “C5” variants. Others are discontinued, replaced by VXDIAG or J2534 devices. My selection criteria for a replacement VCI were clear and focused on seamless integration and usability within the Mercedes-Benz diagnostic ecosystem:
- XDOS Compatibility: Essential for utilizing the comprehensive Xentry Diagnostic Open Shell software.
- Driverless VCI Operation: The VCI should function natively without requiring supplementary drivers or complex software installations.
- Centralized Administration via Xentry: VCI management should be integrated within the familiar Xentry System Configurator, specifically through the VCI Manager utility.
These requirements led me to the VCI C6 clone. The genuine VCI C6, manufactured by Bosch, comes with a hefty price tag, often exceeding 3000 euros, with limited availability in some regions. Used or refurbished genuine units, while more accessible at around 1600 euros and up, still represent a significant investment, sometimes without warranty or return options. The VCI C6 clone, priced around $450, presents a considerably lower financial risk, despite the challenges associated with returns to overseas vendors.
A close up of the VCI C6 clone connected via USB, highlighting its compact design and essential ports for modern Mercedes-Benz diagnostics.
You might wonder why I dismissed alternatives like VXDIAG, Openport, and other J2534 options. My experience with the VXDIAG kit, while not necessarily cheaper, proved to be less user-friendly. The license renewal process, particularly when offline, posed significant hurdles. Furthermore, VXDIAG’s compatibility with Vediamo, a crucial tool for in-depth diagnostics and programming, remained elusive in my experience. These factors steered me away from VXDIAG and similar options.
Ultra-budget systems sometimes bundle Openport devices, but these J2534 tools only function with the PassThru version of Xentry. My preference for the comprehensive XDOS (Xentry Diagnostic Open Shell) version made J2534 devices unsuitable for my needs. Similarly, MDI or Scanmatik devices, while capable, didn’t align with my focus on seamless XDOS integration.
Interestingly, I do utilize an Opel MDI clone with GDSII software on a separate, internet-connected laptop. This setup, combined with MBTools, extends my diagnostic capabilities, allowing me to use MBTools on various Mercedes models – a useful, albeit supplementary, solution.
The Super MB PRO M6, despite its claims of being different from C4, ultimately functions as another C4 clone in my assessment. While newer iterations might offer improvements, past experiences with a faulty unit from this product line made me hesitant to reinvestigate.
My experience with the VCI C6 clone has been overwhelmingly positive. For the past three months, I’ve been running it with Xentry OpenShell version 09.2023. Compared to the C4, the VCI C6 clone exhibits significantly faster communication speeds and greater stability. While the genuine VCI C6 includes a dedicated WLAN USB stick, my clone version operated flawlessly without needing one. Administration is straightforward via the VCI Manager within Xentry, requiring no additional drivers or software.
Initially, my VCI C6 clone encountered a hiccup upon arrival, but the vendor promptly provided updated firmware via TeamViewer, resolving the issue and ensuring stable operation ever since. The package included only a 3-meter USB cable and an OBD-II connection cable. Cables for older 38-pin connectors or Sprinter models were not included, but this isn’t a limitation for my current vehicle range. While I’m uncertain about native support for older Mercedes models with the C6 clone, I anticipate compatibility, mirroring the original Bosch VCI C6 capabilities.
