For independent automotive repair shops seeking a robust and cost-effective diagnostic solution for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, XENTRY Diagnostics Open Shell presents itself as the perfect answer. Specifically designed for standard PCs, this diagnostic software, often referred to as XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, empowers workshops to perform comprehensive diagnostics without the need for specialized, expensive hardware.
This article delves into what XENTRY Diagnostics Open Shell is, its capabilities, benefits, and why it’s a game-changer for independent operators focusing on Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach vehicles.
Understanding XENTRY Diagnostics Open Shell (Lite)
XENTRY Diagnostics Open Shell, offered as XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, is a specialized software solution from Mercedes-Benz tailored for independent workshops. It’s designed to operate on standard PCs, unlike some other diagnostic systems that require proprietary hardware. This “Open Shell” approach means flexibility and cost savings, as workshops can utilize their existing computer infrastructure.
The core of the system includes the XENTRY Diagnosis VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface), a crucial piece of hardware provided with XENTRY Diagnosis Lite. This VCI is the bridge that enables communication between your standard PC running the Open Shell software and the vehicle’s electronic systems.
Who is XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell (Lite) For?
Mercedes-Benz specifically makes XENTRY Diagnosis Lite available to independent operators in the automotive repair sector. This offering aligns with EC regulation 2018/858, which supports fair competition in vehicle servicing.
To ensure that this powerful tool reaches the intended users, ordering XENTRY Diagnosis Lite requires verification. Independent workshops need to provide documentation confirming their status as a legitimate motor vehicle repair business. This typically involves submitting documents such as:
- Trade license
- Commercial register entry
- Proof of professional qualification in the motor vehicle trade
- Other official documents validating the business purpose
This verification process ensures that XENTRY Diagnostics Open Shell is accessible to those who genuinely need it for professional vehicle servicing.
Key Considerations Before Ordering XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell Lite
Before proceeding with an order for XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, it’s important to understand the following points:
- Dedicated Standard PC: XENTRY Diagnosis Lite is intended for use on a standard PC that does not currently have an active StartKey or contract for other Mercedes-Benz diagnostic systems.
- Hardware ID Conflict: If you are already using a XENTRY Pass Thru EU system with an active contract on a particular PC, you cannot use the same PC’s hardware ID to order XENTRY Diagnosis Lite. You will need to use a different standard PC that is not currently occupied by another Mercedes-Benz diagnostic contract, or wait until your existing contract for the XENTRY Pass Thru EU system expires.
These considerations are in place to ensure proper licensing and system functionality.
Pricing Structure of XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell Lite
The cost of XENTRY Diagnosis Lite is structured with both fixed and variable components, offering a transparent and adaptable pricing model:
Fixed Price Components:
- Annual Flat User Fee: This recurring annual fee covers online operating costs and access to support services. It’s important to note that this fee applies to contract renewals, not to the initial order.
- One-Time Hardware Costs: This covers the XENTRY Diagnosis COM Kit, which includes the essential VCI hardware and related accessories.
Variable Price Component:
- Time Credit Units: Access to Mercedes-Benz diagnostic data is based on a time credit system. You purchase credit units, which are consumed as you use the diagnostic functions.
- Automatic Credit Management: The diagnostic application automatically manages your time credit usage. A credit unit is activated when you start the diagnostics system and continues to run until its time expires, even if you end a diagnostics session or switch between vehicles.
Here’s a breakdown of example pricing:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Flat-rate user fee (1 year) | €180.00 / year (applies to contract extension only, not the first order) |
| Hardware Costs (one-time) | €1,522.00 (one-time purchase) |
| Time Credit Rates (MB passenger car etc.) | 1 hour: €15.90 |
This pricing structure allows workshops to manage their diagnostic costs based on their actual usage.
Functionality and Diagnostic Capabilities of XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell Lite
XENTRY Diagnosis Lite provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic functions, covering a wide spectrum of needs for servicing Mercedes-Benz vehicles:
- Quick Test: Provides a rapid overview of the vehicle’s system health.
- Basic Diagnosis: Access to essential data such as actual values and actuator tests.
- Commissioning: Includes critical functions like flashing, coding, and parameterization of control units.
- Fault Memory Management: Reading and clearing of fault codes.
- Guided Diagnosis: Step-by-step instructions to aid in complex diagnostics.
- Functional Diagnosis: In-depth testing of specific vehicle systems and components.
- Repair Forecast: Provides insights and potential solutions based on diagnostic findings.
- Extensive Vehicle Coverage: Supports diagnostics for all control units across Mercedes-Benz model series from 2004 onwards (covering XENTRY and DAS series, excluding HHTWIN).
With this broad functionality, XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell equips independent workshops to handle a vast majority of diagnostic and repair tasks on modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
What’s Included in the XENTRY Diagnosis COM Kit?
When you order XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, you receive the XENTRY Diagnosis COM Kit, which contains all the necessary components to get started:
- XENTRY Diagnosis VCI
- WiFi stick
- OBD cable (16-pin)
- USB cable (5m)
- User information and safety instructions
- Digital components: Software, manuals, and help cards (available digitally)
This complete kit ensures you have the hardware and software essentials to begin using XENTRY Diagnostics Open Shell effectively.
It’s important to remember that XENTRY Diagnosis Lite operates on a 12-month contract basis. The XENTRY Diagnosis COM Kit (VCI) is a purchased device, giving you ownership of the hardware. Access to software, software updates, diagnostic data via time credits, and support services are available for up to 42 months from purchase, provided hardware support is still available and annual user fees are maintained for continued diagnostic data access throughout the contract.
Geographic Availability: Please note that XENTRY Diagnosis Lite is currently available to users with a business address within the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Key Benefits of XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell Lite for Your Workshop
Choosing XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell Lite offers several significant advantages for independent workshops:
- Comprehensive Coverage Beyond Euro 5/6: Unlike XENTRY Pass Thru EU, XENTRY Diagnosis Lite is not limited to Euro 5 and Euro 6 certified vehicles. It supports all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, vans, and smart models from 2004 onwards (except smart model #1), providing a broader scope of diagnostic capability.
- Cost-Effective VCI Solution: You gain access to the high-quality XENTRY Diagnosis VCI, previously only available with the more expensive XENTRY Diagnosis Pad/Pad2 systems. Now, you can leverage this robust VCI with the Open Shell software on your own standard PC, significantly reducing hardware investment.
- Superior Communication Stability: The communication between the Open Shell software and the XENTRY Diagnosis VCI is optimized for speed and stability, outperforming generic pass-thru VCIs. This ensures reliable and efficient diagnostic processes.
- Dedicated Support: You receive both software and hardware support* throughout your contract term, providing peace of mind and assistance when needed. (*Hardware support pertains to the XENTRY Diagnosis COM Kit).
These benefits make XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell Lite a highly attractive and practical diagnostic solution for independent workshops specializing in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
System Requirements for XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell Lite
To ensure smooth operation of XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, your standard PC needs to meet certain system requirements:
- Unique Hardware-Dependent StartKey: A StartKey, specific to your hardware, is required for software activation.
- Administrator Rights: Administrator privileges are necessary for software installation and updates.
- Personalized Login: A personal user login with standard diagnosis rights is mandatory for security and access control.
- PC/Laptop Specifications:
- Processor: Intel i5 or better (or equivalent)
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64 Bit) or Windows 11 (64 Bit)
- RAM: Minimum 8 GB (16 GB recommended)
- Hard Drive: Minimum 150 GB free HDD space, SSD recommended for optimal performance
- Browser: Edge for Windows
- USB Ports: One USB 3.0 port for VCI connection, one free USB port for WiFi stick
- Internet: Broadband internet access (LAN/WiFi)
- Software: Microsoft .NET 4.0 (or higher) installed
- Firewall/Proxy Settings: Specific URLs and Ports need to be unblocked in your firewall or proxy (see detailed table below).
Obtaining the StartKey: After installing the base software setup (downloadable from Mercedes-Benz B2B Connect), you can order the StartKey through the same portal. The hardware ID required for the StartKey order can be found using the “ConfigAssist” tool within the “System Data” section of the software.
Firewall and Proxy 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 (Remote Support) | http://gotoassist.com https://gotoassist.com https://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 (*.microsoft.com) | 80 (http) |
| XENTRY (AKT) | https://aftersales.mercedes-benz.com/ | 443 (https) |
| XENTRY Flash | https://aftersales.mercedes-benz.com | 443 (https) |
| XENTRY Diagnosis Domains | *.mercedes-benz.com, *.mercedes-benz.de, *.corpinter.net, *.akamaihd.net, etc. | 80 (http), 443 (https), 123 (UDP) |
| AddOns | http://xentryupdateservice.i.mercedes-benz.com/msi-updates/* | 80 (http), 443 (https) |
| Retail Data Storage to 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) |
Ensure these URLs and ports are enabled in your network firewall and proxy settings for uninterrupted operation. Consult your IT administrator to verify these settings.
Important Notes on Time Credits and Online Connection
- Time Credit Validity: Once activated, a time credit unit remains valid until it expires, even if you end the diagnosis session or change vehicles. Unused or mistakenly purchased time credits are non-refundable. However, unused credits are transferred if you extend your contract.
- Permanent Online Connection: A stable online connection is required for:
- Accessing diagnostic data during each session.
- Verifying access authorizations (StartKey).
- Checking contractual data.
New Compulsory Login Procedure for Enhanced Security
Mercedes-Benz has implemented a two-stage security login process for XENTRY Diagnosis software:
- Personal User ID and Password Login: You must log in with your individual credentials.
- Standard Diagnostics Role: You need to have the “standard diagnostics role” assigned to your user ID. This role can be requested via the UMAS platform.
One-Time Identification: A one-time identification process is required via UMAS/IDnow to obtain the standard diagnostics role. This process is generally only needed once.
This enhanced security measure ensures that access to vehicle systems and backend services is secure and personalized, eliminating anonymous access. For advanced functions like control unit commissioning on newer models (series 213 model update 2020 onwards and 223), the “extended XENTRY Flash role” is necessary, also obtainable through UMAS.
Applying for User Rights:
- XENTRY Standard Diagnostic Rights: Apply for this right through the UMAS platform. Independent service providers without a user ID can register via https://umas.mercedes-benz.com/orgprocess/.
- XENTRY Flash Authorization: Both Standard and Extended Flash roles are requested through UMAS, requiring a one-time identification.
For further details on user rights and Flash roles, refer to here.
XENTRY Diagnosis Lite Support Resources
For assistance with XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, Mercedes-Benz provides comprehensive support resources. Within the software or support portal, you can find a “Need help?” section. This area typically includes FAQs to address common questions. If you cannot find a solution in the FAQs, you can open a support ticket for more direct assistance via a link usually found at the bottom of the help page, often formatted as ticket.
In Conclusion
XENTRY Diagnostics Open Shell, or XENTRY Diagnosis Lite, is a powerful and cost-effective diagnostic solution perfectly suited for independent workshops working with Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach vehicles. Its compatibility with standard PCs, comprehensive functionality, and dedicated support make it an invaluable tool for modern automotive servicing. By understanding its features, requirements, and benefits, independent workshops can make an informed decision and leverage XENTRY Diagnosis Open Shell Lite to enhance their diagnostic capabilities and better serve their customers.
