Xentry 03/2017: Unleashing Hidden Features for Enhanced Vehicle Performance

For automotive technicians and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, Xentry software is an indispensable tool for diagnostics and customization. The 03/2017 version of Xentry, in particular, unlocked a range of powerful modifications to optimize vehicle performance and personalize driving experience. This article delves into the key functionalities of Xentry 03/2017, highlighting the customization options available across various vehicle systems.

Air Conditioning System Enhancements

Xentry 03/2017 provided granular control over the air conditioning system, allowing technicians to fine-tune cooling performance and user experience. Key modifications included:

Fan Speed Display in Auto Mode: Users could now monitor the fan speed even when the HVAC system was in automatic mode, providing transparency and control.
MAX COOL Activation (Thermotronic): For vehicles equipped with Thermotronic climate control, Xentry enabled the “MAX COOL” function directly from the display, maximizing cooling power in hot conditions.
Intelligent Recirculation: To enhance cabin air quality and cooling efficiency, recirculation could be automatically activated at speeds below 30 km/h (8 mph), particularly useful in urban environments.
Hot Country Cooling Modes: Xentry offered “Hot Country” modes, including Level 2 for even more aggressive cooling, optimizing AC performance for hotter climates and faster cool-down times.
Defrost Fan Speed Adjustment: Customization extended to defrost settings, allowing fan speed adjustments even during defrost operation for personalized comfort.
Basic Air Circulation Adjustment: The amount of basic air circulation could be modified, influencing cabin air freshness and humidity levels.
Outer Air Circulation Flap Settings: Technicians could adjust the settings of outer air circulation position flaps, impacting air intake and ventilation.
AC-OFF with Defrost/Auto: Xentry enabled the option to turn off the AC compressor when defrost or auto modes were active, potentially saving fuel and reducing load on the engine.
Custom Stationary Heater Setting: The stationary heater setting could be customized, offering tailored pre-heating options.

Cluster Instrument Customization

The instrument cluster, a vital interface for the driver, received significant customization capabilities in Xentry 03/2017:

Fuel Tank Capacity Display: Drivers could enable the display of the fuel tank capacity directly in the cluster, providing a clear indication of fuel levels.
Date and Time on Additional Page: Date and time information could be added to an additional display page within the cluster for enhanced information access.
Navigation and Telephone Menu Activation: For retrofitted navigation and telephone systems, Xentry facilitated the activation of their respective menus within the instrument cluster.
Seat Belt Warning Deactivation: For track use or specific customer preferences, the seat belt beep and/or symbol could be deactivated.
Trailer Loss Warning Activation: Safety features were enhanced with the activation of a trailer loss warning system.
Tire Size Adjustment: After changing tire sizes, the distance coefficient could be adjusted within Xentry to maintain accurate speedometer and odometer readings.
Diesel Pre-Glow Pictogram: For diesel vehicles, the diesel pre-glow pictogram could be activated in the cluster display.
“Please Refill” Pictogram Adjustment: On facelift models, the “Please refill” pictogram behavior could be modified when reaching half of the tank reserve.
Engine Control Lamp Management: The deactivation of the engine control lamp was possible, alongside the activation of the engine fault pictogram for detailed error indication.
Battery Control Unit Warning Pictogram: The battery control unit warning pictogram (comfort function level 1) could be toggled on or off.
“Power Lock Emergency Unlock Active” Pictogram: Post-accident or rollover, the “Power Lock Emergency Unlock Active” pictogram could be activated or deactivated.
Particle Filter Deactivation (Diesel): For off-road or specific applications, particle filter deactivation was available for diesel vehicles.
“Curvmatic” Activation: The “Curvmatic” feature, providing verbal and visual warnings for approaching curves too fast (integrated with Navigation/CI), could be activated.
Audio Menu Steering Wheel Control: Audio menu navigation (station or frequency change) via steering wheel up/down buttons could be enabled.
“Fold-in Mirror” Menu (MY2005): For Model Year 2005 vehicles, the “Fold-in Mirror” menu could be activated.
Fuel Consumption Display Adjustment: The accuracy of the fuel consumption display could be adjusted through Xentry.
“Remove Key” and “Switch Lights Off” Pictogram/Beep Deactivation: Auditory and visual reminders for removing the key or switching off lights could be deactivated.
“SOS Warning Message” Deactivation: The “SOS Warning Message” could be deactivated.
“Power Spikes Pictogram” Activation: The “power spikes pictogram” could be activated for specific diagnostic purposes.

COMAND NTG1 System Tweaks

For vehicles with COMAND NTG1 systems, Xentry 03/2017 offered enhancements to navigation, multimedia, and system behavior:

“Curvmatic” Activation (NTG1): Similar to the cluster instrument, “Curvmatic” functionality could be activated within the COMAND NTG1 system.
DVD/TV Video in Motion (ECE NTG1): For ECE COMAND APS NTG1 units, DVD/TV video playback while in motion could be enabled (where legally permitted).
Auto Shut Off “Follow Up Time” Adjustment: The “follow up time” for automatic shut-off functions could be modified.
AMG Boot Up Logo: Personalization options included changing the boot-up logo to an AMG logo.
Navigation and Telephone Activation (Retrofit): For retrofitted navigation and telephone modules, Xentry enabled their activation within the COMAND system.
Software Update SW 28/08: Software updates, such as SW 28/08, could be applied through Xentry.

Anti-Theft Alarm System Configuration

Xentry 03/2017 provided extensive configuration options for the anti-theft alarm system:

Retrofit Activation: Anti-theft alarm systems could be activated after being retrofitted to the vehicle.
Country Setting Changes: Country-specific alarm system settings could be adjusted.
Alarm Buzzer Volume Adjustment: The volume of the alarm buzzer could be customized.
Lock/Unlock Buzzer Volume Adjustment: The volume of the lock/unlock confirmation buzzer could be adjusted.
Lock/Unlock Beep Count Modification: The number of beeps during locking and unlocking operations could be changed.
Incorrectly Closed Door Beep Count: The beep count when locking with a door incorrectly closed could be modified.
Interior Motion Sensor Deactivation (Sunroof Close): The interior motion sensor could be deactivated when the sunroof automatically closes due to rain.

AIRmatic Suspension Calibration and Lowering

For vehicles equipped with AIRmatic suspension, Xentry 03/2017 offered critical functionalities:

Lowering: Vehicle ride height could be lowered for aesthetic or performance purposes.
Calibration: AIRmatic suspension systems could be calibrated to correct uneven vehicle stance.

Lighting System Enhancements

Lighting system customization was also a key feature of Xentry 03/2017:

Dual Rear Fog Light Activation: Both rear fog lights could be activated, enhancing visibility in foggy conditions.
Cornering Lights (MY2004+): Cornering lights, improving visibility during turns, could be activated on Model Year 2004 and newer vehicles.
Low Beam Turn-On Instant Adjustment: The timing for automatic low beam activation at dawn could be adjusted.
Footwell Light Brightness (Elegance/Avantgarde): The brightness of footwell lights during driving could be customized on Elegance and Avantgarde trim levels.

Sunroof and Door Customizations

Xentry 03/2017 extended customization to sunroof and door functionalities:

Sunroof Memory Feature Activation: A memory feature for sunroof positions could be enabled.
“Sunroof Closes in Rain” Activation: Automatic sunroof closure when rain is detected could be activated.
“Close Windows and Sunroof” with IR Key: The convenience feature to close windows and the sunroof using the infrared key could be activated.
Sunroof Jam Guard Recalibration: The sunroof jam guard system could be recalibrated.

Engine Modifications

Engine-related modifications in Xentry 03/2017 focused on performance and maintenance:

Catalytic Converter Deactivation (Sports Cat): When installing sports catalytic converters, the primary catalytic converter could be deactivated in the software.
Secondary Lambda Sensor Deactivation (Sports Cat): Similarly, the secondary catalytic converter lambda sensor could be deactivated after installing a sports catalytic converter.
“Mass Average Adaptation Data” Reset (OM642): After air filter replacement on OM642 engines, the “Mass Average Adaptation Data” could be reset.
Throttle Valve Initialization: When the throttle valve was replaced, initialization could be performed via Xentry.
MAX SPEED Increase (AMG): For AMG vehicles, the maximum speed limiter could be increased to 160 mph (where legally permissible and vehicle capabilities allow).

Miscellaneous System Adjustments

Beyond specific systems, Xentry 03/2017 offered a range of miscellaneous adjustments:

Tire Pressure Loss Warning Activation: The Tire Pressure Loss Warning system could be activated.
Euro Spec Headlights/Taillights Activation (Unlock): Euro-spec headlight and taillight activation upon unlocking the car could be enabled.
Parktronic Volume Adjustment: The volume of the Parktronic parking assist system could be adjusted.
Headlight Cleaning System Interval Adjustment: The interval of the headlight cleaning system could be modified.
Seat Ventilation “Summer Opening”: Seat ventilation “Summer Opening” (driver and passenger) could be activated for enhanced comfort.
Rain Sensor Recalibration: The rain sensor could be recalibrated for optimal wiper performance.
SBC Brake Counter Reset: The SBC brake counter could be reset (for maintenance purposes by qualified technicians).

ESP/Brake System Features

For ESP/Brake systems, Xentry 03/2017 enabled specific modes:

SBC-S and SBC-H Enablement: SBC-S and SBC-H modes could be enabled for specific driving conditions or diagnostic purposes (requires expert knowledge of SBC brake systems).

AMG Exclusive Sound Enhancement

For AMG models, Xentry 03/2017 provided a unique sound customization:

Designo Sound: The “Designo Sound” option could be activated to deliver a deeper, more aggressive engine and exhaust note from AMG engines and exhaust systems.

Conclusion

Xentry 03/2017 represented a significant step forward in vehicle customization and diagnostic capabilities for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. From fine-tuning climate control to personalizing instrument cluster displays and enhancing engine performance (where applicable and legally compliant), this version of Xentry offered a comprehensive suite of modifications. While accessing these features requires specialized knowledge and the appropriate Xentry system, the potential to optimize vehicle performance and personalize the driving experience was undeniably powerful with Xentry 03/2017.