For independent auto repair shops striving to stay competitive in today’s market, access to advanced diagnostic tools is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Mercedes-Benz vehicles, known for their complex engineering, demand specialized software for effective maintenance and repair. This is where XENTRY Pass Thru EU comes into play, offering a solution tailored for independent operators. But is the Xentry Yearly Subscription model the right choice for your business? This article delves into the features, benefits, and considerations of XENTRY Pass Thru EU to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding XENTRY Pass Thru EU: Diagnostics for the Modern Workshop
XENTRY Pass Thru EU is the official Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software designed for standard PCs, specifically catering to independent workshops in accordance with EC regulation 2018/858. This software provides a pathway to perform in-depth diagnostics, coding, and programming on a wide range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles without needing the full, dealership-level XENTRY Diagnosis Kit.
To gain access to XENTRY Pass Thru EU and its xentry yearly subscription, Mercedes-Benz requires verification to ensure it’s being used by authorized professionals. This involves providing documentation such as a trade license, commercial register entry, or proof of automotive professional qualifications. This step ensures that the software is used responsibly and by qualified technicians.
XENTRY Pass Thru EU Pricing: Is the Yearly Subscription Cost-Effective?
The pricing structure for XENTRY Pass Thru EU includes both flat-rate yearly fees and time-based credits, offering flexibility depending on your workshop’s needs. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
| Fee Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Flat-rate user fee (1 year) | 180.00 € / year |
Time-Based Credits:
| Vehicle Type | 1 Hour | 1 Day | 1 Week | 1 Month | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MB PC incl. VAN, smart, EQ, Maybach | 14.20 € | 56.90 € | 176.30 € | 453.40 € | 3,128.00 € |
| MB VAN | 7.40 € | 29.80 € | 92.40 € | 237.90 € | 1,634.00 € |
| smart | 7.40 € | 29.80 € | 92.40 € | 237.90 € | 1,634.00 € |
The xentry yearly subscription at 180.00 € per year provides access to the platform and is a recurring cost. In addition to this, you will need to purchase time credits to actually perform diagnostics. For workshops that regularly service Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the yearly fee combined with strategic use of time credits can be a significantly more affordable option compared to pay-as-you-go models or investing in more expensive, comprehensive diagnostic systems. The yearly subscription ensures continuous access to the software, allowing for better budgeting and service planning.
Functionality and Diagnostic Scope: What Can You Do with XENTRY Pass Thru EU?
Despite being a Pass Thru solution, XENTRY Pass Thru EU offers a remarkably comprehensive diagnostic scope, covering nearly all essential functions. This includes:
- Quick Test and Functional Diagnosis: Allows for rapid system checks and in-depth analysis of specific functions, although it may take longer due to single-channel operation.
- Basic Diagnosis: Available within the XENTRY Diagnosis environment.
- Commissioning: Includes flashing, coding, and parameterization of control units.
- Extensive Vehicle Coverage: Diagnosis is available for:
- All Mercedes-Benz and smart passenger car model series certified to Euro 5 and 6.
- All Mercedes-Benz van model series certified to Euro 5 and 6.
- All purely battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) from Mercedes-Benz.
- XENTRY Flash: Functionality available for all Euro 5 and 6 certified models, as well as BEVs.
- Symptom-Based Processing: Utilizes standardized symptoms for efficient diagnosis.
- Diagnosis over IP (DoIP): Supported if your Pass Thru device is DoIP-compatible, enabling flashing of newer Head Units and Instrument Clusters (excluding model series 206 and 223 introductions if device is not DoIP compatible).
Important Notes on DoIP Compatibility:
For newer Mercedes-Benz models that exclusively use DoIP diagnostics (model series 206 and 223 onwards), specific adapters are required and have been tested by Mercedes-Benz AG. It is crucial to use only Mercedes-Benz approved adapters for DoIP models when using XENTRY Pass Thru to ensure proper function and avoid potential damage.
For older, non-DoIP models, Mercedes-Benz recommends specific pass-thru devices such as:
- Actia Passthru+ XS 2G
- Bosch KTS 560
- ADIS Technology EURO VCI
It’s essential to ensure that your chosen Pass Thru device adheres to the SAE J2534 standard and is purchased from reputable sources.
It is also crucial to note that XENTRY Pass Thru EU has limitations and does not support all Mercedes-Benz model series and designations. For workshops requiring full diagnostic capabilities across all models, the XENTRY Diagnosis Kit 4 remains the recommended solution.
Key Benefits of XENTRY Pass Thru EU: Why Choose the Yearly Subscription?
- Cost-Effective Diagnostics: Utilize standard PCs and affordable Pass Thru devices, reducing the initial investment compared to proprietary diagnostic systems. The xentry yearly subscription model further minimizes ongoing costs.
- Near-Complete Diagnostic Scope: Access a wide range of diagnostic functions, from basic tests to advanced coding and flashing, covering most routine and complex repair needs.
- Broad Vehicle Compatibility: Supports Euro 5 and 6 compliant passenger cars and vans, as well as electric vehicles, covering a significant portion of the Mercedes-Benz fleet on the road.
System Requirements: Ensuring Compatibility with XENTRY Pass Thru EU
To run XENTRY Pass Thru EU effectively, your workshop needs to meet certain system requirements. These include:
- Hardware StartKey: A hardware-specific StartKey is necessary to operate the software, obtainable through the Mercedes-Benz B2B Connect portal.
- Administrator Rights: Required for software installation and updates.
- Personalized Login: Each user needs a personal login with standard diagnosis rights, obtained via the UMAS platform.
- PC/Laptop Specifications:
- Intel i5 processor or equivalent (or better)
- Windows 10 (64 Bit) or Windows 11 (64 Bit) operating system
- Minimum 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
- Minimum 150 GB free HDD space (SSD recommended for performance)
- Edge browser for Windows
- USB 3.0 port for XENTRY Diagnosis VCI connection
- Free USB port for WiFi stick (wireless VCI communication)
- Broadband Internet access (LAN/WiFi)
- Software Prerequisites: Microsoft .NET 4.0 (or higher) installed.
- Firewall and Proxy Settings: Specific URLs and ports must be unblocked (see table below).
URLs and Ports to Unblock:
| Purpose | URL/Domain | Port |
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