Mercedes WIS (Workshop Information System)

[jwight]

One of the eBay sellers MERCEDES BENZ EWA net Repair Manual WIS ASRA up to 2009:eBay Motors (item 300307556294 end time May-12-09 21:43:32 PDT) notes that the DVDs are not compatible with VISTA Home versions.

[Smart Magus]

The WIS is the same all over the world. The difference in results is due the key.
Different keys produce different levels of access.
The US dealers use a key that does not unlock all the info.
SmartCarofAmerica members do not need to buy anything, they only need to ask, and they will receive.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Originally Posted by JimDantin

$21.99 with free shipping from AUTO-MANUALS.BIZ (the version without EPC)! Couldn't pass that up. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Same here, I'll update after I recieve mine as well.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by Smart Magus

The US dealers use a key that does not unlock all the info.

I placed my order minutes ago. I want all the info.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Anybody else recieve theirs yet? I got mine in the mail yesterday, and can't seem to get it to work. Also, their web forum is useless for help. Not a happy customer so far.

[JimDantin]

I finally got mine and after a few hours of work, got it up and running. The online documentation steps do work, but are missing some details. I think I have it figured out, so I'll try to help.

A couple tips:
1. It does NOT like Google Chrome
2. If you bought the 2009 version, follow the directions for 2009 VISTA even if you are running XP.
3. EVERY step is important
4. If you want to start over, there is a utility on the DVD that wipes everything clean.

After digging through the information in the WIS, I can understand why some of the smart center techs have difficulties. The information is rather sparse and fragmented -- electrical diagrams are broken up into tiny segments instead of a nice overview that we have come to expect with other car brands.

It's barely worth the $20 I spent -- certainly not worth any more so don't waste your money on more expensive copies (they're all the same other than the inclusion of the parts catalog)

There is a reasonable amount of information regarding disassembling the smart. The Smart is listed separately from "Cars" -- and there is NO Smart section in the Diagnosis section! The 2009 version is Java based and most navigation is by clicking on a link. It takes some getting used to!

I'll start learning how to best use the info.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Did you have to e-mail them back for the keys to get it to work? I'm waiting on mine right now, I hope this fixes my issue.

[NCC1701]

How long did it take y'all to receive the software? I ordered on the 14th, checked my account just now ... says it was shipped on the 16th. I haven't yet received it. Well, it's only been 9 days, with a holiday and a couple Sundays in the mix.

Thanks, JimDantin, for the installation notes. Will be handy to have. Doesn't sound very useful ... especially to someone like me who is just more curious than anything practical. Oh well, I've wasted more on lesser things.

[JimDantin]

Yes, you need the keys.

The package came from eastern Europe, so don't get too impatient.

"Useful" is different for everyone. It's useful for me to preview what's under the skin. And, the wiring info is required for some things.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by JimDantin

Yes, you need the keys.

It isn't sent along with the software?