Mercedes-Benz SD Connect Remote Diagnostics: XENTRY, SCN Coding and DTS Monaco via eLinehub
SD Connect C4 or C6 appears as a local Ethernet VCI on the Technician’s PC — XENTRY, DTS Monaco and Vediamo run on your own machine with your own credentials. No hardware relay box. No remote desktop.
For Mercedes-Benz electronics specialists who hold XENTRY Diagnosis, DTS Monaco or Vediamo with a Mercedes Online account: eLinehub bridges the SD Connect’s network adapter from the workshop PC to your diagnostic PC over the internet via a Virtual Bridge. XENTRY sees the SD Connect on the expected 172.29.x.x subnet — SCN coding, online programming, DoIP topology scans, DTS Monaco parameter work and Vediamo scripts all run exactly as they do on a local bench.
The workshop provides the vehicle and the SD Connect. You bring XENTRY, DTS Monaco, Vediamo and your Mercedes Online credentials. eLinehub provides the bridge.
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Free to use for shops and field teams.
1. Why Most Mercedes-Benz Module Replacements Cannot Be Completed Without XENTRY
Replacing a part on a Mercedes-Benz does not end when the part is bolted in. For every generation from the W204 C-Class onward, most replaced control units require a Software Calibration Number (SCN) coding step before the vehicle will accept the unit — and SCN coding routes live through the Mercedes-Benz backend over an authenticated XENTRY session. Without that step, the control unit remains invisible to the vehicle network, leaves active faults, or refuses to communicate entirely.
SCN coding is not a dealer-only service by design, but it requires XENTRY Diagnosis running on a Windows PC, with an active Mercedes Online account, connected to an SD Connect VCI over the 172.29.x.x subnet. Shops that do not hold a Mercedes Online subscription cannot complete these jobs regardless of what aftermarket scanner they own.
The control units that trigger this requirement on the most common models:
ME engine control unit
W205 C300/C43, W213 E300/E350/E63, W222 S550/S63, W167 GLE350/GLE63, and all combustion-engine platforms through the current generation. Flash and SCN coding are two separate steps: XENTRY downloads the correct software file for the VIN, writes it, then contacts the backend for the SCN validation. A successful flash without SCN leaves the ECU functional but uncoded — fault codes remain active, and follow-up SCN sessions on a partial-flash ECU carry additional risk.
722.9 VGS/TCM (conductor plate)
Installed inside the 7G-Tronic transmission on E-Class, C-Class, S-Class, GLE, GLS, ML and GL. The conductor plate is a TRP (technically restricted part). New and replacement conductor plates require VeDoc re-documentation, a software flash, and SCN coding via XENTRY. Workshops that reuse the original conductor plate avoid this; any shop installing a new or replacement unit does not. The 722.9 is one of the highest-frequency SCN coding jobs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles — it fails frequently from speed sensor faults and conductor plate degradation on W212 E-Class and W204/W205 C-Class.
SAM (Signal Acquisition Module, front and rear)
High-frequency failure on W204/W205/W212/W213, particularly the rear SAM on E-Class. Replacement SAMs arrive uncoded — XENTRY’s quick test cannot see them until SCN coding completes. A workshop fitting a new rear SAM and delivering the car without XENTRY access will have a vehicle that won’t lock remotely, won’t respond to the key correctly, and shows a raft of CAN communication faults.
ABS/ESP control unit
Mandatory SCN for all platforms from W204 forward.
SRS airbag control unit
SCN required after any replacement. Post-collision shops that fit a replacement ACM and skip SCN cannot sign off the repair: the vehicle will show an active SRS fault and, depending on the market, fail any safety inspection.
COMAND/MBUX head unit (NTG5 through NTG7)
Head units sourced from breakers arrive uncoded and will not enable audio, navigation, telephony or vehicle functions until XENTRY writes the SCN number matched to the car’s VIN and option configuration.
Door control units (DCU)
Mercedes service bulletins mandate SCN coding of DCUs on several model years; a replaced DCU reads as invisible in XENTRY quick test and produces a permanent chassis communication fault until coded.
EIS / EZS (ignition/steering lock)
Keyless system modules that require online authentication for replacement and matching to the vehicle.
For 2021-and-later vehicles
W206 C-Class, W223 S-Class, X167 GLE/GLS facelift, W214 E-Class, EQS (V297) and EQE (Z295): in addition to the standard SCN requirements above, XENTRY requires a Xentry diagnostic certificate (ZenZefi format) for offline guided diagnostics and adaptations on modules behind the vehicle’s secure gateway. This certificate is held by the Technician independently; eLinehub bridges the SD Connect and does not affect how XENTRY authenticates or uses the certificate.
2. Why Remote Desktop Fails for XENTRY + SD Connect
Most remote diagnostic attempts with SD Connect fail because they rely on remote desktop — TeamViewer, AnyDesk or equivalent screen-sharing tools. Remote desktop transmits screenshots and mouse inputs. XENTRY running on the remote screen never sees a network adapter belonging to the SD Connect, so it cannot discover the device at all. This is a fundamental architectural mismatch, not a configuration issue.
XENTRY fixed-IP requirement.
XENTRY expects the SD Connect on a 172.29.x.x subnet. A screen-sharing relay cannot replicate this network-level behavior.
SCN coding session integrity.
SCN coding requires an uninterrupted three-way exchange: XENTRY ↔ SD Connect ↔ Mercedes-Benz backend. Any packet reordering, brief disconnect or IP path change during this exchange invalidates the SCN session and may leave the ECU with a blank or partial calibration number.
DoIP topology scans on MRA2 / EVA2 / MMA platforms.
Newer Mercedes-Benz architectures generate sustained high-packet-per-second DoIP bursts during ECU discovery and programming. Generic VPNs and consumer routers silently reorder or buffer these packets, breaking XENTRY’s protocol timing.
DTS Monaco and Vediamo direct TCP/IP dependency.
Both tools require a direct TCP/IP connection to the SD Connect Ethernet adapter. Neither will enumerate the VCI through a screen share under any configuration.
eLinehub bridges the SD Connect’s physical network adapter at Layer 2 across the internet. XENTRY, DTS Monaco and Vediamo on the Technician PC see an Ethernet adapter on the expected 172.29.x.x subnet — no screen share, no protocol translation.
3. How eLinehub Works with SD Connect — Virtual Bridge
eLinehub uses VCI Mapping with a Virtual Bridge mode designed for Ethernet-connected VCIs such as SD Connect C4 and C6. Unlike USB device mapping used for VAS6154A or BMW ENET, SD Connect requires Layer 2 bridging because XENTRY relies on Ethernet broadcast behavior for VCI discovery.
① Layer 2 bridging — MAC and broadcast preservation.
The Mechanic shares the physical NIC connected to SD Connect. The Technician’s eLinehub virtual adapter receives the same Ethernet frames — including MAC addresses, broadcast packets and DoIP discovery replies — that XENTRY expects from a locally attached SD Connect.
② Static IP aligned with XENTRY behavior.
The eLinehub virtual adapter on the Technician PC — eLinehub Link if you selected that bridging sub-mode, or eLinehub vNet if you selected vNet — must be configured with a static IP address in the 172.29.x.x range.
The specific address must avoid two types of conflict:
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Mechanic-side conflict: If the Mechanic’s physical NIC (connected to SD Connect) has a 172.29.x.x static IP from prior local XENTRY use — for example, 172.29.127.119 — the Technician’s eLinehub virtual adapter must use a different address in that subnet.
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Technician-side conflict: If the Technician’s own physical NIC has a 172.29.x.x address for local bench work, the eLinehub virtual adapter must use a different address to avoid routing conflicts.
172.29.127.119 / 255.255.0.0 / gateway 172.29.0.1 is the standard XENTRY local address and works when neither conflict is present. If conflicts exist, choose any other unused address in the 172.29.x.x range — for example, 172.29.127.120.
③ Low-jitter, long-session transport.
The tunnel avoids aggressive compression, packet reordering and buffering that disturb OEM protocol timing — critical for SCN coding and DoIP programming sessions that run for extended periods with no tolerance for mid-session interruption.
What eLinehub does not do: eLinehub does not provide Mercedes Online accounts, XENTRY licenses, FDOK credentials or SCN access. It only bridges the physical SD Connect network presence from the workshop to the Technician’s PC.
Connection mode: SD Connect uses network adapter bridging, which operates in Relay mode only. Direct/P2P mode applies to USB-mapped devices only.
4. SD Connect C4 vs C6 — Remote Setup and Configuration
SD Connect C4
C4 uses a straightforward Ethernet connection with no persistent local management service. Once connected to the workshop PC via LAN cable and recognized as an active network link, it can be shared immediately through eLinehub Mechanic with no additional preparation.
Mechanic setup for C4:
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Connect SD Connect C4 to the vehicle OBD port.
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Connect SD Connect C4 to the workshop PC via wired Ethernet (LAN cable) — not WiFi.
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Verify Windows shows an active network link on the NIC connected to C4.
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Open eLinehub Mechanic and share the network adapter.
SD Connect C6 (and compatible VXDIAG devices)
C6 runs background VCI management services that bind the device to the local PC. If any remain active when eLinehub tries to bridge the adapter, the remote Technician’s XENTRY cannot enumerate the SD Connect — the device appears locked to the Mechanic’s machine.
To release the C6, stop the process or its corresponding service — whichever is present. The lists below cover all known names across different C6 and VXDIAG installations; not all will exist on every machine.
Processes (Task Manager → Details tab):
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VciManager.exe · VCIConfig.exe · VXManager.exe
Services (services.msc):
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Daimler VCI Manager · Bosch VCI Manager · Device Management · VXDIAG SDK · DaimlerVCIIndentService
Once the device is released, open eLinehub Mechanic and share the C6 network adapter. XENTRY on the Technician PC will discover the C6 normally on the 172.29.x.x subnet.
Note: This release step is required at the start of each remote session. Some C6 firmware versions automatically restart their management service when the device reconnects to power or USB — confirm the service remains stopped before the Technician launches XENTRY.
5. Real Job Workflows
Scenario A — SAM / ME ECU Replacement with SCN Coding
_Applicable to: W205, W212, W213, W222, W167, W223 — nearly any control unit replacement requiring Mercedes Online authentication.
A workshop replaces the rear SAM on a W213 E300. The new unit arrives blank — XENTRY cannot see it in the quick test, the car will not lock remotely, and CAN communication faults are active. The shop does not hold a Mercedes Online account.
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Mechanic connects SD Connect C4 to the vehicle OBD port and to the workshop PC via LAN cable. Opens eLinehub Mechanic, publishes the order and shares the Passcode with the Technician.
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Technician enters the Passcode in eLinehub Technician to accept the order. Selects Mechanic Network Adapter and the eLinehub Link bridging mode.
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Wait for the eLinehub Link adapter to show connected status on the Technician PC. Do not launch XENTRY until the adapter is active.
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On the Technician PC, open Windows Network Connections. Locate the eLinehub Link adapter (or eLinehub vNet if that mode was selected). Set IPv4: address in the 172.29.x.x range, subnet mask 255.255.0.0, gateway 172.29.0.1. Use 172.29.127.119 unless that address conflicts with the Mechanic’s NIC IP or a physical NIC on the Technician PC also in the 172.29.x.x range — in that case, choose any other unused address.
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Technician launches XENTRY Diagnosis. XENTRY broadcasts DoIP discovery on the eLinehub adapter and finds SD Connect within seconds.
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Quick test identifies the rear SAM as present but uncoded. Technician navigates to SAM → control unit variant coding. Authenticates with Mercedes Online credentials directly through XENTRY. SCN request returns the calibration number and writes it to the SAM.
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Quick test confirms the SAM is coded and visible. Residual faults cleared. Job complete.
On a stable connection with normal SCN server response, this remote session typically runs 15–25 minutes from connection to fault-clear.
Scenario B — 722.9 VGS/TCM Conductor Plate Flash and SCN Coding
_Applicable to: W212/W213 E-Class, W204/W205 C-Class, W221/W222 S-Class, W166/W167 GLE/GLS, W164/W166 ML/GL.
A transmission specialist replaces a 722.9 conductor plate on a W212 E350 after the original VGS failed from speed sensor faults. The replacement is a new OEM conductor plate — not a rebuilder’s transplant of the original electronics.
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Gearbox reinstalled, conductor plate connector seated. Mechanic connects SD Connect C4, publishes the order and shares the Passcode.
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Technician accepts via Passcode and connects through eLinehub Link. Configures the eLinehub adapter IP per Scenario A, Step 4.
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Connect a programming power supply delivering 13.5–14.2V at 100A+ to the vehicle before proceeding. Voltage drop during the flash is the most common cause of a partial write and a damaged conductor plate.
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XENTRY quick test shows the VGS as unprogrammed or with a mismatched SCN number against the vehicle ECM.
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Technician navigates to VGS → control unit adaptations → SCN coding update. XENTRY contacts the Daimler SCN server, pulls the correct software flash file for the VIN and writes it to the conductor plate.
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SCN coding assigns the calibration number. VGS is now matched to the VIN.
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Transmission adaptations are reset. Technician guides the shop through a brief adaptation drive cycle to re-establish shift pressure learning.
One preparation note: some 722.9 conductor plates have production-calibrated shift pressure values tied to their paired valve body. Confirm valve body compatibility with the replacement unit before booking — if the pairing is required, a valve body swap must precede the remote session.
Scenario C — DoIP ECU Programming on W907, W206 and EVA2 Platforms
_Required for any module work on 2019+ vehicles. Particularly relevant for Sprinter W907 fleet operators.
A fleet maintenance provider needs an ECM replacement on a Sprinter 2500 W907 after a fuel system fault. The W907 is fully DoIP — CAN-based diagnostic tools and J2534 PassThru devices that worked on the W906 will not complete this job.
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Mechanic stops all C6 VCI management services listed in Section 4. Connects C6 to the W907 OBD port and to the workshop PC via LAN cable. Publishes the order.
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Technician accepts via Passcode, connects through eLinehub Link and configures the eLinehub adapter IP per Scenario A, Step 4.
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XENTRY runs a DoIP topology scan — a high-packet-per-second broadcast enumerating every ECU on the vehicle’s Ethernet backbone. The eLinehub tunnel passes this traffic without reordering; the scan completes at normal speed.
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XENTRY identifies the replacement ECM as unconfigured and opens the guided programming sequence.
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If the W907’s DoIP network gateway causes the Technician’s internet to drop while the diagnostic session stays active, use the Switch button in the eLinehub software to toggle between diagnostic priority mode and normal internet mode. Toggle only between sessions — never during SCN coding or flash.
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XENTRY downloads the software file and begins the ECM flash. Programming power supply mandatory throughout. On W907 over DoIP, a full ECM flash typically runs 8–14 minutes on a stable connection.
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SCN coding completes. Quick test confirms ECM responds correctly.
For multi-site fleet operators: one Technician account can cover all fleet locations sequentially. Each workshop only needs eLinehub Mechanic and an SD Connect — no on-site specialist travel required.
Scenario D — Radar and ADAS Initialization After Collision Repair
_Active on W205, W213, W167, W206 and any chassis with Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist or Distronic.
A collision repair center replaces the rear bumper cover on a W205 C300. The rear short-range radar (SRR) sensors require initialization after any rear bumper removal — without it, Blind Spot Assist and Active Brake Assist remain inactive and the instrument cluster shows persistent driver assistance system faults.
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Body repair complete. SD Connect C4 connected to vehicle OBD port and workshop PC via LAN. Mechanic publishes order and shares Passcode.
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Technician accepts via Passcode, connects through eLinehub Link and configures the eLinehub adapter IP per Scenario A, Step 4.
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XENTRY quick test — radar-related fault codes present in BSM and ESP modules.
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Navigate to SRR module → adaptations → radar sensor initialization. Rear SRR sensors use a dynamic teach-in requiring no physical calibration target — the initialization runs entirely in software after confirming sensor mounting position is correct.
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Clear all ADAS fault codes. Road test above 30 km/h to confirm BSM mirror triangle indicators activate normally.
For shops handling windshield replacements: forward cameras on W205 and later require a static calibration target at the OEM-specified distance. Confirm the workshop floor is prepared before scheduling the XENTRY session.
6. DTS Monaco and Vediamo Remotely via SD Connect
DTS Monaco and Vediamo require a direct TCP/IP connection to the SD Connect Ethernet adapter — remote desktop is not viable for either tool under any configuration. With eLinehub Virtual Bridge, both tools connect to the mapped SD Connect adapter exactly as they do on a local bench. No tool configuration changes are needed.
DTS Monaco remote workflows:
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Custom .mdiag sequence execution
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Parameter-level ECU modification on AMG, Maybach and high-spec variants
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Seed-key authentication for protected ECU functions
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Raw CAN and DoIP trace capture
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Retrofit and hidden option enablement via engineering-level access
Vediamo remote workflows:
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Direct ECU flash via .smr-d container scripts
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Variant coding with full parameter visibility
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SFD-equivalent engineering access on MRA2 platform ECUs
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Session state logging and parameter comparison across multiple vehicles
Note: DTS Monaco and Vediamo sessions should run on the same PC as XENTRY. Running them from a separate machine while sharing a single SD Connect session is technically possible but not recommended for programming workflows.
7. End-to-End Setup
System requirements: Windows 7 64-bit minimum; Windows 10 or 11 64-bit recommended. Not supported on Mac, Linux, Android or Windows ARM.
Mechanic Side — Workshop
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Connect SD Connect C4 or C6 to the vehicle OBD port and to the workshop PC via wired Ethernet (LAN cable).
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For C6 only: Stop all VCI management services and processes listed in Section 4.
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Verify Windows shows an active network link on the NIC connected to SD Connect.
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Install eLinehub Mechanic on the workshop Windows PC.
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Open eLinehub Mechanic, create a new order and share the Passcode with the Technician. No XENTRY, DTS Monaco, Vediamo or Mercedes Online credentials required on the Mechanic PC. The Mechanic software is free.
Technician Side — Remote Specialist
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Install eLinehub Technician on the PC that already has XENTRY, DTS Monaco and/or Vediamo with Mercedes Online credentials configured.
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Sign in and accept the order by entering the Passcode shared by the Mechanic. If the workshop uses a Custom Mechanic build, orders are auto-assigned.
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Select Mechanic Network Adapter and choose eLinehub Link (or eLinehub vNet if required) as the bridging mode.
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Once the bridge is established, open Windows Network Connections. Locate the eLinehub Link or eLinehub vNet adapter corresponding to the mode selected in Step 3. Set IPv4: address in the 172.29.x.x range, subnet mask 255.255.0.0, gateway 172.29.0.1. Use 172.29.127.119 unless it conflicts with the Mechanic’s NIC IP or a physical NIC on the Technician PC also in the 172.29.x.x range.
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Launch XENTRY Diagnosis (and DTS Monaco or Vediamo if needed). SD Connect appears as a locally connected device on the 172.29.x.x network.
For step-by-step screenshots and configuration walkthroughs, see the Setup Guide links above.
8. Network Requirements
Both sides need a minimum 10 Mbps upload bandwidth. Wired connections are required on both sides for SCN coding and flash sessions.
Session type | RTT target |
|---|---|
Fault reading / quick test | Under 150 ms |
SCN online coding | Under 80 ms |
ECU flash / software write | Under 80 ms |
DoIP topology scan (W907, W206, EVA2) | Under 60 ms |
Check live latency in the eLinehub connection panel before starting any SCN coding or programming. Do not proceed if latency is above threshold or packet loss is non-zero.
Before any SCN coding or online flash: connect a professional programming power supply delivering steady 13.5–14.2V at 100A+ to the vehicle. Voltage drop during a flash sequence is the most common cause of ECU failure in remote programming.
DoIP internet continuity: when SD Connect is bridged and the vehicle’s DoIP network has an active gateway, the Technician PC’s internet may drop while the diagnostic session stays active. Use the Switch button to toggle between diagnostic priority mode and normal internet mode — only between sessions, never during SCN coding or flash.
9. Customer Protection and Business Control
Orders are created by the Mechanic and require a Passcode to accept — no other specialist on the platform can pick up a workshop’s jobs without it. Technicians can also distribute a Custom Mechanic build that permanently links a workshop to their account, with all orders auto-assigned by default. For complex multi-ECU jobs, a Technician can share a specific order with a trusted colleague — external collaborators cannot see Mechanic contact information or claim the workshop relationship.
10. Mercedes-Benz Platform and Protocol Compatibility
Vehicle series:
C-Class (W204, W205, W206), E-Class (W212, W213, W214), S-Class (W221, W222, W223), GLC (W253, X254), GLE (W166, W167), GLS, CLA, CLS, EQS, EQE, EQA, EQB, Sprinter (W906, W907), Vito (W447), AMG and Maybach variants
Architectures:
Classic CAN/K-Line (W204/W212 generation), MRA2, EVA2, MMA, EQ series (full DoIP)
Protocols:
K-Line, CAN, CAN FD, FlexRay, DoIP/Ethernet, UDS, ISO-TP
Online functions:
SCN coding, online programming, FDOK, seed-key authentication, EIS/EZS online pairing, SOC commissioning
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run XENTRY Diagnosis remotely with SD Connect C4 or C6?
Yes. eLinehub bridges the SD Connect network adapter to the Technician PC via Virtual Bridge. XENTRY discovers the SD Connect on the expected 172.29.x.x subnet and treats it as a locally connected device — full vehicle scan, SCN coding, online programming and DTS Monaco sessions all work as in a local setup.
What is the difference between eLinehub and remote desktop for XENTRY?
Remote desktop shares a screen — XENTRY never sees an SD Connect. eLinehub bridges the SD Connect network adapter at Layer 2, so XENTRY runs on the Technician PC with SD Connect appearing as a local Ethernet VCI, preserving 172.29.x.x IP behavior and DoIP timing in a way that screen sharing cannot replicate.
Does SCN coding work in a remote XENTRY session via eLinehub?
Yes. eLinehub Virtual Bridge preserves the 172.29.x.x subnet behavior and avoids the packet reordering that causes SCN session failures over generic VPNs. The Technician retains their own Mercedes Online and FDOK credentials throughout. Stable power supply and wired Ethernet on the Mechanic side remain essential.
Can DTS Monaco and Vediamo be used remotely via SD Connect?
Yes. Both tools connect to the SD Connect through the eLinehub virtual adapter exactly as they do on a local bench. Scripts, parameter modifications and seed-key operations work without any change to tool configuration.
What is the difference between SD Connect C4 and C6 for remote use?
C4 works with eLinehub after a straightforward Ethernet connection with no additional preparation. C6 requires stopping local VCI management services (VciManager.exe, Daimler VCI Manager, VXDIAG SDK, etc.) before sharing, to release the device so the Technician’s XENTRY can enumerate it. This step is required at the start of each session.
How do I configure the static IP for XENTRY with eLinehub?
Open Windows Network Connections on the Technician PC and locate the eLinehub Link or eLinehub vNet adapter matching your bridging mode. Set IPv4 to an address in the 172.29.x.x range (subnet mask 255.255.0.0, gateway 172.29.0.1). 172.29.127.119 is the standard starting point. Before using it, check for two conflicts: the Mechanic’s physical NIC connected to SD Connect may already have that address from prior local XENTRY use; the Technician’s own physical NIC may also be in the 172.29.x.x range for bench work. In either case, choose a different address in the same subnet.
Does the Mechanic need XENTRY installed?
No. The Mechanic only needs the SD Connect connected via Ethernet to the workshop PC and eLinehub Mechanic installed. XENTRY, DTS Monaco and Vediamo stay on the Technician PC — installing diagnostic software on the Mechanic PC is not recommended.
Do I need a Xentry diagnostic certificate for 2021-and-later vehicles?
Yes — for W206, W223, X167 facelift, W214, EQS, EQE and other vehicles with the secure gateway architecture, XENTRY requires a Xentry diagnostic certificate (ZenZefi format) for offline guided diagnostics and adaptations. The certificate is held by the Technician independently. eLinehub does not affect certificate authentication. SCN coding runs through the live Mercedes Online session and is not blocked by the certificate requirement.
Can I protect my Mercedes workshop customers from being reassigned to other technicians?
Yes. Passcode Order Protection means only the right Technician can accept a job. Custom Mechanic software permanently binds a workshop to a specific Technician by default, keeping customer relationships stable regardless of how many other specialists use the same platform.
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