MB Star C4 Plus DOIP vs. Standard C4 with ENET: Which One Should You Choose?
I’m currently evaluating whether to upgrade my standard MB Star C4 clone to the C4 Plus with DOIP, or simply add an ENET cable for newer vehicle support. Here’s my understanding so far, along with some clarifying feedback and considerations.
Star C4 Plus with DOIP (Chinese Clone)
The main benefit of the C4 Plus DOIP is its built-in support for both traditional CAN and DOIP (Diagnostics over IP) protocols. It can operate on both 172.29.127.X and 169.254.155.X subnets, provided the Ethernet settings are correctly configured. This allows seamless switching between older and newer Mercedes vehicles without having to change network settings or hardware.
Key advantages:
- No manual network configuration needed when switching vehicles.
- Full support for both older and newer models, including those requiring DOIP.
- More convenient and “future-ready” for evolving diagnostics needs.
Standard MB Star C4 with ENET Cable
Instead of upgrading to the DOIP version, adding an ENET cable to the standard Star C4 can enable support for newer vehicles. However, this setup requires some manual configuration:
- ENET uses a different network range (typically 169.254.X.X), so you’d need to either reconfigure your laptop’s Ethernet settings each time or use a USB-LAN adapter dedicated to ENET.
- At Xentry startup, you would manually choose which connection to use depending on the vehicle.
Key limitations:
- Manual network switching is necessary unless you use a secondary USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
- Slightly less convenient for working across a range of vehicle years.
- Can diagnose most vehicles, but setup is not as streamlined as with C4 Plus DOIP.
Functionality Comparison
Both options provide full diagnostic coverage for old and new models. The core difference lies in usability:
- C4 Plus with DOIP makes switching between platforms easier and is ideal for mixed fleets.
- Standard C4 + ENET works, but is less efficient and may feel cumbersome over time if used frequently with newer vehicles.
Software: XDOS vs. XPT for ENET Use
This is an important area of concern:
- While XDOS supports ENET, some users have reported issues during short tests, such as failed reads or incomplete results. These issues seem more common with ENET than with traditional interfaces.
- XPT (Xentry PassThru) is generally more stable with ENET, particularly on newer vehicles and DOIP protocols.
- If you’re planning to use ENET regularly, switching to XPT is highly recommended.
These issues are not specific to the device (C4 or C4 Plus) but rather stem from how the software handles ENET communication.
Summary: Pros & Cons
| Feature | C4 Plus with DOIP | Standard C4 + ENET |
|---|---|---|
| DOIP Support | Native support |
 Requires ENET cable |
| Network Switching Needed |  No |
Yes (or USB-LAN adapter needed) |
| Software Compatibility | Works well with XDOS/XPT |
Best with XPT, issues in XDOS |
| Ease of Use Across Models | Seamless |
Manual setup |
| Cost |  Higher |
Lower |
| Best Use Case | Frequent use, mixed model years | Occasional use, mainly older cars |
Final Recommendation
- Go for C4 Plus with DOIP if you frequently work on newer Mercedes models and want a plug-and-play experience.
- Stick with Standard C4 + ENET if you’re on a budget and don’t mind some manual reconfiguration. Just be sure to use XPT to minimize compatibility issues.