In recent years, Chinese forgers, who excel at making fake copies of everything from Louis Vuitton purses to Guess Jeans to Rolex watches, have set their sights on the MB STAR market (and other automotive diagnostic systems for other marques). This has resulted in a cottage industry whereby one could purchase an MB STAR system for anywhere between $600 and $1,200. Over the past year or so, as Chinese copies of the MB STAR C4 system have come onto the market, the prices of the MB STAR C3 system have come down to a typical range of $250-450, depending on the vendor and the items included in the package. These "clone" systems are easily available on sites like eBay and also Alibaba.com from hundreds of vendors. As with any Chinese copy of anything, quality varies and quite often -- but not always -- one gets what they pay for. The recent reduction in price of the MB STAR C3 systems has made even relatively good quality systems very very affordable for the DIY mechanic and/or MB enthusiast -- providing them with the same diagnostic power as the dealership mechanic (but not the same level of training and knowledge). Typical options that are available with MB STAR C3 systems available on the Internet include: an array of cables; a multiplexer; a hard drive containing the MB STAR software package; and instructions on how to set up the system. The software typically includes: MB Xentry, WIS, EPC, STAR Utilities; EWA net; Star Browser; Star Finder; and a recent MB parts price list (which goes out of date quickly). Quite a number of vendors also provide Internet support, including the ability to remotely control systems over the Internet (with the user's permission, of course) to diagnose installation and software problems.

If you can't turn the key in the lock then spray some WD40 into it and then try to be a bit aggressive with the key turning it back and forth. They will usually go. Obviously don't go silly and break the key, but I've had loads of these and by being a bit forceful with the key whilst pulling on the steering wheel at the same time usually does the trick. With the ignition on if the transponder chip is not recognised then the engine management lamp will flash on and off continuously.....

thanks for the reply.

i took it back mechanic more or less confirmed what you said. I think you're right about the focus, i should have paid the extra and went for a golf....

That DO NOT above referred to a post about parking in general and not about dropped kerbs.

You haven't mentioned where the alleged offence took place? rules in London are stricter and a slowly moving outwards round the country....

I've used WD40 to soften gum and scrape it away carefully with finger nail. Use a cloth to apply it - don't spray WD40 everywhere! You might need to wipe a damp cloth over patch afterwards.