Mercedes Benz repair: 2003 E320 Star Diagnositc Tool, page contract, pad replacement


Question
I was looking for 2003 E320 brake pad parts/ prices on the web and kept finding a special note that an "MBZ Star Diagnostic tool" is required to perform brake pad replacement.
Can such a tool be purchased from the local dealership or from a website?

Answer
Yes, the STAR tool is available for sale.

Basic cost (USA only) $9,800.00 USD including 6% sales tax, you signer an eleven page contract that states I agree to liquidated damages of $25,000 if I breach the contract.
The most specific breach would be to sell it outside the US.
I saw a used one sold on ebay for 12k.

The basic unit can be bought in the UK for 2500 Sterling with annual updates of 1200 sterling.