Autumn 2008

A long history of innovation - Zung Fu were pioneers with electronic diagnostic devices
The devices used to check Mercedes-Benz vehicle- and pinpoint potential problems - are highly sophisticated pieces of engineering, utilising all that modern-day technology can offer.

It may be a surprise to learn that these electronic diagnostic machines have been in use by Zung Fu for almost thirty years; the company recognised early on that the future lay in sophisticated electronic systems, and invested accordingly.

They have been upgraded regularly, of course, to ensure that today's Mercedes-Benz vehicles are checked by the very latest German-made diagnostic systems, but that early commitment by Zung Fu demonstrates the forward-looking vision that the company is renowned for.

First generation
The first generation of electronic diagnostic machines began to appear in service centres in 1978. At that time it became clear that electronics would play an increasingly important role in the operation of vehicle functions, especially as Mercedes-Benz engineers began to incorporate elements of jet aeroplane design such as the first four-wheel ABS (anti-lock braking systems) for S-Class vehicles.

Around about then - when Hong Kong had just one cross-harbour tunnel and the skyline was relatively low rise ¡V Zung Fu brought in electronic diagnostic machines, or "impulse counters" in all service centres. With the large socket box and complicated wiring, technician diagnosed electronic faults by by counting the number of electronic signals.

Well built
It was simple, at least by modern standards, but effective and streets ahead of what competitors were doing. A measure of how well built they were is that the machines are still in use today, kept in workshops for the repair of classic Mercedes-Benz cars.

But for most models technicians no longer have to flick through microfilm frames to find out technical information about a particular model, as they did back then. All data for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, old or new, is a few mouse-clicks away on a lightning-speed computer.

In fact the computers have become faster and faster since the first proprietary computer-based diagnostic machines were brought in around 1992. They were hand-held testers, used to check when making major of engine fuel and injection management systems, anti-theft (immobilizer) system and so on.

Speed and accuracy
The testers allowed technicians to calibrate engines and code remote keys; programs could also be regularly updated by the manufacturer. Using the testers made a big difference in the speed and accuracy of diagnosing problems but, as with all machines they are only as good as the operator, or programmer, so it meant technicians should undergo intensive retraining.

The machines also kept on improving and by 1998, Zung Fu had introduced the technical database from the Mercedes-Benz, the Workshop Information System (WIS) and Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC). It meant an end for microfilm and a switch to computers which had data bases updated monthly.

The new generation Star Diagnosis machine interfaced with new workshop equipment HMS990 and could undertake almost all complicated diagnostic work. For example, the computer screen can act as the oscilloscope for an overview of the ignition timing of spark plugs. That, in turn, allowed it to measure the emitted Carbon Monoxide (CO) in order to ensure emissions are fully complied with European standards for environmental protection.

After years of development, the Star Diagnosis machines of today are sophisticated pieces of equipment that are connected via wireless network to access the wealth of information stored in computers at the Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Germany. Specific repair instructions and procedures are updated daily and the very latest software can be assessed easily through Star Diagnosis.

Long-lasting partnership
It shows the incredibly close relationship - and levels of trust - that exist between Zung Fu and Mercedes-Benz, the reason it has been such a long lasting partnership. No other organisation in Hong Kong has access to this level of information and professionalism and, accordingly, cannot match the sky-high standards set by Zung Fu.

It is a company that is always looking to the future, ensuring that Mercedes-Benz owners have the very best service, carried out by top technicians using state-of-the-art technology.