Mark van der Berg

Lead Diagnostic Technician & Brand Specialist

18+ years of experience in automotive diagnostics

Profile

Mark van der Berg is the go-to specialist at Faay Auto Groep for complex vehicle diagnostics and brand-specific technical issues. With over 18 years of experience in the automotive sector, 12 of which have been specialized in advanced diagnostics, Mark has become one of the most respected diagnostics experts in the Utrecht region.

As Lead Diagnostic Technician, Mark is responsible for the most challenging diagnostics – the problems that other garages struggle with. His systematic approach, combined with in-depth knowledge of modern vehicle electronics and extensive experience with VAG and premium brands, makes him an indispensable member of our team.

Mark primarily works from our IJsselstein location but also regularly supports our other locations with complex diagnostic issues. He is also involved in training junior technicians in diagnostic techniques and implementing new diagnostic systems.

Training and Certifications

• MBO Level 4 First Automotive Technology – ROC Central Netherlands (2006)
• RDW Approved APK Inspector – Certification obtained in 2015, annual training
• Bosch ADS (Advanced Diagnostic Specialist) – Highest Bosch diagnostic certification (2018)
• VAG Master Technician – Official VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat specialist training (2019)
• Mercedes-Benz Certified Technician – Star Diagnosis and XENTRY certification (2020)
• BMW Diagnostic Training – ISTA/D and ISTA/P systems (2021)
• ADAS Calibration Specialist – Calibration of camera, radar and lidar systems (2022)
• Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (HV-1) – Working safely on high-voltage systems (2023)
• CAN bus and Network Diagnostics – Advanced electronics and communications training
• Oscilloscope Training – Measuring and analyzing electrical signals
• VCA-VOL Safety – Safety Coordinator

Specializations and Expertise

Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics

Mark specializes in complex diagnostics where standard troubleshooting isn't sufficient. He uses professional diagnostic systems and measuring equipment to identify problems that others might find impossible:

• Intermittent Faults: Problems that come and go, often the hardest to find
• Electrical Diagnosis: Wiring problems, short circuits, voltage drops, grounding problems
• CAN bus Communication: Diagnostic communication problems between control units
• Sensors and Actuators: Testing and measuring of all types of sensors (lambda sensor, MAP, MAF, crankshaft sensor, camshaft, etc.)
• Oscilloscope Measurements: Analyzing electrical signals at component level
• ECU Diagnosis: Engine management, transmission electronics, ABS/ESP, airbag systems
• No-Start Diagnosis: Systematically track down why a vehicle will not start
• Drivability Issues: Stuttering, hesitation, loss of power, high fuel consumption

VAG Specialist (VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat)

Mark is an officially certified VAG Master Technician, meaning he has factory-level knowledge of Volkswagen Group vehicles. He works with original equipment diagnostic systems (ODIS) and has access to all VAG technical documentation and software updates.

VAG Specialist Knowledge:

• VCDS/ODIS Diagnosis and Coding
• DSG/S-tronic Transmission Diagnosis and Adjustments
• TSI/TFSI Engine Specific Problems (timing chain, turbo, carbon deposits)
• TDI Diesel Systems (Common Rail, DPF, EGR, AdBlue/SCR)
• MQB/MLB Platform Specific Electronics
• Infotainment Systems (MIB2, MIB3, Discover Pro)
• Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist Calibration
• Start-Stop System Problems
• VAG Electric Vehicles (e-Golf, ID.3, ID.4, e-tron)

Mercedes-Benz Certified Technician

Mark has completed official Mercedes-Benz technician training and works with original Mercedes Star Diagnosis and XENTRY diagnostic systems. This gives him access to all dealer-level functions and technical information.

Mercedes Expertise:

• Star Diagnosis/XENTRY Diagnosis and Programming
• 7G-Tronic and 9G-Tronic Transmission Adjustments
• BlueTEC Diesel Systems (AdBlue, DPF, SCR)
• AIRMATIC Air Suspension Diagnosis
• ABC Active Body Control Systems
• Command/MBUX Infotainment Systems
• DISTRONIC Plus and PRE-SAFE Systems
• Hybrid Systems (E-Class, S-Class, GLE Hybrid)

BMW Diagnostic Expertise

With ISTA/D (diagnosis) and ISTA/P (programming) training, Mark can diagnose and program BMW vehicles at dealer level.

BMW Knowledge:

• ISTA Diagnosis and Coding
• N-Series and B-Series Engine Problems (VANOS, Turbo, Injectors)
• ZF 8-speed Automatic Transmission Adjustments
• iDrive Systems (NBT, NBT-Evo, MGU)
• xDrive System Diagnostics
• Adaptive Shock Absorbers and Dynamic Stability Control
• BMW i Series (i3, i8, iX3) Electric Drivetrain

ADAS Calibration Specialist

Modern cars are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot detection. These systems need to be recalibrated after certain repairs (windshield replacement, wheel alignment, collision, camera/radar replacement).

Mark is a certified ADAS Calibration Specialist and can calibrate all modern driver assistance systems:

• Camera Calibration: Windshield cameras for lane keeping and traffic sign recognition
• Radar Calibration: Front radar for Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning
• Lidar Calibration: For advanced autonomous driving features
• Ultrasonic Sensors: Parking sensors and park-assist systems
• Night Vision: Infrared camera systems
• Static Calibration: With special calibration boards in the workshop
• Dynamic Calibration: Via test drive with diagnostic system

Without proper calibration, these safety systems can malfunction or even be dangerous. Mark guarantees that all ADAS systems will function perfectly according to factory specifications after repair.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Mark has completed the HV-1 (High Voltage Level 1) training and is certified to work safely on high-voltage systems in hybrid and electric vehicles. He is authorized to work on systems up to 1000V.

• High Voltage Battery Diagnosis (SOC, SOH measurements)
• Hybrid Powertrain Diagnosis
• DC-DC Converter and Inverter Problems
• Electric Motor and Generator Diagnosis
• Charging System Problems (onboard charger, charging port)
• Thermal Management Systems
• Insulation Resistance Testing
• Safe Working according to NEN-ISO Standards

Method and Philosophy

Mark is known for his scientific, systematic approach to diagnosis. Where others guess and replace parts, Mark analyzes methodically until he finds the exact cause.

His diagnostic process:

1. Complaints analysis: Understand exactly what the problem is and when it occurs
2. Error Code Analysis: Reading all control units, including freeze-frame data
3. Visual Inspection: Look for physical clues (leaks, damage, corrosion)
4. Technical Documentation: Consult wiring diagrams, TSBs, known issues
5. Measurements and Tests: Systematic measuring with multimeter, oscilloscope, pressure tester, etc.
6. Logical Analysis: Connecting all findings to a conclusion
7. Verification: Confirm that the diagnosis is correct before repairs begin
8. Post-Repair Test: After repair, thoroughly test to ensure the problem has been resolved

Mark is a firm believer in "measuring is knowing" and never replaces parts based on guesswork. This approach saves customers money and prevents unnecessary repairs.

Communication with customers: Mark is technically proficient, but understands that not every customer wants to hear technical details. He tailors his explanations to the customer's level: technically detailed for car enthusiasts, simple and understandable for others. He often uses photos and videos to visually illustrate problems.

Career and Experience

2016 – Present: Lead Diagnostic Technician at Faay Auto Groep

Mark has been working at Faay Auto Groep since 2016 and has, during that time, taken the company's diagnostics to the next level. He is responsible for:

• Solving complex diagnostic cases
• Training and coaching of junior technicians in diagnostics
• Implementation of new diagnostic systems and equipment
• Developing diagnostic procedures and workflows
• Technical contact point for all branches
• Contact with technical departments of car manufacturers for very complex cases

2012 – 2016: Specialist Technician at Volkswagen Dealer

Mark developed his expertise in VAG vehicles at a major VW dealership in Utrecht. He completed all official VAG training courses and worked daily with the latest models and technologies. This experience formed the foundation for his VAG specialization.

2006 – 2012: Mechanic/Diagnostic Technician at Independent Garage

After completing his training, Mark started as a general mechanic, but quickly discovered his passion for diagnostics and electronics. He took evening classes and training to specialize in diagnostics.

Continuous Development and Training

Automotive technology is developing rapidly, especially in the areas of electronics, hybrid/electric drivetrains, and driver assistance systems. Mark continues to develop:

• Annual APK Refresher Training: Mandatory inspector update training
• Bosch Technical Trainings: 3-4x per year updates on new technologies
• VAG Technical Updates: Quarterly updates via VW Academy
• Mercedes-Benz Technical Training: Annual updates and new models
• BMW Training: Online training modules and workshop training
• ADAS Updates: Training in new calibration procedures
• EV Technology: Continuing education about electric vehicles
• Technical Service Bulletins: Daily study of TSBs and recalls
• Online Communities: Active in international diagnosis forums and communities

Equipment and Tools

Mark works with a comprehensive set of professional diagnostic equipment:

• Bosch KTS 590/890: Professional diagnostic system with all manufacturers
• Autel MaxiSys Elite: Advanced multi-brand diagnostic system
• VW/Audi ODIS Service: Original VAG diagnostic system
• Mercedes Star Diagnosis/XENTRY: Original Mercedes system
• BMW ISTA: Original BMW diagnostic system
• Picoscope Automotive: Professional 4-channel oscilloscope
• Fluke Multimeters: Industrial measuring equipment
• Smoke Machine: For detecting vacuum leaks
• Fuel Pressure Tester: Fuel pressure measurements
• Compression Tester: Compression and leakdown testing
• Battery/Charging Tester: Battery and charging system analysis
• ADAS Calibration Frame: For calibration of driver assistance systems

Specialist Cases and Examples

Mark has performed thousands of complex diagnoses in his career. Some examples of challenging cases he has successfully solved include:

• Intermittent Storage VW Tiguan: Car randomly stalling while driving. After three days of extensive diagnostics, including oscilloscope measurements, a microcrack in the crankshaft sensor wiring was found to be the cause.
• Mercedes E-Class CAN bus Malfunction: Complete electronic failure due to a defective gateway module that was broadcasting incorrect data over the CAN bus.
• Audi A6 DSG Problems: Jerking when shifting. Diagnostics revealed a software conflict between the engine management system and the transmission electronics after a previous tuning. Resolved with ECU retraining.
• BMW 3 Series Battery Drain: Battery dead after 2 days of inactivity. Using a multimeter, I discovered the Comfort Access module wasn't going into sleep mode. Parasitic drain of 850mA resolved.
• VW ID.3 Charging problem: The vehicle could not fast-charge. Diagnostics showed a communication error between the CCS controller and the battery management system. Resolved with a software update and connector cleaning.

Personal

Mark lives with his wife and two children in Lopik. Outside of work, he's actively involved in his son's football club, where he's a youth coach. Cars remain a passion in his spare time as well – Mark has a self-restored 1990 VW Golf GTI Mk2 that he tinkers with on weekends and takes to classic car events.

His technical curiosity isn't limited to cars; Mark is also interested in electronics, robotics, and smart home technology. He sees parallels between automotive electronics and other technical domains and enjoys learning from diverse disciplines.

Why Choose Mark for Your Diagnosis?

• 18+ Years of Diagnostic Experience: Thousands of complex cases solved
• Factory-Level Access: Original diagnostic systems from VAG, Mercedes, BMW
• Systematic Approach: No guesswork, just proven methodology
• Advanced Equipment: Professional tools such as oscilloscopes, factory diagnostics
• Brand specialist: In-depth knowledge of VAG and premium brands
• ADAS Expert: Certified for modern driver assistance systems
• EV/Hybrid Knowledge: HV qualified for electric vehicles
• Transparent Communication: Clear explanation with photos and videos
• Cost-effective: Correct diagnosis prevents unnecessary repairs

Make an appointment with Mark

Do you have a diagnostic problem that's been frustrating other garages? Or do you simply want the best diagnostics for your VAG, Mercedes, or BMW? Mark is ready to assist you at our IJsselstein location.

For complex diagnoses, we recommend contacting us by telephone in advance so that we can reserve sufficient time for a thorough analysis.

“"A good diagnosis is like detective work—you follow the clues, test your hypotheses, and keep searching until you have the answer. Guesswork costs customers money and doesn't solve problems."” – Mark van der Berg