It seems that Lelit has made a few changes with the updated Mara X (some a bit confusing), so I thought it might be useful for potential and current owners to list the differences we know about, and maybe add more if we find them in the future. I am not sure what the cut-off date between V1 and V2, but it seems the V2 is from late 2021 (maybe around September? This is still to be confirmed). 1\. **Lelit’s Logo**. The new machines have a black printed logo instead of the classic red logo which sits proud. This is just aesthetics, and if anything seems like Lelit is cutting costs with the printed logo. In any case, it’s insignificant. [URL=https://i.imgur.com/8axaSpv.png][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/8axaSpv.png[/IMG][/URL] 2\. **OPV discharge.** The original version had the OPV discharge water routed to the drip tray. Many owners moded their machines to re-route the OPV discharge to the pump. The new version comes from the factory with the OPV discharging to the pump (A V2 machine is the same as a moded V1). Anyone who has the original version that still vents water to the drip dray can easily rearrange the tubes so that it will be the same as the newer machines. [Instructions on how to do that can be found here.](https://coffeetime.freeflarum.com/d/142-lelit-mara-x-opv-mod-improved-updated-version-2022) 3\. [Edited following @"DavecUK"#1 comments below:] **New Xcoffee mode (Coffee priority with no steam boost) replaces Steam Priority mode:** **V1** has a Coffee Priority mode (position 1 on the switch on the right side of the machine) and a Steam Priority mode (Position 0 on the switch). In Coffee Priority mode the machines keeps the set temperature for brewing, and requires a Steam Boost to bring the temp up for steaming pressure. In Steam priority mode the machine behaves like a classic HX - it keeps a steady temperature for steaming milk and requires cooling flushes to bring the temp down for brewing. **V2** has an Xmode steam (position 1) and Xmode coffee (position 0). Xmode steam is similar to Coffee Priority mode in V1: The machine keeps the set temperature for brewing, and uses a Steam Boost to bring it up to steaming pressure. (targets may be a bit different, see below, but the general idea is the same). This mode is for making milk-steamed espresso drinks. Xmode Coffee, however, is new. It is essentially the same as Coffee Priority/Xmode sream but **without the steam boost**. It is meant for making espresso drinks when no steaming is needed. The advantage is that temperature stability is even better for brewing (like a single boiler machine with PID). It also enables making back to back shots without worrying that Steam Boost will make the temperature too high for brewing (requiring wait time/cooling flush to bring the temp down). (note that the names of the new modes on V2 may be a bit confusing, because the Coffee Priority mode from V1 is now called Xmode steam, and the new mode is called Xmode coffee). [URL=https://i.imgur.com/Nkki1vZ.png][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/Nkki1vZ.png[/IMG][/URL] 4\. **Software updates.** This is trickier to compare, and more information is needed. In Coffee Priority mode, Mara X is known to cleverly juggle between keeping a steady set temperature in the group for brewing (without needing a cooling flush), to having enough steam power for frothing milk. It does that by starting a Steam Boost once the machine is used (lifting the lever or purging steam or water). The new version seems to have a different set of instructions in the firmware to achieve that, but it is yet to be clear what these changes exactly are and how they effect the use of the machine. [Edited following DaveC's comments below]: Steem Boost in the Xmode steam might be a little longer than in V1, to give a bit more steam power. More information about the tweaks in the software and potential option to upgrade the V1 to V2 software by replacing the Gicar box can be found in DaveC's messages below. This is a some information about V2 sent from Lelit to @"RobertRo101"#379: [URL=https://i.imgur.com/9DY4ibj.png][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/9DY4ibj.png[/IMG][/URL] [URL=https://i.imgur.com/L7sqnfz.png][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/L7sqnfz.png[/IMG][/URL] 5\. **Anything else?** Please share.

I think Lelit "may" have confused people slightly here….not 100% certain. **In discussions with them over a year ago, I suggested that the machine might be better having:** * a pure coffee mode no steaming, so the temperature in the HX can be exact new position 0 * Steam Boost mode, which is like the old system of steam boost (the old position 1) This meant loosing the pure uncontrolled HX mode. The main reason was because I never used it and really couldn't see why anyone would use it unless they were buying an HX machine for a different use scenario than MaraX was intended for. Mauro liked this idea and I believe may well have implemented it with the new model. *Ideally of course a 3 position side switch or a second switch would have been nice to have Xmode Coffee, steam boost and pure HX. I wasn't sure the software was capable of that.* The Idea was that Xmode coffee was for the none steamed milk drinker, if someone wanted milk you could switch it into "Coffee Boost Mode", which I think they have called Xmode steam. So to summarise for the new machine, I think: **Xmode Coffee (Position 0)** - This is like the single boiler PID controlled machines giving you 3 very stable temperatures (I-0-II), minimal chance of overheating, no steam boosting, you can go back to the machine after 4 minutes or 8 minutes and it's at the right temp. **Xmode Steam (Position 1) -** The old steam boost we all know and love, and used to be position 1 on the old machine. HX mode in position 0 having gone the way of the ark. **The clues are here** [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/xreZBtN.png] **I believe the confusion is here** [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/cjUh5ud.png] I'm waiting to hear back and will let you know. If I am right, they simply need to reword the user guide slightly.

@"DavecUK"#p8395 - Dave, have you got the Xmode positions the other way around? Should it be Xmode Steam (position 1) and Xmode Coffee (position 0)? (As per manual). in your explanation I think you got the “xmode” positions the other way round. 👍

@"MediumRoastSteam"#p8399 not now 🤣

I got a reply which states my belief about the new functions is correct.

Just to add some clarity for this. **Switch Position 1** is similar to the old setting where it boosts the steam when you extract for lattes and gives a decent steam boost, I think 130+ for a bit longer than before. Of course the same issues of overheat applies as in my review, where if you don't make coffee after coffee…and wait you will have to flush. **Switch Position 0 -** used to be HX mode, but that has gone and this is special coffee and espresso without milk steaming mode… To give better stability and less overheat, with the heating element of during the shot and only boosting slightly to service the needs of HX recovery. I would think you can still steam in this mode..but it would be limited to small quantities of milk and be slower. I must remember to ask for a revised Gicar box to try it as I am not sure I have one…I have lots of different programmed boxes. 🤣, but not quite this.

Just to point out, those are the only pages from the new manual that they have sent me. I don't have any other pages and don't know if there are any other differences, other than those stated above. They have confirmed that the new software will make the machine warm-up quicker, but they did not go into detail.

> @"DavecUK"#p8448 Just to add some clarity for this. > > Switch Position 1 is similar to the old setting where it boosts the steam when you extract for lattes and gives a decent steam boost, I think 130+ for a bit longer than before. Of course the same issues of overheat applies as in my review, where if you don’t make coffee after coffee…and wait you will have to flush. > > Switch Position 0 - used to be HX mode, but that has gone and this is special coffee and espresso without milk steaming mode… To give better stability and less overheat, with the heating element of during the shot and only boosting slightly to service the needs of HX recovery. I would think you can still steam in this mode..but it would be limited to small quantities of milk and be slower. > > I must remember to ask for a revised Gicar box to try it as I am not sure I have one…I have lots of different programmed boxes. 🤣, but not quite this. @"DavecUK"#p8448 - Thank you very much for clarifying this Dave! This makes a lot of sense: Mode 1 stays the same (maybe with a stronger steam boost?), and mode 0 changes from a standard HX (which isn't useful for most) to a No-Steam-Boost-Coffee-Only mode. Yes, the names in the images they sent to @"RobertRo101"#379 can be confusing (Coffee priority now called Xmode steam, and Steam Priority replaced with Xmode coffee). Maybe they have not yet finalized the V2 manual and this is why @"RobertRo101"#p8468 got the V1 manual? Is there an option to update V1 software to V2? If someone buys a new Gicar box and replaced the old one - will that machine work as a V2? I am sure some people might be interested in that.

> @"Doram"#p8471 Is there an option to update V1 software to V2? If someone buys a new Gicar box and replaced the old one - will that machine work as a V2? I am sure some people might be interested in that. I would imagine it should work fine, expensive, but it would work….and of course you still have the old box.

Does anyone here put their hands on a MaraX with a black logo? Also, any idea if (and when) it will be available in North America? Lelit’s website shows the new black logo but still mention the original Coffee modes (brew and HX). Does anyone know if it’s because the changes are not yet available at all?

@"Snooze"#p9103 I don't, although I would like to get my hands on a Gicar box with the new programming, ako I can put it into the existing MaraX I have. I did suggest the new programming after all. I must remember tomorrow to sort that out.

Lelit Mara X V1 and V2 – the differences

MediumRoastSteam

woodbar I think Lelit have changed their numbering sequence

I think you misunderstood the point Dave made.

on his photo, and at the link you sent above in the “v2 box”, the model is MARAXCAFFEPLUS. The major version is 1, the minor version is 09.

For the old firmware box, the model is PL62MARAX, the major version number is 1, the minor version is 23.

It makes sense to me that, for a new product (as far as Gicar is concerned) the version starts from 1 again.

And, as I typed all of this, I just realised itguy made the same point above 🤦‍♂️. Should’ve had my coffee first! 🤣

woodbar

MediumRoastSteam I think you misunderstood the point Dave made.

Well, no, I fully understood.

Having spent years of my commercial life issuing technical bulletins and dealing with modified part numbers and firmware upgrades etc. etc. it just struck me as a totally illogical way of doing things. I can see that V1.09 is later from the date and V1.23 is the “old” version also from the date on that one.

Perhaps I should go back to Android V4 instead of the V10 I have on my phone - it might be newer?

Anyway, let’s hope @“itguy” had a successful visit to BB and it is now fitted and being tested?

itguy

Well hopefully BB will confirm this morning that they have a ‘caffeplus’ version in stock and I can nip down last thing today to grab it. Looking forward to seeing what improvements they’ve made.

DavecUK

Cafeplus is the name which they gave to the revised software I suggested to them last year. It’s the very latest software.

itguy

Brilliant. I’m going to BB later so can have eyes on the correct unit.

itguy

I certainly have! The last (only) one they had in stock. A DaveC ‘caffeplus’ special !

Will be installing after dinner and testing tomorrow morning on my usual routine.

Stevo60

itguy

Hi,

I bought the same gecart. I also received two probes. How to connect the gecar? Do I need to change the probe as well?

itguy

She’s in!

woodbar

What, and you did not actually try it tonight?

itguy

🤣 yes that’s right. No decaf in at the moment and although I did power it up to check it was working, I didn’t brew and steam.

BUT - this morning I just have and there is quite a significant difference. I haven’t used the Xcode Coffee yet (and probably won’t as we drink milk based drinks). I have used the Xmode Steam this morning.

My first impressions are that it’s a lot more positive in terms of heating up the boiler during and after brewing. With the old software (1.23) it would start to boost steam during brewing but you could hear the element kicking in and out and it seemed to take a long time to settle down and the actual quantity of steam boost varied depending on the brew temp switch setting too. Now though, I have my brew temp switch in 0 and it boosted for steam solidly, all the way up to 1.75 bar. No element cutting in and out to get there, just element on solid, 1.75bar hit and then stop. Started steaming and then the element came back on at about 1.5bar and remained on while I was steaming.

I’m currently using a three hole Alex steam tip and it maintained 1.5bar throughout.

Very impressed so far. Let’s see how things go as the day progresses.

itguy

Well, this software really does work differently. I have now pulled another shot/steam about an hour after the first, then just now (a further 2 hours on) have just pulled a shot and steamed a large pitcher of milk as it made two drinks.

The boiler auto-refill would have kicked in during steaming on the large pitcher on the previous software - for certain. It was a pattern of usage that my ‘old’ MaraX just would not do. This new software kept the steam flowing/boosting until I’d finished, then about 20 seconds after that the boiler auto-refill occurred.

I am almost certain that they must have tinkered with a bit of refill logic in the software to avoid the previous issue. @DavecUK do you know if that is true / did you recommend anything to them on that?

VERY pleased with the upgrade so far.

BB had a Bianca fired up and on the counter when I was there so I had an obligatory play with it and felt a bit jealous (the rotary pump gets me every time) but actually, apart from that my ‘new’ MaraX seems to do everything I need REALLY well now.

DavecUK

It was a long time ago, I can’t remember. The new mode of boosting and the times, yes, to give a better experience, so loosing pure HX mode wouldn’t have anyone shouting how great HX mode was. Might have suggested a similar auto fill behaviour to Elizabeth.

MediumRoastSteam

DavecUK Might have suggested a similar auto fill behaviour to Elizabeth.

The Elizabeth just works like clockwork. :-)

itguy

I’m intrigued now - what is the auto-fill logic on the Elizabeth then?

I don’t really need to know as I just know this updated MaraX software seems to have updated it and made it better.. but my inner geek wants to know.. !

DavecUK

itguy Pfff….

MediumRoastSteam

itguy - I have no idea. But I can tell you that over almost 2 years of ownership I never had an autofill at an inconvenient time (i.e.: during steaming)

itguy

Well it doesn’t matter, as it is just better now on the MaraX !

FallenS0ul

Hi would like to check for the new V2 Xmode coffee, in “O” position on the right switch and “O” temperature, what should the pressure be when idling?

itguy

FallenS0ul on mine it’s about 0.6bar or so.

woodbar

itguy Thanks for the updates - sounds like I will have to take the plunge and upgrade as well although I will be using it in coffee priority mode - just getting a bit cheesed off with the ever increasing steam pressure / temperature when I am trying to brew several coffees! A bit awkward to tell your guests - here’s 2 coffees, it will be about 20 minutes for the next 2!

logjames

itguy With V2, how long does it take to settle back to 0.6bar after you pull shots?

DavecUK

woodbar Unless you flush like on other HX machines, at least it will save guests waiting 20m.

woodbar

DavecUK Well, yes I could flush but I don’t really know what temperature I am getting then and of course flushing makes the MaraX even more insistent on producing more steam. A group head thermometer would do the trick but as I have the Coffee Solutions FCD V2 installed that is not possible - unless you can get a twin manifold?

In hindsight I should really have bought an SBDU device for my requirements but as I came from a few DeLonghi style BTC machines then a Sage Oracle the E61 types were a bit of a mystery as to which to go for!

Which is why I was thinking of changing to the ECM Classika PID but it sounds like the new firmware will fulfill my requirements and be a cheaper and easier solution.

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