When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Thinking about getting an ML400 (my first Mercedes) and it doesn't look like there's a remote start option. Is that correct? If so, can anyone here comment on aftermarket ones? I haven't performed an exhaustive search, but it looks like Mid City Engineering has a popular, MB dealer-installed system, so comments on that one in particular would be appreciated. Also, how much is it? I haven't been able to find pricing. Thanks.
I think this is a pretty popular idea this time of year. I'm doing the same research for a 2013 ML550. It seems like the mid city and compustar are the two choices.
I really wanted to go with the mid city smartstart because they use MB dealers to install, but my local dealer wants $1100 for just the standard solution. I found my local Compustar dealer will do both the remote start with the MB key AND the Drone internet capability for just under $1000. Hard to justify the single solution when I can get both for less.
My only concern is keyless-go still works as smoothly as OEM. I believe I've seen users of both on here with no issues.
The install is very easy if you do not have keyless go. If you do is is a little harder but not impossible. You can buy the kit directly from midcity and save a lot of $ by doing it your self.
Attched are instructions for with and with out KG.
I have Compustart with Drone..flawless and yes MB fob works fine and although I can start with 2 remotes which comes with system or iphone the panic on the MB also starts and not like many new systems like my wife's Lexus (Compustart/Drone) restart upon entry/initialization is not needed on my ML
The MB salesman's telling me installing either CompuStart or Mid City will void the warranty. This isn't a dealership that normally installs them, of course, but has anybody encountered this before? Mid City sells their system through some MB dealerships.
Please check with Mid-City to confirm they have remote start for MY2015 available.
"Technically" - for W166 the ICM is opened and 1-pin added for the remote start - so "technically" that board unit is no longer covered by MB warranty as it has been modified.
However that quick mod does not have any undue effect on that board...
11-23-2014, 12:17 PM
