Remote starter for Mercedes with Smartkey
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From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pKjyQN0qAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYGN6dergfs
Turns out that mercedes has made quite a few changes so far just across the models that we have seen. We have to document these and make sure that the starter firmware covers all the variations. Hopefully this will be done in a couple of months as we get more and more W220's in.
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From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
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ML350, Lotus Elise
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From: Helsinki, Finland
2006 mercedes benz C180k Avantgarde SE
We currently do not have any dealers in Finland so now would be a great time to set one up 
The current uninstalled pricing on the W203 starter is still $799 US. (we were never able to get enough W203 owners together to do the promotion.)
Adding push-to-start is something we have been looking at quite a bit. It is possible to do so i would expect that we will be working on implementing it when we have a bit more time (which typically means summer)
The current uninstalled pricing on the W203 starter is still $799 US. (we were never able to get enough W203 owners together to do the promotion.)Adding push-to-start is something we have been looking at quite a bit. It is possible to do so i would expect that we will be working on implementing it when we have a bit more time (which typically means summer)
I believe the price is rather too high for $799 therefore, resulting in lack of interest. If you could offer half of the price I strongly believe you could get more than 40 W203 people for this.
Zack
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mercedes ml550
There are now some Mercedes dealers in US and Canada installing Smartkey Starters. Does this mean that Mercedes dealers now approve Smartkey starters and is it better to do this with a MB delear because they are more expereinced with the vehicle electrical system.
How simple is the installation and does the installer need to have a lot expereince to properly install this starter.
How simple is the installation and does the installer need to have a lot expereince to properly install this starter.
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From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
There are now some Mercedes dealers in US and Canada installing Smartkey Starters. Does this mean that Mercedes dealers now approve Smartkey starters and is it better to do this with a MB delear because they are more expereinced with the vehicle electrical system.
How simple is the installation and does the installer need to have a lot expereince to properly install this starter.
How simple is the installation and does the installer need to have a lot expereince to properly install this starter.
The actual unit itself is relatively easy to install. We use oem connectors so there is no cutting or splicing of wires. certain models require more installation labor than others as there is more to take apart.. For instance the W203 C requires that you pull the center console, center dash and lower driver side dash just to get to the cylinder...
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From: In the shadow of D.C. (No.Va.)
'05 E320CDI, 1987 300E, Vanagon Syncro, Turbo Arrow III
remote start (W211) and memory settings
This does sound like a nicely engineered solution. I have been hoping for an RS ever since I bought my 2005 CDI.
I was wondering about one thing. I have Keyless Go and I know that the memory settings for the seat/steering wheel/etc. are stored differently depending on whether one has plugged in the key or is using the KG button to start the car.
I saw the earlier message that indicated you weren't using a second key anymore for the KG version. I'm just wondering if there's any effect on how the car recalls the customizable memory settings if one remote starts.
Which settings does the car use when the RS is activated?
Thanks.
I was wondering about one thing. I have Keyless Go and I know that the memory settings for the seat/steering wheel/etc. are stored differently depending on whether one has plugged in the key or is using the KG button to start the car.
I saw the earlier message that indicated you weren't using a second key anymore for the KG version. I'm just wondering if there's any effect on how the car recalls the customizable memory settings if one remote starts.
Which settings does the car use when the RS is activated?
Thanks.
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From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
This does sound like a nicely engineered solution. I have been hoping for an RS ever since I bought my 2005 CDI.
I was wondering about one thing. I have Keyless Go and I know that the memory settings for the seat/steering wheel/etc. are stored differently depending on whether one has plugged in the key or is using the KG button to start the car.
I saw the earlier message that indicated you weren't using a second key anymore for the KG version. I'm just wondering if there's any effect on how the car recalls the customizable memory settings if one remote starts.
Which settings does the car use when the RS is activated?
Thanks.
I was wondering about one thing. I have Keyless Go and I know that the memory settings for the seat/steering wheel/etc. are stored differently depending on whether one has plugged in the key or is using the KG button to start the car.
I saw the earlier message that indicated you weren't using a second key anymore for the KG version. I'm just wondering if there's any effect on how the car recalls the customizable memory settings if one remote starts.
Which settings does the car use when the RS is activated?
Thanks.
The starter system uses the last physically used key ID for remote starting. So if driver 1 was the last one actually driving and then driver 2 comes along and uses the remote starter,the steering wheel and seats will stay in driver 1's positions while the car is remote started. When driver 2 actually gets in the vehicle to drive, the key cylinder (or keyless go system) then re-verifies using driver 2's key. On certain models the seats and steering wheel re-adjust at that point but i dont believe we have done a comprehensive check as to how each model handles the takeover.
Of course now we are going to do just that and I will post the info when we are done.
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beater with a heater
rob I tried it a while ago on a Gl and no change, though I tried on an E and when I started it the seat went to the normal position and they complained about the easy exit and entrance feature... I thought the keys no longer had specific customer info in them anymore
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CLK430
Rob-
I wanted to get some feedback about making a system for some of the older cars like the W208 that use Smartkeys. How much interest would it take to make this happen?
I was talking to TJ and he said I should start with you. I am willing to do some of the leg work to make this happen.
I wanted to get some feedback about making a system for some of the older cars like the W208 that use Smartkeys. How much interest would it take to make this happen?
I was talking to TJ and he said I should start with you. I am willing to do some of the leg work to make this happen.
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ML350, Lotus Elise
The keys still have specific identities even on the newest models so its difficult to get around. We have this particular issue on the wish list of things to look at when we update the firmware...
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From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
Rob-
I wanted to get some feedback about making a system for some of the older cars like the W208 that use Smartkeys. How much interest would it take to make this happen?
I was talking to TJ and he said I should start with you. I am willing to do some of the leg work to make this happen.
I wanted to get some feedback about making a system for some of the older cars like the W208 that use Smartkeys. How much interest would it take to make this happen?
I was talking to TJ and he said I should start with you. I am willing to do some of the leg work to make this happen.
Right now the two biggest issues with developing for the older platforms are having access to a wide range of older models for testing and the other is the availability of connectors to make the system plug-and-play. The first issue can be resolved simply by planning a beta test program for each model. We do more testing across a wider range of models and more extensively than anyone else in the security industry so it does take longer to validate each product for specific models but its nothing that time cannot resolve. The second issue is a bit more difficult. On the older models many of the automotive connectors are not available which causes difficulty; we can manufacture the connectors ourselves but the cost to do so is actually very high unless we make alot of them (alot=10,000+). The second possibility is to make the kit a wire in where an installer actually has to splice into the factory wiring and solder connections.
The best way for us to move forward in development is to get a realistic idea of how many owners of a particular model are interested in getting the starter done. Once we can gauge demand then we can work out the best way to build the kit for that vehicle.
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CLK430
Officially the only older models we are working to implement is the W220/R230 but in actuality we are still working towards engineering solutions to all smartkey models. If you call or email asking the standard answer is that nothing is available for the older models but we take *every* request that we get to see what we can do. (just so you guys know that we are listening...)
Right now the two biggest issues with developing for the older platforms are having access to a wide range of older models for testing and the other is the availability of connectors to make the system plug-and-play. The first issue can be resolved simply by planning a beta test program for each model. We do more testing across a wider range of models and more extensively than anyone else in the security industry so it does take longer to validate each product for specific models but its nothing that time cannot resolve. The second issue is a bit more difficult. On the older models many of the automotive connectors are not available which causes difficulty; we can manufacture the connectors ourselves but the cost to do so is actually very high unless we make alot of them (alot=10,000+). The second possibility is to make the kit a wire in where an installer actually has to splice into the factory wiring and solder connections.
The best way for us to move forward in development is to get a realistic idea of how many owners of a particular model are interested in getting the starter done. Once we can gauge demand then we can work out the best way to build the kit for that vehicle.
Right now the two biggest issues with developing for the older platforms are having access to a wide range of older models for testing and the other is the availability of connectors to make the system plug-and-play. The first issue can be resolved simply by planning a beta test program for each model. We do more testing across a wider range of models and more extensively than anyone else in the security industry so it does take longer to validate each product for specific models but its nothing that time cannot resolve. The second issue is a bit more difficult. On the older models many of the automotive connectors are not available which causes difficulty; we can manufacture the connectors ourselves but the cost to do so is actually very high unless we make alot of them (alot=10,000+). The second possibility is to make the kit a wire in where an installer actually has to splice into the factory wiring and solder connections.
The best way for us to move forward in development is to get a realistic idea of how many owners of a particular model are interested in getting the starter done. Once we can gauge demand then we can work out the best way to build the kit for that vehicle.
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beater with a heater
rob, do not do the installer splice method, you know how that went when we talked before... especially when it comes to future service of the vehicle at the dealership.
I know there is a lot of competent people but they are the minority, and the reputation is online with every install... which is how the other company got burned... with every product...
BTW... rob, waz up... I figured what I was going to do on that project.
seat sensor, which activates rear, deactivates front, GL rear AC piece controling the front, all soldered board to board... dials were resistance base
I know there is a lot of competent people but they are the minority, and the reputation is online with every install... which is how the other company got burned... with every product...
BTW... rob, waz up... I figured what I was going to do on that project.
seat sensor, which activates rear, deactivates front, GL rear AC piece controling the front, all soldered board to board... dials were resistance base
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CLK430
rob, do not do the installer splice method, you know how that went when we talked before... especially when it comes to future service of the vehicle at the dealership.
I know there is a lot of competent people but they are the minority, and the reputation is online with every install... which is how the other company got burned... with every product...
BTW... rob, waz up... I figured what I was going to do on that project.
seat sensor, which activates rear, deactivates front, GL rear AC piece controling the front, all soldered board to board... dials were resistance base
I know there is a lot of competent people but they are the minority, and the reputation is online with every install... which is how the other company got burned... with every product...
BTW... rob, waz up... I figured what I was going to do on that project.
seat sensor, which activates rear, deactivates front, GL rear AC piece controling the front, all soldered board to board... dials were resistance base
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01 CLK 430
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02 E55; 99 CLK430 (Sold)
I admit I didn't read all 7 pages, but depending on price this would definitely be something I'd be interested in. My car is a W210 02 E55.
Edit: Didn't take long to see that there was a buy offered for $799. That might be a bit high for me but I'd still be interested in hearing more.
Edit: Didn't take long to see that there was a buy offered for $799. That might be a bit high for me but I'd still be interested in hearing more.
Last edited by jtbeche; Jan 30, 2010 at 01:17 PM.
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From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
rob, do not do the installer splice method, you know how that went when we talked before... especially when it comes to future service of the vehicle at the dealership.
I know there is a lot of competent people but they are the minority, and the reputation is online with every install... which is how the other company got burned... with every product...
BTW... rob, waz up... I figured what I was going to do on that project.
seat sensor, which activates rear, deactivates front, GL rear AC piece controling the front, all soldered board to board... dials were resistance base
I know there is a lot of competent people but they are the minority, and the reputation is online with every install... which is how the other company got burned... with every product...
BTW... rob, waz up... I figured what I was going to do on that project.
seat sensor, which activates rear, deactivates front, GL rear AC piece controling the front, all soldered board to board... dials were resistance base
We need to talk again about that project... I have some ideas about how to approach the systems we discussed on a large scale...
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ML350, Lotus Elise
Thanks for the offer... we will be needing some test vehicles as we get further in particularly for the long term testing. Once we get the plug manufacturing worked out we will go forward with the kit development for those models...
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CLK430
I'll even make my way up to The Chi for installation.
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01 CLK 430
So does this mean there is something for us on the horizen, soon, maybe...???
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ML350, Lotus Elise
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01 CLK 430
I'm sure there's more than one person that will offer up their car to make this happen. If someone were to bring their car to you, would that help move things along? How long would you need it for?
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ML350, Lotus Elise
It takes a little bit or work to get everything together but it will be worth it once it all comes together...
