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.
Hi everyone, I am new on this forum. I am looking into buying a 2016 GL 450. I live in Canada and a remote starter is definitely a plus in here since it gets very cold in the winter. MB does not produce remote starters for its vehicles here nor does it make the mBrace system available in Canada (looks like we are a third world country...). I also read that adding a remote starter might void the manufacturer's warranty.
Any suggestions as to what would be the best aftermarket system for a two-way remote starter with a decent range.
^^I have the MidCity unit for my S550 (keyless go) which gives you the same range for remote starting as your keyfob has. Then I added the Drone Mobil device, which allows the car to be started/locked/trunk opened via a smartphone app from anywhere there's cell service or wifi. Not cheap, I think around $700 for everything installed, but wow is it nice to be able to pre-cool (or heat) the car while you're still in line at the grocery check out and have it be perfect when you get to it.
I also added a Chamberlain MyQ WiFi garage door opener, so I can start the car and vent the garage without going outside.
Jason Burtman over on the W221 forum is also a MidCity distributor and he'll give forum members a discount. He can tell you if the MidCity requires keyless go.
buy from midcity or a midcity distributor???? hmm... buy from midcity! no brainer, and $700 for an s class with keyless go installed and with drone, would be too cheap to believe. seeing i know the cost of both units and have done over a hundred of the S class's alone
buy from midcity or a midcity distributor???? hmm... buy from midcity! no brainer, and $700 for an s class with keyless go installed and with drone, would be too cheap to believe. seeing i know the cost of both units and have done over a hundred of the S class's alone
Okay, had to dig through my PayPal history. I paid exactly $659 shipped for the MidCity Remote Start module, and exactly $115 for the Drone Mobile unit. I don't know if that's a good price or not but Jason is a friend of mine on the forum so I gave him the business.
Here's how they look on the phone:
Feel free to PM me if you need Jason's contact info.
Last edited by Mike5215; Nov 19, 2015 at 11:12 PM.
Well, if you add those two numbers together you get $774 for parts and they charged me $100 at the shop to install. $874 out the door. Most of the W221 guys were installing them themselves, but my car was already at the shop for the Prima install so I had them handle it. What did you charge people for the MidCity Remote + Drone Mobile + install?
Last edited by Mike5215; Nov 20, 2015 at 11:01 AM.
A buddy and I installed the MidCities piece with the Drone Mobile add on yesterday. Their instructions were simple and very helpful. The hardest part is swapping out the connections behind the ignition. Not much room to work! It took us about 5 hours. Which is the same amount of time the dealer quoted for them to do the install. 2 of the hours where for the Drone module which simply plugs into the back of the MidCities piece. I am sure an experienced MB tech would have knocked this out in far less time, but they would not negotiate the time or price. So I decided to do the install on my own. Very happy with the product.
Find a local installer and get the Compustar starter system with the Drone module which allows cell phone capabilities..works like a charm..I have it in 4 of my cars..with subscription you can also track vehicle positions plus more
wow, I remember those days, first one took a few hours, but a few later it was a 45 minute job with SmartStart mounted above and behind the instrument cluster. Could do the 221 blindfolded, well until i need to read the KeylessGo LED's
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.
