iankayem

I am thinking of replacing the A1, so I will consider the B200 or A200 (due here in March.) A prerequisite will be Keyless go.

I cannot find a W246 forum so I will ask here.

The B200 W246 has the exclusive pack which contains
"Convenience opening/closing (infrared)".

Does this relate to Keyless Go (Proximity key)?

lboudreau

The new 246 B class does not have Keyless Go available, only RF/IR Remote (As far as North America is concerned.)

It should also be noted that the key only has buttons to unlock and lock the vehicle and has no button to release the boot/trunk.

iankayem

Real pity. Guess I will have to cross it off the shopping list. And probably the same for the A class.

So the "Convenience opening" which is only available in the Exclusive pack must be special. How does it differ from the standard remote key fob function?

lboudreau

I think they market it as a "special feature" for the B class, but in reality it is just the standard Key FOB that all the other models use. They have a B250 with Exclusive pack at my dealer and it is no different from the other ones.

iankayem

Checked it out with the dealer today.

Convenience opening/closing opens the windows and sunroof remotely principly to ventilate a car parked in the hot sun. (Great for today, approaching 41C/106F outside.)
It also closes the windows & sunroof from the outside.

Sadly nothing to do with keyless-go.

lboudreau

Which would make sense since it is an rf/ir key fob. RF for unlocking/locking and IR for the convenience open/close.


I have keyless go on my ml and would have liked to have it on the b class but it really isn't a deal breaker for me since the b class really has a lot going for it. IMO the inconvenience of using the key for everything is minor in the bigger picture

Good luck with whatever you decide to go with

iankayem

The rf works from all angles and at a fair range, and beyond obstacles. The ir works only at line of sight with the black dot at the rear of the drivers door handle.

Reason: Sometimes external rf transmission can block the rf opening. In such case you can still enter unhindered by use of the ir.

"What is this cr#p" you may say?
Never have I experienced this problem with a Japanese car.
But with the Landrover Discovery, it happened regularly. My wife was not impressed when roadside assist told her to push the 2+ton car 10 feet where the interference may be different!

The ML's have Keyless Go, so I am unaware of their susceptibility to rf problems.

I accept your decision about the W246, but personally, I always have a walking stick in one hand, sometimes some baggage in the second, so I would then need a third hand to dive into the pocket for the key.

lboudreau

Understood. In your situation it would make sense for sure. Might see keyless go on the 2014 B class