TylerDurden

Has anyone installed a remote starter in their C-class. I was wondering if it is even possible since we have a smart key.

But it would be nice for people who live in colder climates to have one so that they can pre-heat their car before their commute.

My problem right now I cannot leave my car locked with the engine on and unattended while the car heats up. To do that I would have to carry the additional key with me as well so I can unlock the car.

On second thoughts can the valet key ( the metal key ) be used
to lock and unlock the car while the smart key is in the ignition.
Hmm I can't wait to try that this evening. I dont even remember seeing a keyhole on the door handles.

avlis

The metal key should work. I don't know if the alarm will go off, probably not. Be carefull with the metal key though. They've been known to scratch the paint if they are inserted and turned one way instead of the other.

Benzer

My dealer offer that feature for a discounted price of 800.00 on my Coupe. I declined. 800 is way too much. I had one installed on a Honda-CRV for 175.00.

But Yes you can install the remote starter.

peet

although - the hack to do it on cars that use 'smart keys' (that is ones with chips in them) is to take a key, mount it near the receiver array (usually a ring around the key hole) permanently. The remote start/alarm circuits basically bypass all of the wires underneath - the same way a thief would hot wire a car.

But our cars can't be hotwired - because of that key to antenna interaction in the ignition hole. So I investigated this with my BMW and the installer said I'd need to cough up a current key, they'd mount it in the steering column in cotact with the antenna so that when the remote would 'turn the key' the chip in the glued on key would interact and validate the transaction.

Hope that makes sense?!

vadim

To warm up the engine under low temperatures there is a better alternative - engine block heater. If I'm not mistaken, it is a standard option in Canada and probably can be ordered and installed through your dealer.

tberry

i'm kinda interested in this...any idea part#? any pics? anyone has this?

hokusbenz

I was told by my salesperson at my dealer several times that this is not possible on a Benz, you can fry the electrical system. She witnessed it herself.

vadim

I guess Canadian members might shed some light?

TylerDurden

Vadim,

Frankly I am not trying to warm up the engine necessarily. I want
the passenger compartment to be warm when I walk up to the car in freezing temperatures.
Also I called up MB Today and they told me that I would be able
to start the car with my Electronic Key , then lock 3 doors from inside by pressing the door buttons manually from inside, finally the drivers side door can be locked using the metal valet key.
I need to do that because there is no way to lock the car centrally while the engine is running. Well thats a decent alternative for now. Although if some determined crook decided to break one of my windows and drive away he will be able to
do that without much trouble if I left the electronic key in the ignition.

vadim

You can achieve practically the same result with the engine block heater as it is the engine heat that is used to warm up the cabin. At the very least, your waiting time will be greatly reduced. Plus, it is not nearly as harmful to the engine as a prolonged idle time that would be needed to bring it to the desired temperature.

Mike T.

Instead of hurting your engine by a protracted warmup period in order to heat the interior, why not get another C with heated seats and heated steering wheel.

Stationary warmups are far worse for an engine than driving the car gently maybe 10 s after it starts.

mctwin2kman

This is why I am ordering heated seats....

JeT

Have you got your car yet? That would cost a crap load to install aftermarket.

TylerDurden

My car already has heated seats. I have not heard about a heated steering wheel option. Also I am giving up on the idea of
a remote starter. Hate splicing some aftermarket equipment into
my stock MB.

TimmyC230boy

I had remote start on my Camaro. We mounted a spare key in the steering column, near the ignition, so the chip on the key could be read. the only times I used it was to look kool, and to start the car and lower the windows. when it had been started remotely once the brake pedal was pressed, if the key want in ignition, the car would shut off. It was only $165 i think.

mctwin2kman

I am still awaiting my stock check from my last job. I plan on ordering in January. Kinda waiting to see what the price of the C320 Sport Coupe will be. Either way I am getting a C230 or C320 Sport Coupe, with C1, C2, C4, C7, auto, heated Seats, CD Changer and Bose.