arvinbahri

I have a 2013 c350 sport sedan from Canada, I want to install a remote starter for winter. Is it possible and what types would people recommend?

steven1888

Mid city

arvinbahri

I've heard that it messes with the computer system or something as well, any truth to that?

Also, would this be a DIY type install, or do you need a pro to do it?

tomdeis

I had a Viper smartstart installed in my.
Very pricey, the mb204d was around $1600.00 installed.
I had a local Autotemp here in Red Deer, Alberta do it.
If you have keyless go then it costs even more.
Well worth it though as I can start my car from any where using my phone.

Nanook

I have Compustar (firstech=midcity) with Drone iphone module/app..pro install..$1500 all in...and came with 1-2way fob and 1-1way fob ...and no fobs are not needed with Drone app (they were $200 included in total price) but I wanted a backup option...works as touted

arvinbahri

Any problems with it at all?

acr2001

Midcity is (last time I checked about a year ago) the only company that makes a remote starter for these cars. They rebrand for other manufacturers but it's still the same product.

It is the easiest remote starter you'll ever install in a car. Assuming you don't have keyless go, you simply unplug the ignition wire harness behind the ignition and plug this device into it. The wiring harness then plugs into the device's harness. It's a pass-through. Installation done. I only have experience installing it in the face-lifted W204 and it involves removal of the kick panel under the drivers side dash, the wood trim on the dash (easy), and the plastic trim below the gauge cluster. The hardest part is finding someone with small enough hands to make the connection back there.

I've been using it for 2 years and it works flawlessly. It's extremely overpriced, but I managed to find one on eBay for $250 (got lucky). The Mid-City people are a real bunch of jerks though - they will not provide any support whatsoever to end users. They insist that you go through an installer and after I asked them a very simple question, had the audacity to instruct me to return the unit I bought and pay them the $1000+ to have one installed.

Nanook

Actually I believe Midcity was bought out by Firstech http://firstechonline.com/ some time ago (now a joint venture) and they specialize in the starter market for many major manufacturers..as oem products. I also looked at the ebay option (which claims simplicity) but for the additional $ and possible future potential issues decided to leave to the pros (also I have keyless go which means access to the k/g module under the rear seats and a wire run to ignition switch)

nanomouse2013

FYI: I just had an MB dealer in Colorado install a SmartKey remote starter in my 2013 MB ML63 for $1500 with 2500 feet range. It was not an easy install to say the least. I had to leave car with dealer all day. It was a seamless install. I can start the car with the regular car key or use the two new remotes that came with the unit.

xplos1

Mid city is not owned by first tech, they are the only company that manufactures a remote starter for A MB. They have yet to have a warranty claim on there product.

They work with Firstech (compu star, drone)and DEI, (Clifford, Viper, Python, smart start).

So you can add a remote start with either DEI remotes or compu remotes and a smart start or Drone smart phone device along with your factory remote fully operational to start your vehicle. Both are great and you should decide on what brand by the service in your area.

I speak with experience as I very been an installer for over 15 years and a Sales rep with Clifford for 5 years.

Carlos.33193

I have the viper smart start system. Was about 1600 installed plus 60$ or something for a year of GPS service. No problems at all.. Have bad it for about 5-6 months. Works great with the key and great with the iPhone app + you get gps on your car and other features such as smart alerts, lockdown alerts, speed etc.