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.
I contacted a buddy of mine from the W221 forum who has an "in" at MidCity Engineering about the prospect of them developing a SmartKey starter module for the 205. Per MidCity:
"Yes, the factory remote starter does not function the way most users would like, if at all. We don't currently have a solution for the W205, but we are working on it. Beyond that, I can't give much more detail. "
I had a SmartKey Starter in my S550. It's not cheap, but it does work, and with much less nonsense than Mbrace. The MidCity piece uses your key fob as a remote, so it'll start your car as long as the car is in the fob's range. There are no pre-conditions...locked doors, windows up, gas level, etc. It fires up instantly with a long press on the "Panic" button.
However, it can pair with a DroneMobile unit. That gives the SmartKey Starter the ability to receive remote commands from anywhere in the world. The DroneMobile has its own internal cell modem. Then you can use their smartphone app to start the car, lock it, etc.
When you approach the car and open the door the car will continue to run. You have to press the car's Start button before pressing the brake. Otherwise the car will shut down. That's the theft prevention. Since the car can't be driven without pressing the brake to put it in gear, someone getting in without a physical key cannot take it.
My Smartkey/DroneMobile setup started the car without fail, and it typically took around fifteen seconds. I believe the cost of both units installed was about $700. As far as pre-heating/cooling, it will run the car at least long enough for the HVAC system to restore whatever temperature setting and state you last left the car in. If you keep your HVAC in Auto and your desired temperature it should be comfortable when you get in regardless of the ambient temperature.
I'll update this thread if/when MidCity launches a unit.
Honestly, I wouldn't get my hopes up for a solution anytime in the near future. I contacted Mid-City a year ago with the same question and they said they were working on a solution. Comparing Mid-City's compatibly list with model years, the 2015 w205 should already have a solution released. We can all dream though...
They initially held off since MB had an OEM version that they gave away with the 16's up. I'm not sure the price point would appeal to a lot of C owners though. $700 for the hardware plus an annual subscription for the Drone.
The Smartkey remote starter alone is about half the total price. You can remote start as long as the car is in range of the key fob. Adding the Drone piece gets you smartphone starting from anywhere via LTE or Wifi.
03-15-2017, 06:59 PM
