AMGangster

The car goes into Chicago on Friday for the full remote start with the ability to use an app to start the car from anywhere in the country.

Has anyone done this to their car yet? Anything I should know?

I will give my two cents after the install is completed.

shivsiddh

where in Chicago and how much are they charging if you don't mind me asking

JeffDL

and you have to give up a key to make this work right? or get another key.

drawde

it's been a while since i was doing research on this but i don't think this is the case.

one of the things that put me off was that someone told me it drains the battery (although i didn't read much about other people having this issue), and that you can only remote start up to 5 times a row before having to use the key on the 6th time.

may i ask how much they quoted you? dealer by me was quoting something like $1200, and that's without the "drone system" which allows for the smartphone integration (+$475 and $2.95/mo).

CSIKTY3

I called them yesterday for this they told me $799 plus install at a local dealer.. ehhhhh a little steal for me for a remote start. cool feature but I rather spend the money towards hp gains

AMGangster

No you don't need a key inside. They will do the whole thing for $1,199 not including tax including the cell phone integration.

AMGangster

I work for Tire Rack, which sits on the toll road and the wind is extremely cold. I'm tired of getting off and waiting 10 mins to leave. It is money well spent in my book.

jbec.keane

Just had this installed in my 2013 E350 a few weeks ago. A dealer in New Jersey (MB of Morristown) did it for $1,000, but without the cell phone integration.

A few things to know:
1. It uses the factory key fob
2. It will start the car even if the doors are unlocked
3. The car will shut off if you touch the brake. This is difficult for me since my habit is to press the brake whenever I start the car.
4. It works from the same distance as the lock/unlock feature and the other features of the key fob.
5. Very useful and I would certainly put it into another car if needed.

AwdthisC63

14 & up models will need a key hidden in vehicle in a lock box, also the eis (ignition switch) electrical board gets soldered. Any year below 14 no key needs to be in car and remote start control unit piggy backs into eis. Keyless go systems there's a can wire from remote start control unit that piggy backs into keyless go can slot in can block. Price all depends on keyless go system w/ phone app. Basic install $700 range + labor. Add keyless go and app $1200-1400 + labor. Rumor has it in 2016 you will be able to start your vehicle through embrace if subscribed using embrace app. Not sure of details but heard this a few times allready.

AMGangster

Good info, thanks John!

AMGangster

I got the remote start installed on Friday. Drove to Chicago and dropped it off at 12:30 central time. They told me it would be able 2 hours, so we took a cab to Bub City (top shelf BBQ place by Lettuce Entertain You), just before 2 hours in, I get a call that it is done.

Once I get back to the shop, I download the DroneMobile app, register with the serial number on the unit installed in my car and I am good to go.

I couldn't be happier with how this whole thing went down. The key fob starts the car with a quick push of the panic button. This is what I will use 75% of the time.

The real treat is the DroneMobile app. It allows me to start my car from anywhere that my phone and car have a signal. The car runs on Verizon network and so far has worked every place I have tried it. I addition to starting the car you can unlock/lock it. With the premium service you can even GPS the car's location.

All in all this is exactly what I was looking for and was pleased with Mid City from start to finish. Highly recommended!!!