Just looked at a 15' CLS400 that I might buy. I got in and their it was odd that it didn't have the start button but rather a regular laser key. When I look up the vin it has the keyless go package 889 listed. Is this normal?

Thanks

 

Its just missing the button. $30 on ebay. No big deal. I bought my 14 the same way.
John

 

so you can just take out the area where the key go in and swap it out? What about the key? Arnt they completely different?

 

 

OK.. but what about the keys? I'm guessing I'll need to buy new keys? Will the black laser type keyfob work with it?

 

 

Maybe the previous owner realised how much of a security risk it can be (if you don't religiously disable it with the fob (which defeats the objective of it)) and took it out.

Quite a few people are removing it once they understand how easy it is to steal if left activated.

 

Ok.. thank you all. I can't believe its that simple!

 

Ok, I'll bite. Please explain the risk.

 

Apparently potential thieves can use some sort of device to boost the signal from your key and use it to unlock and start the car.

There are a few cases of it happening in the UK and it's recommended that you keep your keys in a metal tin.

I don't have a problem with it, the convenience of the keyless entry & start way out-weighs the risk of someone stealing it and, if someone does steal it, then that's why I have insurance.

 

Got my pushbutton yesterday from Amazon. Worked like a charm. I had no idea that it just plugs in like the key, I was thinking the whole keyhole was getting changed out haha. So..

1: My Mercedes parts guy said the keyfob only transmits to something like 10ft so it would be pretty hard to amplify it (person would have to basically stand next to you with the amplifier).
2: By using the push button it communicates with the key continuously so they tend to kill your keyfob battery in about a year rather than years'.

 

Awesome. Glad it was a simple fix

1. Yeah so if you leave your keys 10ft away from the front door someone could come along and pinch your car. You just have to be smart where you leave your keys. People are stealing Mercs in less than 30 seconds - http://www.thedrive.com/news/21003/t...-in-23-seconds
2. I've had my car less than 2 years and I've already had to replace the battery. At least it's cheap and easy to do.

 

Your key transmits more than 10ft. The car doesn't get a strong enough signal much more than 10ft, but a scanner can pick up enough to replicate and boost fro 30ft away, these are two entirely different things and your parts guy is not understanding the latter and giving bad advice.. Either disable the fob, or keep the key in a Faraday pouch / box when in the house.

 

Someone should make one of these buttons with an extra transmitter to a remote starter. Wonder if that could be done