Automatic start options?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Burbs
'03 E500 Sport
Automatic start options?
I am looking into getting automatic start for my 2003. Is this possble? Also, any recommendations on which one is the best? Should i just go to Best Buy? Any insight would help me out a lot.
Thanks,
PetePap
Thanks,
PetePap
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Are you speaking about a remote start set up?? If so my advice is not to do it or even attempt it. The end result could very well be an electronic disaster with damaged components and systems.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Burbs
'03 E500 Sport
Yes, I am talking about remote start. Why do you say not to attempt it? Did you try it? I cant see it ruining my electronics!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,212
Likes: 9
From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
DONT DO IT... you would be better off lighting the car on fire...
you know that fancy key you have? thats the major problem, the ignition system on the car does not play fair with remote starts...
you know that fancy key you have? thats the major problem, the ignition system on the car does not play fair with remote starts...
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
From: South CA (LA, 818) & North CA (SJ, 408)
2003 E500
Remote start is nice. I thought about doing it, but I have Keyless Go and with the electrical components in our vehicles, I chose not to complicate things. I think that our electrical system is complex and that is why the other posters stated that it would not be a good idea.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I've seen a few of these threads, I guess I've replied on all that it cannot be done in practice.
I don't like the idea of idling cars, not good for the environment but I'm not saying this just because I don't like remote starters.
To some extent the complex electronics could make this simpler because if you were able to access appropriate CAN buses (which isn't difficult) and were able to signal properly there, that would be all that is needed. But if a remote starter was really able to do this, then almost anybody could enter your car and run away. DAS is there to make this difficult, in practice impossible.
On another thread someone referred to a remote starter system that used a real key in the car. That could work (but nobody explained how it was done, to keep battery drain down etc.) but who would want to leave the key in the car, even if it was "hidden".
On older cars without DAS it was basically enough to have a couple of remote controlled relays, no intelligence involved. But those cars can be stolen easily too.
I don't like the idea of idling cars, not good for the environment but I'm not saying this just because I don't like remote starters.
To some extent the complex electronics could make this simpler because if you were able to access appropriate CAN buses (which isn't difficult) and were able to signal properly there, that would be all that is needed. But if a remote starter was really able to do this, then almost anybody could enter your car and run away. DAS is there to make this difficult, in practice impossible.
On another thread someone referred to a remote starter system that used a real key in the car. That could work (but nobody explained how it was done, to keep battery drain down etc.) but who would want to leave the key in the car, even if it was "hidden".
On older cars without DAS it was basically enough to have a couple of remote controlled relays, no intelligence involved. But those cars can be stolen easily too.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,642
Likes: 13
From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
Remote start is the most desirable option, in that, the car can be heated or cooled before you get to it. Hard to say why Mercedes thought the keyless go was the way to go. (my guess, keep up with Lexus) I looked in to a retro fit too and yes at the end of the day it is impossible to get around the MB IR key. The guys that say don't do it are right.
My Suburban has the remote start, it works two city blocks away. people that ride with me say they like getting in a cool car.
My Suburban has the remote start, it works two city blocks away. people that ride with me say they like getting in a cool car.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
You mention KG but it should be the same without it.
The correct remote start option for heating the car is the remote controlled OEM aux heater. For real cooling this isn't good, the aux heater activates heater fan but of course no colder than ambient air as the compressor is not running. A remoter starter beats the aux heater there (unfortunately I hardly ever have this cooling problem).
The correct remote start option for heating the car is the remote controlled OEM aux heater. For real cooling this isn't good, the aux heater activates heater fan but of course no colder than ambient air as the compressor is not running. A remoter starter beats the aux heater there (unfortunately I hardly ever have this cooling problem).
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 7
From: Albuquerque, NM
09' E350, 01' Maxima SE, 93 Nissan Maxima SE, 1987 Nissan Maxima SE
I would not mess with the remote start. For several reasons, one, MB is very advance on the key ignition electronics since the keyless go or the Key transmitter prevents from possible theft to the vechicles. Two, that you can create a lot of mess for the electronic circuitry, and not possible to get your car to start without the transimitter. Three, would you want your car stolen, anyone cxould jump in while the car is idling and no one in it. Last, it would cost you your shirt and pant, let say if Best Buy or an aftermarket shop do it, and something goes wrong, and you had to get it fix, it'll cost you probably more than what an engine cost to replace.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,212
Likes: 9
From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
I've seen a few of these threads, I guess I've replied on all that it cannot be done in practice.
I don't like the idea of idling cars, not good for the environment but I'm not saying this just because I don't like remote starters.
To some extent the complex electronics could make this simpler because if you were able to access appropriate CAN buses (which isn't difficult) and were able to signal properly there, that would be all that is needed. But if a remote starter was really able to do this, then almost anybody could enter your car and run away. DAS is there to make this difficult, in practice impossible.
On another thread someone referred to a remote starter system that used a real key in the car. That could work (but nobody explained how it was done, to keep battery drain down etc.) but who would want to leave the key in the car, even if it was "hidden".
On older cars without DAS it was basically enough to have a couple of remote controlled relays, no intelligence involved. But those cars can be stolen easily too.
I don't like the idea of idling cars, not good for the environment but I'm not saying this just because I don't like remote starters.
To some extent the complex electronics could make this simpler because if you were able to access appropriate CAN buses (which isn't difficult) and were able to signal properly there, that would be all that is needed. But if a remote starter was really able to do this, then almost anybody could enter your car and run away. DAS is there to make this difficult, in practice impossible.
On another thread someone referred to a remote starter system that used a real key in the car. That could work (but nobody explained how it was done, to keep battery drain down etc.) but who would want to leave the key in the car, even if it was "hidden".
On older cars without DAS it was basically enough to have a couple of remote controlled relays, no intelligence involved. But those cars can be stolen easily too.
The difficulty with MB is that they dont use normal keys that give off radio signal(most dont) they use light and transfer a rolling coded signal via optics instead of Radio frequency. To my knowledge an adapter doesnt exist or isnt readily available to for this use... But say there was... When a mercedes ignition system senses a key, it counts the number of keys in the system... anything more then 1 and the system locks only to be unlocked at the dealership... other manufacturers dont count the number of keys the system senses... but in any case in theory it is doable... but only with a lot of work arounds... NOT WORTH IT
Yacht Master: IIRC, Mercedes was the first manufacturer to offer keyless go, in MY2003 models. Other manufacturers have since joined the KG trend, although some arent really keyless go, but just have push button ignitions...
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
2004 S55 AMG
I just had the exact same conversation with my SA @ the dealership. Long story short, remote start is a no-go for the reasons stated here. My (actually, my wife's) S stays in the garage anyway so it's not as big a deal as my diesel monster truck that sits in the driveway (and is plugged in this time of year anyway)...
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 513
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
2020 GLE350
I would agree to not even mess with it, but PLEASE do yourself a favor, avoid Best Buy at all cost for ANY installation, they are the worst installers I have ever seen. I sell car audio online and a great deal of the issues I have with returns come from Best Buy installations, once we get the item in the shop, we bench test them and there are no problems.....
