K-A

For some reason I've been confused as to whether I need a factory option to have this enabled or if all W211's have it....I'm leaning toward the former.

When I hold down the Unlock Button on my Key, nothing happens. Also, I'm pretty sure my Car doesn't have a "Summer Feature" or whatever it is I think it may need to have that luxury. How would I know for sure to be definite if my Car has it though?

Thanks.

Diesel Benz

I'm not aware of any W211 that would not have the summer convenience feature.

1) it only works through IR, you have to point your key to the IR receiver at the door.
2) windows have to be normalised before this works. If your one touch opening/closing does not work, then your windows are not normalised (the same for the basic sunroof).
3) see the list of technical bulletins from konigstiger, some cars may have an issue with the door control unit SW.

SPNJHockey

Look at the door handle on the driver's side. If there's an IR receiver window on it, then point your key right at it (you have to be within inches...NOT "feet" while you're walking up to it) and keep the open button depressed. If it still doesn't work, proceed to Diesel's recommendation regarding "normalisation."

K-A

Thanks. My Door does not have an IR Receiver on it though, it has a regular Key hole (?).

Also, what would I have to do to normalize the windows?

amdeutsch

normalize = sync


RTFM

GGM

Is there a small dark colored square to the right of the key hole about half way to the edge of the handle? That's the IR receiver.

The process for synchronizing the windows and sunroof should be in the manual. I don't want to speculate about how yours works since I have an '08 and you have an '06. Check the manual under power windows/synchronizing or summer opening feature. They are on p. 134-135 of the '08 manual with a picture showing a remote aimed at the IR.

You could also try searching the forums for "synchronizing" or "sync" windows as well as summer feature.

Hope this helps.

konigstiger

Bring it in and mention P-B-72.29/98
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/259841-2006-211-up-vin-863000-a.html

Dema

IR receiver is hardly visible

K-A

Nevermind, you guys rock!! I pointed it at the IR/Keyhole area and voila, the windows and moonroof opened as much as I wanted them to (for as long as I held the button). What I was doing before was holding it down while I was walking to the Car (would be MUCH more useful).

That's why I love this Site!! My second simple little thing about the Car I learned this week (other was Parking Assist rearview Mirror). Makes me wonder what other simple conveniances I may be missing out on....

Thanks!!

SPNJHockey

If you search this (and the other) forum, you'll learn a lot more too.

Mackhack

That's a real adventure with our cars that you keep finding new things out and you keep smiling about it. These cars nowadays are so full of electronic(s), features, and more it is just amazing to me!

What is that feature good for if you have to be in handle grabing range to open the windows and the sunroof by key if you can open it while your inside already?

enr1co

On those really hot days, the 5-10 seconds of having hot air vented from the car before getting inside seems to help cool things.
I typically put my work bag in the trunk or back seat which allows
even more time for the car interior to cool prior to getting in.

Polar Bear

How far away does your's work? It should work about 10-15 feet away if you are pointing the SmartKey at the IR receiver. Mine is working about three inches and needs looked at Dealer didn't fix it last time, and I KNOW that is not by design.

AMGTTV8

False...your dealer had nothing to fix...the IR receiver only works when the key is within a maximum of 2 feet from the handle.

This is a safeguard, just like the fact that the key has to be on the same plane as the receiver to properly transmit and enable the windows to either roll down or up, so as to prevent an owner from accidentally rolling the windows down intentionally while walking away from the vehicle, providing unwanted access.

Yes, you are correct that Mercedes has a bunch of great convenience features, but at the same time, those features are developed just as thoroughly as everything else.

I assure you that everything on these cars was designed for a reason.

Mackhack

Oh I never doubt that, it is just amazing what technology brings us today! Half of my family worked/works for MB in Stuttgart and even myself I worked there several summers while enjoying semester breaks from the university.

I just love my car :-)

Polar Bear

This does not coincide with all of the other Mercedes vehicles I have owned. I have owned two W210s that worked at least 15 feet away, tested another 2006 W211 that worked 15 feet away, and a 2006 W209 that my ex-girlfriend had that worked 15 feet away. A friend just bought a 2008 E350 and it works at least 15 feet away, probably 20, in bright daylight. Mine works *three inches* away. There *is* something wrong. And it does not work in the daylight, either. The IR sensor is clearly defective.

I used the feature on the W210s often. If it works only at two feet it is useless.

Diesel Benz

I'd like to second this view. I'm not sure if my keys work (through IR) 15 feet away, could be more but definitely a lot more than a few feet. The IR receivers at the doors fail sometimes but I would have expected more like a complete failure than restricted operating distance.

K-A

Hmm, I'll give the range thing a try. Hopefully it's 15 Feet

SPNJHockey

OK, your wife parked the car in the driveway. 3 hours later, you head out to take the MB to the post office, but it's raining. When you unlock and open the door, nothing moves...no mirrors, no headrests, no steering column and most importantly, NO SEATS. Next step? You're standing in the rain, you have to hold the memory seat button until the seat moves enough for you to get into the car. Unfortunately, you got real wet. This feature is worthless if it's raining.

BTW, welcome.

TPAbnz

Exactly - thank you.

Mackhack

Guys,

I checked it out with my C230 loaner car from my dealer. On the company parking lot I got about 15 feet (5 meters), at home in my drive way I got true 36 feet (12 meters). I meassured it with the meassuring tape - couldn't believe the range.

When I get back the E320 I will give it a shot as well.

pinebaron

Need to link the vehicle closing electronics with the rain sensor

SPNJHockey

That's all well and good for the windows, but I was referring to having to stand out in the rain waiting for the seat to slide back - while holding the #1 or #2 button in.

Also, I found out my aim was bad, that's why I couldn't open from afar!

BRABUS_E500

I have to press my UNLOCK button down for a long *** time or walk up and hold down the inside of the door handle to get all the windows and pano roof to open.

Mackhack

Try to aim better. First id didn't work with my loaner car but then I played with the angle and distance a bit and it worked. My best was about 12 meter (36 feet) distance to the car.