My local mobile audio mechanic told me recently that I can't have a remote start because of the wiring in my E350, which is very sad because I freeze in the winter in Michigan. Is this true, and what are your experiences with remote starts on the W211?

 

Yes, it's true.

 

There is one company in chicago, Mid City Engineering, that is working on a model.

I'm in this business, and to install a remote start on an MB is tough. The tough part is not the remote start, but the electronic key bypass (transponder chip).

There is always an easy route in installing a remote start: you install a key box to bypass the electronic key, however that leaves you with leaving a key in the car that a thief may be able to find. Now, most cars are installed with a bypass module that reads the factory system and the transponder system oks the signal and starts the car without the key being present. If you step on the brake though without having the key in, it will stop so no one can drive off with your car.

I actually know the guy who owns the patents on these transponder bypass and data interface modules. Out of MB, BMW, and Audi, BMWs are the easiest to install a remote starter on. With many new Audi's, the ignition column has to be sent to Canada and modified. The three bypass module manufacturers currently have no solution for MBs.

Also the easiest way would be to put an add-on remote starter on the car. Meaning it utilizes the factory remotes. The way the system we have works is you press the lock button three times (triple pulse) and it starts the car. However, with add-ons, you run into the problem of range since the OEM systems don't go that far. They have 1-button stand alone remote starters that come with the remote start unit, a 1 button remote just to start the car, and an antenna to add range. However, you will now have to carry two remote on your key chain.

To add a remote start with alarm or keyless entry would be far to difficult as the MBs use a can-bus system meaning you would need a can-bus module to control the alarm functions. The can-bus module can run you, just the part, anywhere from $70 - $80. Then you'd have to still give up a key and have a key box costing you the key box somewhere between $25 - $30, plus the key being over $150. This route is pretty much pointless, even coming from a guy who is in this business to sell this stuff

The best bet would be to get an add-on unit or a stand alone unit with a 1 button remote that just starts the car, giving you a little more range maybe 500 - 800 ft. The only problem would be the bypass of the transponder system in the ignition.

 

Thats not true... well anymore. We have a full remote starter available now: its plug-and-play so there are no wires to cut or anything. You have your choice of using the factory key to start or alternatively you can add an extended range remote control to start from a longer distance...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMpzJlKRwNk

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZTUIJDDJbE

 

WOW! I stand corrected. This is definitely new technology as I was told by no less than 5 shops that this was impossible. Granted, this was a few years ago.

Pricing? And is this available for all MBs? Namely the R230 SL line and the R-Classes?

 

Re- Mid City

I called to find shops in my area that could install remote start on my E550, and Mid-City gave me some names. When I called those shops, they all said they have not received any product.

Rob - Help! How can we buy your product and have it installed???

 

Its true that it was absolutely no doable because of the design of the mercedes IR smartkey (which is *very* secure). We spent considerable time designing this product to start the vehicle while keeping all the security and reliability features. Also keep in mind that you do not need to give up a key for this remote starter system to function (which is common on many vehicles).

Currently the smartkey starter is available on the following models:

2006-2009 ML
2006-2009 GL
2006-2009 R
2007-2009 S
2007-2009 CL
2004-2009 E
2004-2009 CLS
2004-2009 CLK
2004-2009 G
2008-2009 C
2010 GLK
2010 E

All of these models are plug-and-play which means that there is absolutely no wiring to cut or splice on your vehicle, everything connects using factory plugs and can be removed at any time.

In addition we have the R230 (2004-2009 SL roadster) starter completed and tested but it is not currently plug-and-play (there are a few wires that must be connected ) until we can have custom connectors manufactured.. SLK roadster is also finished and plug-and-play but needs to be tested.

Pricing for the Smartkey Starter is $999 MSRP. All smartkey starters will start using the factory remote (short press of the panic button). If you want the extended range option we have antenna kits available that add a 1 or 2-way remote control and antenna (good for 1500-3000 ft range). Pricing ranges from $110-$230 for the various remote options.

If you have any questions, feel free to call our offices anytime during the day at 312.421.1114 and we will be glad to get them answered for you.

 

We have alot of dealers signed up but not all of them are stocking the starters yet since its still summer and nobody is freezing... Typically the beginning of october is when everyone starts stocking up for the first really cold day...

We have been talking alot lately about the best way to make sure that we can get our starters out as quickly as possible and we are putting together a plan to be ready shortly.

In the meantime if anyone is having trouble finding a dealer with product, please by all means give us a call at 312.421.1114. Ask for TJ and explain the situation and he will be sure to do whatever is necessary to make sure that we can get you taken care of.

 

So for the two-ways, there's a compustar version and a bypasskit (DEI) version? Does the compustar give you better range or are they pretty similar since the compustar is FM and the dei one is AM?

 

The DEI version is actually designed for our canadian distributor: they have a version of the DEI antenna kit that gets greater range (no FCC in canada). Some of our american dealers use a similar (US) version as well but the range is less.

The compustar piece is specifically designed for the US and there are more available remote kit options from compustar. We also are a compustar dealer so we can supply the antenna kits. The compustar 2 way gets about 1500 ft range vs the 2000-2500 for the canadian DEI piece.

All of our starters actually have discrete (negative trigger) inputs as well to activate start as well so you can add a pager/cell adapter to call in and start via cell phone. (also lock/unlock/trunk)

 

if you don't have keyless go, would u press the panic button to start the car then when your ready to drive away put the key in and turn it to the on position?

 

correct... The exact procedure is as follows:

non KG : panic starts the vehicle. press 'unlock' on remote to unlock and open door. to take over control from the starter put key in and turn to the 'Run' position (just before start)

KG: panic starts the vehicle. press 'unlock' on remote to unlock OR grab handle and use normal KG to unlock door. to take over control from the starter enter vehicle with key and press the start/stop button twice.

While the starter is controlling the vehicle the shifter is locked. if the brake is pressed, hood is released, or the engine rpms go to low or too high the starter will shut down so the vehicle is kept secure and safe.

 

are there any installers in the NYC/Long Island area?

 

Movin On sounds is a Smartkey Starter dealer in Franklin Square, NY

www.movinon.com
516-489-2350

 

wow that is literally walking distance from my house but that place looks soooooo shady every time i pass by

 

They (Movinon) are a Fortin distributor now, so from my experiencing of going through the process of becoming a Fortin distributor, they probably are a very legit company.

Ya, the canadian units get better range because of no FCC approval. I remember the old school canadian compustars. People were getting a mile range with those.

I actually have experience with that DEI remote since those units sold under the Bypasskit name come from the same factory we buy from and that remote is similar to one that we carry (just cosmetically different).

So does the two way give you any other indications such as if the door or hood was opened while the factory system is armed? That would be really cool.

 

Currently the 2 way reports back lock, unlock, trunk/hatch release, start command received, and actual engine start. The compustar also adds in the timer as well. We have plans to add in lots of extras to the remote including the features you mentioned but not until we get a look at the new antenna kits that are coming out. (DEI is moving to a newer antenna extension kit that will let you use *any* DEI remote so we have to wait to get a hold of them and see what they can do...)

 

Nice. Very exciting. It's great that someone came out with a remote starter system that works for the newer MBs. Cause you can put a regular remote starter on an MB older than like 99. But once the electronic keys came out, that was it, game over.

Ya, the compustar remote is very advanced. I don't like the style, but it's a great unit and the color is very nice (they were the 1st to bring a LCD unit to the US along with Precision Electronics (currently Scytek). The quality seems very good as it is made in South Korea by a top notch factory (they are very well known globally).

 

Wow! It's good to know that someone makes one! I would love to have one but $1000 is not worth it for my cold buns! Thank you anyways!

 

Yep....just called my local contact for the remote starter. $1,095.00 for the Smart Key Starter and $1,695.00 for the Extended Starter (plus tax, of course). YIKES! Sounds kinda pricey....I think b/t $300-500.00 or so would be totally worth it.

 

+1 Agreed.

 

That's how much a LCD remote starter with alarm is on a regular car with install about ($350 to $500 depending on options and add-ons). Also remember, on other cars you need a bypass module (maybe two) which can range from $40 to sometimes $80 on some cars. This isn't something cheap. The bypass module for BMWs (you need two: one for key and one for alarm/door lock) retails for $400 for the transponder one and $70 for the door lock one, without install (I sell these). Also, for VW and Audi, the entire ignition barrel has to be removed and sent to Canada for modification to allow a remote starter to function (ie VW Toureg, A6, A8, Q7, Porsche Cayenne).

The system these guys have is VERY sophisticated. I'm in this business. I've never seen anything like it.

 

if anyone has an idea on where and how to get a remote starter on a 2003 e500 any information would be great. called around a few places and seems like they can only be done on the 2004 models and up.
thanks

 

Reviving an old thread!

Just called about the SmartKey Starter and it can only be bought with installation.

799 plus installation?!

Anyone know of any other systems that work on our cars? I don't need it to be installed, I can do that myself... and the price isn't very friendly either.