Rainers

i just bought a mid city unit and I am planning on installing this weekend. The task seems easy enough.
has anyone done this themselves that could give any tips before I start?

2008 e350

rtbrjason

I've been interested in one of these myself. Interested to know how your install goes. Do the instructions include details on how to safely remove the interior panels?

Rainers

Install instruction are on Mid City Engineering website.
need to pull out the command unit to get to back of the key module.

This install is pretty simple plug and play.

My 2014 ML was more difficult because I had to send the EIS to MCE so they could solder a jumper on the unit and I needed a third key for the key box.

But these are great units and MCE are the best for advise and support.

NewShockerGuy

Got a link to the product? I was on their site but only saw a smartkey starter... is this what you got?


Thanks,
-Nigel

Rainers

Yes, this what I am putting in to my 2008 e350

smartstarter by Mid City Engineering

f4i 954

Not sure if you can get to it from the command, i did mine by removing the under dash panel, all of the ones i did the 211 is the hardest one to get to the EIS.

NewShockerGuy

Looks like a great unit. If this was kept outside I'd probably pick on up.. though not cheap at $500.. They have good reviews on the unit as well.. Seems like a lot of folks here use them on the MLs.


-Nigel

f4i 954

they are great, i have them on the E class and ML

Rainers

I was told you can access the side of the module in the command cavity, instructions show it as possible.

I really do not want to remove the command and if you did it before, could you tell me how you installed yours? did you leave the EIS in or did you remove it, any help would be wonderful

f4i 954

check your pm

Rainers

I finally decided to do it this weekend, it took me about an hour of being careful. I pulled the radio out and then unscrewed the EIS (key) from the dash and it was simple plug and play. I did not have to cut or splice anything. SUPER SIMPLE!

I know winter is over but I'll still use it to start when it's hot outside.

And I found this new old stock on eBay from a reseller for $150.00, sure better than a new one for $499.00.

NewShockerGuy

Does the entire eBay person have any more for the w211?

Rainers

I do not know if he has anymore, but people list them all the time. You just need to check it out every once in a while. I just set my search up to notify me whenever one listed and in about 3 months I found one that was inexpensive enough.

You up could also ask Mid City Engineering if they are going run a sale soon. They sometimes do and they knock off $100 or so.

NewShockerGuy

What did you end up setting your search criteria for? At $150 it's a mod to do if it comes up again on eBay. At $400-500 it's not worth it at all to me since the car will never be driven in winter time and is garage kept...lol


Kinda a nice to have just in case on a cool fall day sort of mod.


-Nigel