Dumb question, but how far can the keyfob be from the car and still have it lock/unlock via Keyless Go?

I ask because one of my condos is directly above the open garage. I'm wondering if I need to pick up a metal box (Faraday cage) to prevent people from opening the car when I'm home.

 

Not a dumb question at all
I have just conducted a little test for you and outdoor range is beyond 45 feet . I just pressed the trunk button and when I got by the car I saw the trunk popped open
With the car is outside and my room is at the 2nd floor ,the key fob still operates . Indoor range is beyond my expectation too

 

I can use the fob to lock and unlock from quite a ways: but the keyless option is much closer if I'm not mistaken: a matter of a few feet I think

 

I think I would test it. Lock the car, go to the condo and leave the key there, go back to the car and see if it will unlock.

Whatever we say won't matter compared to if it opens or doesn't open.

 

That is correct. BenzV12 was confusing key remote range (relatively far) with keyless go range (relatively close). I suspect the OP will not be able to operate the car with the key in the condo.

 

has to be within a few feet of the doors or trunk. I have stood in front of the car while a passenger tried to get back into the locked car and it didn't work. Had to stand practically next to them for them to do it. Given there are so many variables and potential interference from items in pockets/purses, you should just test it out yourself.

 

As far as I know it is 3 feet for keyless go to function (remember reading it somewhere - may be in the manual). My only problem in your situation would be the remote trunk opening feature. Once you accidentally hit the button (from the second floor) it'll be a real pain, as nothing short of physically coming down and closing the trunk manually would work.

 

The keyless go feature has a range of between 3 and 5 ft. The remote itself uses IR as well as RF and has a range of up to 100 ft (under right condition with the IR key pointed directly at the IR receiver on drivers door handle). They used to have the IR receiver on both drivers and passenger door handles, but in the latest W212 it is only on the drivers door.

 

Range gets better when you hold the keyfob under your chin. Looks dumb but do it discretely

 

I'm specifically thinking of the access which is granted when you put your hand on the handle. One of my condos has a scummy tenant as a neighbor and all sorts of unsavory characters going in and out. The last thing I want is one of them opening my car because the key's in range.

If it's indeed 3-5 feet (I'm going to factor 10 feet to play it safe), then I'll definitely need to store my keys in a different spot than I normally do.

I'm not too worried about the trunk opening, as I've had to deal with this on my 2004 M45 for the past 10 years The remote on that will work up to 300 feet and its buttons are easily activated. I've resorted to keeping a flat metal keytag on the ring so it'll cover the buttons while the remote is in my pocket. On the Infinitis, holding the unlock button will roll down all of the windows + open sunroof...and there's NO IR verification. There's been more than a few times where I'd go outside to the car and find it wide open. Not fun.

 

The keyless go also has trouble getting the signal through walls. I hang my keys just inside the door from my garage to my home. If that door is open I will be able to get a response from my door handle on occasion. When that door is shut the key is completely disabled. I hope that made sense. The signal does not like to travel through walls even if it is within 5 feet.

 

Every wall is different and the signal can reflect. The easy determination is to store your key then try accessing your car.

 

Hmmmm, Keyless Go Range is pretty limited and it's a good thing . With the key fob is inside the driver's door bin and the driver's door is ajar 3/4 way the car won't start .
Thanks for corrections

 

I just unknowingly tested this yesterday for you.... Pulled the golf cart right next to the back end of the car (very close) with the keys in the bag and tried opening the trunk. No luck. Had to take them out to open the trunk. My guess was 3 - 4 feet and through the bag, you should be good. 65ish deg in Nov in Boston on a holiday; Golf must be played. There is a rule written about it somewhere.... Also while standing next to the drivers door with the keys in my pocket, my son was not able to open the rear passenger's door. I had to stick my hand into the handle to open it for him.