yk0786

Hey all

I was thinking of putting in a remote start for my GL350. After doing some reading I am not sure if I want to move forward with it. I have read that its not all that great to idle a diesel and that it may do some damage.

Does anyone have any perspective on having a remote start on a diesel?

joe0816

Hijacking your thread

I am amazed that the GL550 doesn't have remote start on the key.

I was further surprised MBApps doesn't have a remote start feature.


Does MB hate remote start?

avandss

+1 very curious to know

Ntuck

I talked to my service advisor once about it because it practically comes standard on some vehicles now. Not diesel per se, but I asked about mine. I also have a 350 and he said it would void my warranty if I got one aftermarket. So...that may answer your question about whether you get one or not. When I bought my Suburban in 2007 it came with remote start and it was awesome. Maybe your dealer would say something different but you might want to ask.

smayshusband

http://www.midcityengineering.com/
Ask and you shall receive. They say it's safe for the diesel.

fabbrisd1

MB had a phobia about opening a portal for potential hacking/theft - which is a huge deal in some markets.

Mid-City has a righteous system - contact them directly for a referral to someone close.

On certain 13/14 Keyless Go systems requires a "3rd key" to be wired into as part of the system.

Some dealers do install Mid-City as convenience to their customers and rock solid support from Mid-City and their distributor.

rmemory

When I bought my 450, the dealer offered to install the mid city remote start system. They said it was the only system that would not void the warranty, and that was only if they installed it. I passed because they charged double what the nearest other mid city authorized shop would do it for. I still haven't done it for warranty fears.

MB needs to get with the times and figure out a way to have it factory installed.

Ntuck

When I search my area I see there is an authorized dealer right down the street. My MB dealer here in Richmond, VA is not an authorized dealer and are the ones who told me it would void the warranty. I do see that a MB dealer an hour away does install. Wouldn't you think if it was at least installed by a MB dealer that they would not void your warranty?

I agree...get with the times! Especially since it's not an inexpensive vehicle. It should absolutely have the technology and upgrade.

Mbenz260e

I think the OP also has a concern with idling a cold diesel engine. As we know the diesels do take a long time to warm up and are inefficient when cold, so not the best thing to do for MPGs. Also when oil is thick (not warm) more engine wear occurs. But I am not an engineer and haven't studied the issue extensively so can't really weigh in. Personally I don't warm our diesels up more than a minute or so as I've read it's better to just get them working to get up to operating temperature.

fabbrisd1

There is a lot of misunderstanding here between "old school" diesel and "new tech" diesel.

Mercedes is "firm" on their design intention - and MB remote start is not in the cards. When BMW broadened their remote portal - in Euro it was like a massive release of "Gone in 60 Seconds"... do the search and see the YouTube videos of that nightmare.

Mercedes will not widen their portal - and in response to the BMW backlash - Mercedes even tightened their security protocols even more.

On the new MB protocols - yes, the ignition module for remote start (Mid-Citi) gets a added "pin out" which is the only mod required - plus with keyless requires a added/3rd-key used in the circuit.

Warranty for Mid-City remote start is covered by the installer on the labor - and Mid-City backs up the warranty on parts.

My guys have done both the "old" plug-n-play install before security protocols were updated - and they have done the "new" installs requiring the pin mod - my guys are cool with it, and cool with Mid-City - so I am good with it.

yk0786

Thank you everyone for commenting and posting your perspective on a remote starter.

Fabbrisd1 - Where would I be able to go to get more information on the "new tech" diesels?

fabbrisd1

mbusa.com or google Mercedes BlueTech diesels

ymmv

Ford has offered remote start on their diesels since at least 2005. I don't see any more or less risk of theft than keyless entry (both require only radio connection between car and "sender" (key fob.) From what I've read, most modern cars are stolen by means that don't circumvent anti-theft devices -- it's usually a planned attack by "human engineering" (a fancy way of saying a key is stolen or copied, usually by an accomplice at a dealership or a commercial parking building) or "brute force" (towing the car away on a flat bed, brutally disarming power to the vehicle by cutting the battery ground strap.) The crooks know their game, they cover or remove the GPS antenna, they disarm the radio/cellular device/antenna, and they know the engine is basically invulnerable to direct attack through its ignition system, so they don't even try.

My concern about the GL is how easy it is for the vehicle to be shifted into gear or even started by pressing the button if the key is say in the cabin in a person's bag. A five year-old is tall enough to apply the footbrake and can jump in the driver's seat and accidentally engage "D" or "R" and the vehicle will even override the parking brake and move away.

yk0786

Well after much consideration and speaking with an authorized installer of the mid-city engineering unit, I decided not to pursue the remote start. According to the installer, he said that the MY2014 with keyless-go is different beast from previous years and that he would need to install a key into the dash for the remote start to operate. It would require more than just a plug and play as Mid-City Engineering claims for this model year.

Oh well, I was pretty excited to having a viable option but I guess I will a year or two and see if things changed with the install process. Or the other option is to get it installed at the dealership, but financially its not a sound option to go with.

fabbrisd1

Well, I had communicated that to you ("On certain 13/14 Keyless Go systems requires a "3rd key" to be wired into as part of the system.") - and also my guys have tested the new adaptation and works fine.

Yes - that "3rd key" is a added expense - however, no one knows if the "program around" on the new security will ever-ever come about - the Mid-City solution for both "old" and "new" security protocols has proven effective and rock solid... my guys tested "smart" - they did their test using vehicles from our courtesy fleet..

yk0786

Thanks fabbrisd1 - I must have read your comment and forgotten about it. I am Ok with the third key as I had done this with my BMW I had a few years ago. what concerned me was the potential void of warranty of the ignition/starter (unless I get it installed at the dealer) since the installer would have to do a little bit of splicing/cutting of wires.