Donald_S

I am looking for a remote start unit for my 2015 S550. Anyone on this forum have one installed in their S550s? I know there are some options available for the W221s, but not sure if they will work with the W222s? I am looking for an option that if installed, will not void the car's warranty. I would also like to know if there are any DIY plug-and-play options available.

Jason B

I'm a dealer for Midcity who makes a great product. I've sold a few for the W221 and it works very well. Nothing is listed yet for the w222, but I'll check on it and see what's in development. Those guys don't release anything unless it's going to work perfect, so if it's not out yet, there's a reason.

MTrauman

Sorry--a bit off topic. Since you are a dealer for MidCity, have you sold or had any luck with installing the Video in Motion VIM222 in the 2014 or 2015 S Class? I am considering this for my '14 S550 4matic. This would be neat since I do not have the split screen option but would like to have my front seat passengers have the ability to watch DVDs while the car is in motion.

blevinson

Mid-City makes a great product. I had their remote starter in my W221 and I have one in my 2013 GL450.
There is no remote starter available yet for the W222. I stopped by Mid-City last week to see how close they are. They think they are at least 6 months out until they have a remote starter solution. They said Mercedes totally revamped the security on the W222 and they are still working on a device that will work with the new security.

mjeagent

I put a midcity remote start on my 2013 GL63. Using the MB key fob it starts by holding down the alarm button. When entering the car you press the start button. If you press the brake before the start button the car will turn off. Understand though that it simply starts and warms the engine - not the cabin. It does not turn on the heat or AC and does not turn on the seats. For $1,500 installed it's not really worth it.

blevinson

In my GL and in my prior S550, the remote start would start the climate control in whatever setting it was at when the car was last turned off. I also have the Smart Start module so I am able to start my car from my cell phone without any range limitation.

Jason B

Yep, sold a few, mainly to west cost states. It works well.

Yea, all you need to do is remember to turn the heat up to high before you leave the car, this way it will be warm when you start it remotely.

Someone else mentioned, $1,500 installed. That's what most charge, but my cost almost half that, and I don't charge anywhere near that.

xxGenericSNxx

I'd look into MB's OEM option in Europe called the Standalone Heater. This is MB's own remote start that warms the liquids in the engine and the interior. Steve at MBenzNL sells these kits from Europe and a competent MB shop could install them here.

Diesel Benz

Ouch, idling the engine at cold weather is not at all healthy and gets even worse if HVAC takes as much heat as possible. We've seen awful photos about engines that have done this or have been driven only very short distances at cold weather.

I'll skip the environment argument at this forum (STH versus idling the engine).

Jason B

I hear you, and it's funny. Here on the east coast, the amount of people I know that start their car, and let it sit for 10 min before they go outside to drive to work is staggering. I have a garage, but a lot of people seem to do this.

Buddyk

Yes, possibly, but if it's -30C outside it is very nice to have a remote starter.

These idling rules don't apply in these conditions.

It would be very nice to have a starter that sets the temperature and turns on the heated seats, armrests and steering wheel.

The engine can be maintained by the mechanic. I just want to avoid freezing.

Diesel Benz

The car too. STH is a solution for both, you and the car. Unfortunately it isn't available as a factory option for you (USA & Canada), or that is what I've understood.

Buddyk

What is STH?

Diesel Benz

See post #8 at this thread.

Jason B

Also, I will say the install on the W222 for the VIM is even easier than the W221, which already is easy.

Donald_S

Went to the MBenzNL website, but not able to find the standalone heater. I must say the website is not very user friendly

Buddyk

"STH" - Standalone heater sounds very interesting.

I am in Canada, and I have never heard of this before, but I hope to learn more about it.

I absolutely love my heated armrest and steering wheel and of course the seats - it's very soothing. I wish my car had the heated front windshield too.

If anyone has more info about the STH, please post.

xxGenericSNxx

His website is fairly primitive. I'd send him an email through their website and communicate that way. They'l get back to you with a quote. If you do a search for him through this forum, you'll find a lot of members have had good experience with him (including myself).

Donald_S

Do you have the standalone heater installed in your S550? if so what model year is it? I just want to make sure that it will work with the 2015 S550 before I go buying it sight unseen.

xxGenericSNxx

I don't. I looked into installing it on my R Class just because, and I ultimately decided I don't need it since the car is always in a garage. However, I did a good amount of research on how it works and how to install it beforehand and it seems to be the perfect answer for remote start on an MB.

Basically it is a small gas powered motor installed in the engine bay. It runs off of your fuel tank and you get a separate long range remote control. When you turn it on either with the remote or through the in car menus where you can set a timer, the stand alone heater motor will turn on and start warming your engine fluids and from what I undetstand also the climate control.

If MB offers it as an option somewhere, generally there shouldn't be a problem in retrofitting. But again I'm not the not expert and I'd send Steve an email to kick the tires a bit and then you can make a more informed decision.