ccCLS550

So I went to my local Benz dealer back in Nov/Dec 2015 to shop for a new S550 4matic. They had some 2015's that they were willing to make HUGE deals on. I however wanted some specific options a couple of which included the HUD and "remote start" that were on the new 2016 models.

I chose to order a 2016 and took delivery on January 4, 2016. Didn't realize the "remote start" wasn't going to be the traditional "key fob" based push a button and remote start it..NOPE....have to download the mbrace app on phone..login each time and it beams signal from phone to satellite and back down to your car to "remote start" it.

First 2 weeks or so I owned the car, couldn't get the "remote start" feature to work. I had called mbrace literally 20 times and they kept "working on it". They eventually kind of got it fixed and it now works about 70% of the time (like I am supposed to be happy with that). Very disappointed as this little feature was one of the reasons I ordered a 2016 instead of getting a great deal on a 2015.

COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE FOR A CAR THAT STICKERS FOR $120,000.00 -- huge fail Mercedes !!

just1time

no Offence...this is borderline retarded. You decide to buy a $120,000 car without researching the one feature you like? am sure a quick search in google would have shown you a video of it or something. You have to take this L quietly.

fastlife23

umm no............what is retarded is exactly what the op said, a 120k car that has shortcomings. completely unacceptable imo as well.

no offense* but if you're going to insult someone learn how to spell. on top of it pretty pompous comment.

ccCLS550

....thanks for your worldly insights and wisdom...but you clearly miss the point. The feature doesn't work. For a car that price and the reputation Mercedes strives for, it ought to work properly.

e_dasani

Agree on the mbrace based remote start that really sucks. I have a keyfob based remote start on my older 05 s430, costed like $60 including installation, it rocks. Whenever I buy the 16 or 17 s550, I hope I can still install one myself.

PeterUbers

Hope you feel better venting this frustration. Google it next time and you may save some cash

AustinGuy

FAIL!

AustinGuy

Google it... Really? So now google will give you expert advice as opposed to say..... an actual MB dealership?

Wow.

W210

If the iPhone app works 100% that's fine with me, what other features does have?

just1time

Relax Mr Cheerleader...don't get your panties all twisted up in a bunch. If you took the time to inquire about my location, it will give you an insight on why i prefer to spell it as "offence"...as opposed to "offense".

Anyways, to OP, was not trying to insult you or your intelligence. what am getting at is your surprise to the fact that the remote-start feature is app-based as opposed to the usual traditional key-fob kind. That's all. Just amazes me as I would imagine spending all that coins on such a car, one would be very particular about what they are ordering. But I guess, we are all different.

I hope they are able to rectify the issue with this feature so you can enjoy your car

Jason B

You do know you can start the car from the key itself, right?

Jason B

The OEM option shouldn't be that complicated. Sometimes it takes mercedes a few years to get things under control.

I'm a dealer for MidCity and they make an integrated smartkey starter. Uses the factory key, and there's a drone app that lets you start the car from any smartphone, but it's super easy to do. All plug & play setup, no cutting of wires and install doesn't take long. If anyone needs one, I'll try to help out.

fastlife23

I'm just amazed at this forum on how quick people are to attack others and criticize. So what if he didn't research the option maybe he doesn't have as much free time as you clearly seem to have.

PeterUbers

Is it knocking? Or you think misfire? What fuel are you running? Engine temps are ok?

Old190e&S63

Mbrace is a joke. It has not started the car once. When I use the "Lock/unlock" door feature, the car does nothing, but my iPhone gives all indications "it worked"...then (after not actually working and tired of waiting) I'll be driving my car for about 10 minutes then...the door lock!!! and a nice message comes up "Doors locked remotely"...that's great...very nice system ha!

MTrauman

Do you really think all of MBrace is a joke?


I beg to differ.


I totaled a '14 S550 4matic when a driver literally ran me of an interstate highway while I smacked a tree at between 50 and 65mph. They were there immediately talking to me via the MBrace application in the car summoning the highway patrol and emergencies vehicles. It is no joke! The car saved my life and MBrace was right there when I was in shock. I agree not all applications work perfect but please do not broad brush MBrace as this is the one of the best features of the car in life and death situations. I am alive to tell this story.


Thank you Mbrace!


Agreed that the remote start is not perfect on my '16 S but it does work 60 to 70% of the time. If you have not gotten it to work at all, there is a problem that needs to be fixed.

fastlife23

anyone who has not researched the mbrace and has bad to say about it should be shot drawn and quartered according to certain members of this forum.

Jason B

I made a slight mistake. Everything I said is correct, but my application guide that says 2014+ s class is wrong. I called and the unit isn't out yet for w222. It's same operation as I said and I have them for just about every model Mercedes, but the GLC and w222 aren't done yet. They are still cracking the code. I'm told maybe by summer.

So those that wanted it now, I advise you to turn on your heated steering wheels, heated armtests and seats until then

MikhailShah

Hi! I have a 2001 S430 and was wondering how you installed remote start in yours. I would love to have it in my car as well. Thank you in advance!

Nice Ride

Any updates on RS for the W222 2013+. They crack the code yet or anyone have another product that works?

Thanks

Jason B

I checked and they are saying not until next winter. It seems this code they need to crack is a very big one.

tommyr

Interesting thread. I experienced issues with Mbrace inconsistency in my '16 S550 (took delivery last June) for the first few weeks, after that it has settled down and is reliable. I do find that the vehicle takes a minute or two to respond to commands (I assume it is some security process), but it rarely fails.

I assume that there are network related issues in some areas, something that falls on Mercedes to sort through.

I do wish that you could activate the front and rear defrosters from the app; that would make the whole thing a lot more useful in the winter.