SL/R129: Remote range not great
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Volvo & Mercedes
Remote range not great
I posted about a month ago about looking for an R129. I found one: 2001, 24k miles, Java on Blue Opal metallic, all options except AMG styling and ADS. Fantastic car.
I replaced the batteries and the manual assures me that this car has IR and RF for the remotes, but unless I am facing a side of the car from 4 feet or less, the remotes do not work. The red light flashes in the remote, confirming fresh batteries.
Has anyone else had this problem? Could the remotes be failing or could there be a failed/failing component in the car?
I replaced the batteries and the manual assures me that this car has IR and RF for the remotes, but unless I am facing a side of the car from 4 feet or less, the remotes do not work. The red light flashes in the remote, confirming fresh batteries.
Has anyone else had this problem? Could the remotes be failing or could there be a failed/failing component in the car?
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Thanks for your reply. I haven't tested the distance on both sides. So is it true that these cars have infrared and radio frequency for the remote? If that's the case, then the RF receivers must be in the door handles, too. Has your car always had that range?
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I can't answer if they have infrared and RF, but I'll ask my local MB shop (Rudy's Star Service). I bought my SL back in December of 2008 and drove about 8500 miles and it always had the same range (yes I did install new batteries in my remote as well)
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Thanks, MB_Fahrer. I take mine in on Wednesday for an oil change and I'll ask them as well (Smith Motor Sales-MB of Haverhill, MA). For an $88+k car, it must have dual technologies. Even the manual states that the car has an, "extended range."
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MB_Fahrer, a tech told me today that the R129 is IR only. I have no idea why the manual claims, "extended range." You're right, it is pathetic how limited the range is for the flagship convertible. Oh well, at least its just remote distance that we're complaining about and not something more dire.
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Well, that explains it. Maybe there is an aftermarket alarm system with greater range? Haha you're very right; we're very lucky to only be complaining about this. It's actually very funny: only after buying a Mercedes did I become the type of person to complain about where a "completely aggravating" squeak or rattle is coming from. I mean we couldn't possible live with a car that has a nearly inaudible squeak could we? LOL! 
Now let's go 
and enjoy our SL's!
Now let's go and enjoy our SL's!
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2006 Aston Martin Vantage
MB_Fahrer, a tech told me today that the R129 is IR only. I have no idea why the manual claims, "extended range." You're right, it is pathetic how limited the range is for the flagship convertible. Oh well, at least its just remote distance that we're complaining about and not something more dire.
'99 and up do have both, which is why you can unlock the car with the key away from the IR unit on the door handle. I guess the signal is just weak since I experience the same issue. Never really bothered me since the previous car I had was a '95 that required the line of sight to lock/unlock.
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MB_Fahrer, I'm with you- lets enjoy our SLs. Its funny, I've heard people complain about their cars oversteering, understeering, terrible body roll, etc. And my complaint is, "well, my remote range isn't great." Last week at the height of frustration, instead of an aftermarket system, I was daydreaming about putting a laser diode in the remote. And while I'm dreaming I'd like 98 octane available for 1960s prices....
Thanks, pcviewer. I tried unlocking with the remote in my pocket and facing away from the car. It worked on the 2nd long press. The RF must be very weak and the MB tech today must have not known the year I was asking about. Thank you for the information. Now the manual's statement makes more sense.
Thanks, pcviewer. I tried unlocking with the remote in my pocket and facing away from the car. It worked on the 2nd long press. The RF must be very weak and the MB tech today must have not known the year I was asking about. Thank you for the information. Now the manual's statement makes more sense.
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MB_Fahrer, I'm with you- lets enjoy our SLs. Its funny, I've heard people complain about their cars oversteering, understeering, terrible body roll, etc. And my complaint is, "well, my remote range isn't great." Last week at the height of frustration, instead of an aftermarket system, I was daydreaming about putting a laser diode in the remote. And while I'm dreaming I'd like 98 octane available for 1960s prices....
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Volvo & Mercedes
MB_Fahrer, I didn't mean to imply that the SL oversteers or anything like that. I agree, its very impressive. I attended an autocross event this past weekend and was totally impressed with how a 4,160LB car handles a slalom. I just wish the Continentals that it came with were better in rain. At least that's an easy fix.
