SLK/R170: SLK Keyless Entry Range
SLK Keyless Entry Range
05-08-2006, 09:37 PM
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05-09-2006, 08:13 AM
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W203 slightly modified
Originally Posted by slk guardian1
My keyless entry has a limited range (approx. 10') with new battery on the remote. Any recommendations on what to do?
05-09-2006, 10:39 PM
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'99 SLK 230
10' is kinda short, but not all that unusual.
My search for ways to extend the range of my SLK key fob remote led me to conclude that the most practical way to do this would be to use an aftermarket device with a superheterodyne receiver. Unfortunately, there are no keyless entry add-ons available to the owner-installer with this technology, but virtually all remote starters have them, and they throw in keyless entry for free. Living in the frozen north, I decided that a remote starter would be nice to have anyway, so I went ahead and installed a nice 2-way unit.
The remote start key fob is nearly the same size as the Mercedes stock unit. I ordered a flat key from the dealer to go with it so that I don't need to carry two remotes. The new remote does everything that the factory remote does, including enabling the alarm and operating the BVRC. A nice feature of my installation is that the factory system remains completely intact, so that the factory remotes still work.
The remote start installation was a bit involved, in part because I added a few features. In addition to running the heater, I have the heated seat turned on when remote starting. And, I disable the stereo while the car is warming up so that I don't miss the best tracks of my CD or MP3. Range is quite good. Although I can't remote start from my office (which is in the middle of my building), I can by stepping out into the hallway. The 2-way remote gives confirmation of startup. A nice feature of the unit I installed (Alert 550R) is the temperature sensor. I can read the car's interior temperature from the remote.
I only had to make a small software change to the BVRC to get it to play with the new remote keyless entry. Operation is essentially identical to the stock BVRC: three key presses opens the top remotely. I now have all the range I need. This lets me drop the top from the 2nd floor of my building so that the car is ready to go by the time I get to it. (If extended-range keyless entry/remote vario operation only is desired, a one-way remote start would work well. Not installing the remote start portion would greatly simplify installation.)
My search for ways to extend the range of my SLK key fob remote led me to conclude that the most practical way to do this would be to use an aftermarket device with a superheterodyne receiver. Unfortunately, there are no keyless entry add-ons available to the owner-installer with this technology, but virtually all remote starters have them, and they throw in keyless entry for free. Living in the frozen north, I decided that a remote starter would be nice to have anyway, so I went ahead and installed a nice 2-way unit.
The remote start key fob is nearly the same size as the Mercedes stock unit. I ordered a flat key from the dealer to go with it so that I don't need to carry two remotes. The new remote does everything that the factory remote does, including enabling the alarm and operating the BVRC. A nice feature of my installation is that the factory system remains completely intact, so that the factory remotes still work.
The remote start installation was a bit involved, in part because I added a few features. In addition to running the heater, I have the heated seat turned on when remote starting. And, I disable the stereo while the car is warming up so that I don't miss the best tracks of my CD or MP3. Range is quite good. Although I can't remote start from my office (which is in the middle of my building), I can by stepping out into the hallway. The 2-way remote gives confirmation of startup. A nice feature of the unit I installed (Alert 550R) is the temperature sensor. I can read the car's interior temperature from the remote.
I only had to make a small software change to the BVRC to get it to play with the new remote keyless entry. Operation is essentially identical to the stock BVRC: three key presses opens the top remotely. I now have all the range I need. This lets me drop the top from the 2nd floor of my building so that the car is ready to go by the time I get to it. (If extended-range keyless entry/remote vario operation only is desired, a one-way remote start would work well. Not installing the remote start portion would greatly simplify installation.)
