Key Fob Range
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
E55 AMG (w210)
Key Fob Range
It seems like my Key fob will go 15-20 feet max, sometimes i need to be even closer or like right next to the car for it to work..
changed the battery, helped a little but range is still terrible..
is this normal? can i replace the key fob with a newer model such as this one:
also, does the remote do any tricks like closing the sunroof or windows?
changed the battery, helped a little but range is still terrible..
is this normal? can i replace the key fob with a newer model such as this one:
also, does the remote do any tricks like closing the sunroof or windows?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
You can change key fobs, at least between the W210 all plastic version and the newer style like you posted, so long as the buttons are in the same position. Buy a used one on eBay, take them both apart, and switch the circuit board from your remote into the new "shell."
If you hold the lock or unlock button and point it at an IR sensor (the little black square on the door handle) it will close or open (respectively) the windows and sunroof. You have to hold for several seconds.
If the range is really bad, it's probably only using IR and not RF. Cover the IR emitter on the remote (the little circle on the front) with your finger and try opening the doors. If that doesn't work that will confirm that it's using IR. The fix is to get behind the C pillar on the driver side and fuss with the antenna and amplifier that is back there. If you jiggle it, it will probably get a better connection.
If you hold the lock or unlock button and point it at an IR sensor (the little black square on the door handle) it will close or open (respectively) the windows and sunroof. You have to hold for several seconds.
If the range is really bad, it's probably only using IR and not RF. Cover the IR emitter on the remote (the little circle on the front) with your finger and try opening the doors. If that doesn't work that will confirm that it's using IR. The fix is to get behind the C pillar on the driver side and fuss with the antenna and amplifier that is back there. If you jiggle it, it will probably get a better connection.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 0
From: MICHIGAN
2001 E55 - 2008 CLS63 -2016 F-150
You can change key fobs, at least between the W210 all plastic version and the newer style like you posted, so long as the buttons are in the same position. Buy a used one on eBay, take them both apart, and switch the circuit board from your remote into the new "shell."
If you hold the lock or unlock button and point it at an IR sensor (the little black square on the door handle) it will close or open (respectively) the windows and sunroof. You have to hold for several seconds.
If the range is really bad, it's probably only using IR and not RF. Cover the IR emitter on the remote (the little circle on the front) with your finger and try opening the doors. If that doesn't work that will confirm that it's using IR. The fix is to get behind the C pillar on the driver side and fuss with the antenna and amplifier that is back there. If you jiggle it, it will probably get a better connection.
If you hold the lock or unlock button and point it at an IR sensor (the little black square on the door handle) it will close or open (respectively) the windows and sunroof. You have to hold for several seconds.
If the range is really bad, it's probably only using IR and not RF. Cover the IR emitter on the remote (the little circle on the front) with your finger and try opening the doors. If that doesn't work that will confirm that it's using IR. The fix is to get behind the C pillar on the driver side and fuss with the antenna and amplifier that is back there. If you jiggle it, it will probably get a better connection.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
So long as the buttons are the same layout, it will probably work, so you have to check your key and the one you're looking to swap. I've swapped key shells before. It's fairly easy, but it's a little nerve racking pulling the circuit board out with pliers.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
E55 AMG (w210)
this is awesome information.. thanks! will fiddle with it this weekend.
it's really annoying when i cant remember if i hit lock or not and then i have to turn around and walk back towards the car while pushing lock a thousand times until the lights blink.
it's really annoying when i cant remember if i hit lock or not and then i have to turn around and walk back towards the car while pushing lock a thousand times until the lights blink.
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Redwood City, CA
2001 E55, 2008 S550, 1995 BMW M3
I swapped mine out.. if you get a shop discount its like $90 programmed. It sucks, I literally have to be infront of the car sometimes for it to work.. security feature maybe? The windows up and down is a great thing to play with.. I use it a lot!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 4
From: Destin, Florida
1999 E55
If you hold the lock or unlock button and point it at an IR sensor (the little black square on the door handle) it will close or open (respectively) the windows and sunroof. You have to hold for several seconds.
Had no idea. Just tried it...That is kick ***!
