A guy wants me to install a full blown keyless/remote start/alarm in his Mercedes, and I was hoping you guys could tell me if it is difficult or not. I have done quite a few remote starts in stuff like Kia Sorrento's, Dodge pickups, Ford pickups, etc at my last job as an installer. But I haven't touched any high end cars (well except for the 40k trucks), and I'm worried about the difficulty level here. Especially since this would be a side project. One thing I noticed is that several of the wires are found in the trunk. That will increase the time of install, but not by too much. So here are my questions.
1. I was told it has a computer chip in the key. Do they make an outboard disabler for the Mercedes, or do I need to have the owner buy an extra key and bypass it that way? I have never disabled one using resistors.
2. One thing I always have trouble finding due to the wide range of places it is found, can someone give some detailed description on where the tach wire is?
3. Are there any other quirks about the Mercedes I should be aware of? Do you think it wise for me to take on this type of vehicle?
Thanks.
Steven Kephart
Adire Audio
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if it has the Smart Key it is not doable at all..... if it has the regular transponder key it is doable but i wouldnt recommend it..... i've heard many horror stories of BCM replacement and transponder key lockout on the Benz's....
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Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer
Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979
I wouldn't mess with it... The computers in the newer Benz's are very complicated. If the possible client has the one with the transponder key run and run very fast away from that car. Most shops will tell you that those Benz are impossible to steal with out the factory or a programmed key.
Thanks guys. That helps out a great deal. I'll pass on it then.
Too bad though. I haven't done one in over 6 months, and I kinda miss it.
Steven Kephart
Adire Audio
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c-class mercedes vehicles all came with the smart keys starting in 1998. i recommend you do NOT attempt to remote start these cars. the wires found in the trunk should be for trunk pin, door pins, pwr locks, and trunk release. if you want to control windows up/down by extending the lock/unlock signals, you'd best use the lock/unlock wires inside the driver's door at the lock control module. i've found that using the lock/unlock wires at the trunk not producing consistent results for windows control. good luck!
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all problems can be resolved with a hammer
YOU NEED DEI 556U TO PYPASS THE KEY
CAN'T TACH WIRE USE FUEL INJECTER WIRE OR YOU CAN PROGRAMMING TO VOLT (TACHLESS)
IT COME WITH VEHICLE NOTE ON DEI WIRE SHEET
if it is indeed a " Smart Key " then there is no bypass available as the key is InfraRed, not a transponder...
this is what i ran into with my 2000 E55... i couldnt put a starter in my own car.... my solution? buy an Envoy to drive in the winter.....
verify all info on the 99 tho.... i put a starter in my 94 C class no problem
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Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer
Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979