Hi, I drive a 2019 Mercedes GLC that I have to pay a subscription for in order to use the remote starter…I know most are doing this but I HATE it…not only bc I hate being “app dependent” but bc I notice that if the gas tank is less than half a tank, it will tell me that there is low fuel and cannot start. I NEVER had this issue when I used the Viper engine starters and had a simple remote to turn it on…
So, this may be a dumb question, but can I install my own remote starter over an existing one? Thanks Everyone
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Reading this thread has me wondering if I am the only person with a garage on the house and parks in it .
Isn’t there a HACK yet?
Mercedes even checks certain parts if they have the correct vin programmed into them. I would not recommend using aftermarket items on one, at all.
Remember when your luggage was free to travel with you?
And a meal included.
and a comfy seat
They didn’t force you to do anything. You bought the car. You signed up for it. You endorsed this business practice.
You supported the scam.
I hate it, but here take my money…
Yes and no.
Sometimes it’s a choice between no car and a car with crappy features… like touchscreens.
Woah woah woah man, telling the truth is usually an automatic ban from reddit.
I can confirm that, though I haven’t been outright banned from Reddit I’ve been banned from plenty of subs for simply pointing out a fact.
Preaching to the choir, man.
I still remember being banned from /r/sex for saying someone should consider being on birth control.
Got more than 200 accounts now. The only thing bans do is make moderators feel better.
One id gladly take.
Okay as if Toyota Nissan are not doing this also…it is not just the “luxury” vehicles partaking in this practice and as a mechanic I’m sure you’re aware of that so rather than making Ad hominem attacks, maybe just say yes/no…bc …
I didn’t attack you. You titled this with the statement “when they force”. I read the whole post. I addressed the statement and tone you set.
You didn’t have to sign up for features. You could have done without them, and that is the fact of the matter. If you want simple takes on the concept that your post touches on, that consumers reinforce anticonsumer practices, dont expect them from me.
And there are manufacturers that you can support that don’t do this, if it matters that much to you. My ford bronco has free remote starting and a free fordpass app for app starting.
But you don’t need remote start. You were not forced to do anything, you were given the option of paying the subscription and chose to pay. Had you said, “I hate how MB and other force you to buy in to the subscription if you plan to have remote start.” That’s not a necessary feature and you could have lived without, but you didn’t want to. When you paid MB for the “service” you essentially told them “I dislike this but I don’t hate this principle enough to not engage in it.” That’s why people are saying that you are a part of the problem. You did what MB wanted you to do whem presented with that option.
Most vehicles have a remote start button on the key, the app is optional. Maybe your Mercedes is different, sounds like a German thing to lock down remote start to an app. Like bmw charging a subscription for heated seats
I thought Toyota took a huge amount of backlash for trying this bullshit and dropped the subscription service for features installed in your car.
Give it time, someone will see the money in “jail breaking” these features from your vehicle.
I thought Toyota took a huge amount of backlash for trying this bullshit and dropped the subscription service for features installed in your car.
they did - they were trying to lock the fob remote start command behind a paywall. got a buncha backlash then went woa woa woa we wont do it.
for now…
Agreed. My 18 yo Lexus doesn’t know what the internet is or what an iPhone is. Heated seats work no matter what suits do to the servers
Just do it the old fashioned way. Get out there and start the damn thing.
Or fill over half of tank….
Car stereo guy here: I think it’s reasonable for manufacturers to charge for an app, since anything that allows tracking and cell phone control of your vehicle outside of Bluetooth is always subscription based. If it was a feature inside the car or off a regular remote control transmitter then that would be completely different. If the app is so poorly designed that it won’t work if you have half a tank of fuel or less, or if it seems prohibitively expensive like more than maybe $100 a year )and includes tracking), then check out car stereo shops in your area. There’s a company called Mid city engineering, there’s Compustar, and there is DEI/Viper, one or all may have a remote start product for your Mercedes. One time cost. If you want something that is app based they will have options then you will be back to a subscription, but it might be better value.
Buys a mercedes… proceeds to complain about cost. amazing.
I hate how they’re pulling this stuff too but… you chose to pay for this service. Do you really NEED remote start?
We have the same issue in gaming, people complain about not-finished games but STILL pre-order crap. The problem for both is people are still handing money over for it.
Hey you’re really posting on the wrong sub. Going to get a lot of internet car circle jerkers rather than actual helpful answers.
I’d ask on the MB subreddit instead
Mercedes tax strikes once more
You don’t need an excuse. Remote start is sweet, and SAAS is terrible! Viper is kinda dead and compustar is the bees knees now. A good shop can almost certainly install it on your car. Just call around and inquire.
As long as suckers keep paying, they will keep charging.
TBH, I pay for the subscription on my e class. Is it annoying, Yea. But I spend more money on other dumb things in a month that totals way more than the subscriptions.
this is not the worst, some car manufacturers in China will disable a car when the brake pads reach a certain depth, and only dealers can fix the brakes, so you are effectively charged per brake use.