Keyless Entry/Alarm
 

My original alarm no longer works--for what reason, I have no idea. To get to the point, I called the closest Benz servicer and they told me 100 just for looking @ it + any needed parts + labor. So I think I'm going to opt for the cheaper approach of going to a professional installer. Right off the bat, he said he could install a system, but due to the *vacuum*, the keyless entry function would not work... So, I took it to another guy. He immediately said the vacuum would pose no problem. Is the second guy *****ing me?

I would like to have keyless entry + an alarm, but not with the colossal price attached to it. :eek:

Keyless Entry
 

My local stereo/alarm shop installed a keyless entry and alarm on my 95 E320 for $199. Sounds like the first guy doesn't know what he's talkin about. But make sure you go to someone who has HAD EXPERIENCE with mercedes/bmw/audi/vw etc... I wouldn't let any punk kid at the stereo shack cut into my MB wiring. Talk to the installers, they'll tell you straight out if they can do it or not. The salesman will say they can just so they can take your money. For example, I went to circuit city, and they had never touched an MB. It can be done, but it will take a good 4 or 5 hours compared to a toyota which might take an hour. They will have to install two relays (make sure they are Bosch) next to the vacuum pump under the rear seat. This will interface with the vacuum locking system enabling the keyless entry. When they start doing their work under the dash, insist on them mounting the "Brains" of the alarm above the steering column, out of sight. If you don't tell them this, they will do it the easy way and lay the "brains" right above the pedals.

The vacuum is no problem because your car has an electrically activated pump which controls the locks. Many keyless entry units have a longer pulse output which is specifically designed to run the vacuum pump! The first guy doesn't know what he's talking about.

I just put the bergwerks keyless entry in my car. Required a few relays to work with our locks, but no problems. I also plan to do remote start myself... although this unit itself won't do it.

There are MANY alarm systems out there. Some have cool featurs. I suggest you do some homework to determine exactly what you want, then find a dealer who will install that unit for you. You could even get ones that have 2 way pagers in them.


Also, why not try to find a new alarm module at a junk yard?

your car has an electrically activated pump which controls the locks
 

Does anyone know specifically what I need to do for my 1982 380SL? There is no electric vacuum pump in this one as far as I know.

I have been to 3 installers, who all say they can do it, but start talking about the electric pump. I would prefer to do the job myself than let the cowboys loose, but need to know specifically what bits I need to buy, and what problems to overcome.

An alarm installer for my previous car (500SE) was unsuccessful in getting the remote unlocking to work after assuring me he knew how to do it. He spent hours on the locking alone, and finished up by saying that the electric actuator was too quick for the other vacuum operated locks to react. So only the driver's door unlocked. The solution offerred was to convert the central locking to electric, which I rejected. The 500SE with electric pump seems an easier solution than a 107.

Ideas please so I can get an alarm fitted.

Steve,
When I was getting mine installed, they said another option instead of integrating with the vacuum pump was to put a small compressor on one of the vacuum lines to simulate a lock or unlock. Another option was to install an actuator on the drivers door knob, which would mechanically push the knob up and pull it down. The compressor sounds like the best idea to me. Let me know if I can be of any more help.

http://www.pindelski.com/

cars-technical-chassis-keyless entry


This is where I got all of the info to install my keyless entry..Combined with searching on this forum, that is..

107inOZ....

I bet he didn't have the relays wired correctly for your 500sel.. That the same problem I had until I found the correct relay wiring on the Pindelski website...

Guys,
while I agree it's 'hours and hours' of fun trying to do the installation yourself, keep in mind that according to DEI, any DEI products, http://www.directed.com/ that have life time warranty will be voided if the installation is not done by a certified shop. therefore i would highly suggest that you use that precious time for a different DIY, save the hassle, and get it installed. it usually is from 180 to 250 based upon the product. and at the end you'r really saving 30 to 50 max on the installation. but voiding the warrranty. is it worth it ? you make the decision. However i would suggest choosing a shop who can show you their records for mercedes specific alarm installation. we dont want newbies messing up the connections either ! a remote start with keyless entry whether diesel or not by viper is usually around 199 with installation. can't beat that i think.
good luck !

Well,

I live for DIY stuff... even electronics. The price difference between buying a unit yourself (especially on ebay) and having it done professionally is significant. If I pick up a keyless entry/remote start system on ebay for only $40-50, then I'm willing to forget the warranty.

Just make sure whatever keyless entry system you gives you 3 second lock output.

Just my 2 cents.

Willy

I installed a keyless entry / alarm on our 190E, and the complete unit with starter disable relay and two three-button remotes was $49. Additional parts required were a pair of Bosch style relays for triggering the pump, diodes for the parking lights, wire, tape, heat-shrink tubing, solder, etc. A cheap DIY compared to pro installation, but that is partly because it is a lot of work. The other advantage to DIY though, is that YOU get to secretly choose where stuff is located, and a thief is less likely to be able to guess how to disable it.

I also installed the same system on our Accord DX (and THAT also needed 4 door lock actuators installed), and the receivers from both cars can be programmed to the same remotes. Didn't do that, since the cars are parked next to each other at home, but could be a useful point for some.

Steve

What system did you install? Does the system have remote start capabilities? Would you ever attempt installing remote start?

107inOZ

"I have been to 3 installers, who all say they can do it, but start talking about the electric pump. I would prefer to do the job myself than let the cowboys loose, but need to know specifically what bits I need to buy, and what problems to overcome."

My impression is the best solution is to install a (2)door lock actuator kit, though you likely would only need one actuator - in the driver's door. Plus the KE/alarm unit. The electric actuator would actuate the vacuum valving attached to the driver's door lock, and the included relay module would be triggered by the KE unit.

Steve

sbourg seems to be right.

According to notes I found for an "83" 380SL (which I assume is the same), you need to install an acutator in the driver door. Looks like its the only one you need.

I found this website over the weekend and called the guy. He said if you buy from him that he'll help you through the install. He should have access to all of the wiring information for your vehicle. I have not purchased anything from him yet nor do I know him personally.

http://www.startbyremote.com/

The link on my previous post sells wiring diagrams for under $4

Here's another interesting link for wiring diagrams...

http://diagramman1.tripod.com/