Anyone Installed a Remote Starter in an 87 420SEL

[dewakin]

I purchased a Bulldog RS122 remote starter for my 87 420SEL and am about to install it myself. Has anyone out there done this before that can give me some pointers?

It looks to me like the easiest way to install it is to remove the insrument cluster and install it from above. I don't really see any other way to get at the ignition wires.

Thanks

Dave W

[pmckechnie]

I don't know about the buldog you have, but I have installed a nobrand system in my 84 500SEL. I spliced into the wires at the ignition switch by removing the instrument panel. I then ran these wires (10 gage) down to the passenger side and installed the electrinics there. Also, I found a great site www.the12volt.com that has a lot of information about electrical applications on cars. I didn't see any that refered directly to MB, but the theory is much the same on all cars.

[dewakin]

Thanks for the link - I will take some time to look over the site. I kind of wish I paid more attention in my college physics classes now.

Do you remeber which wires from the car were spliced into? This is what Bulldog gave me:

12 VOLTS CONSTANT = RED @IGN HARNESS
IGNITION 1= PNK/BLK @IGN HARNESS
IGNITION 2 = PNK/GRN @IGN HARNESS
STARTER = VIOLET @IGN HARNESS
PARKING LIGHTS = GRY/WHT(+) @HEADLIGHT SWITCH
DOMELIGHT SEE NOTES SEE NOTES
PWR DOOR LOCK= BLUE @DRV KICK PANEL
PWR DOOR UNLOCK SINGLE WIRE SYSTEM @DRV KICK PANEL
TACH SENSOR = BLK @ COIL

I know I need to make a relay for the door locks which is probably the easy part. Looking at the ignition harness, there is at least three violet wires, one maybe 12 or 14 gauge and then 2 that are lighter gauge. I am guessing I want the heavier gauge one. If you have any addvice on the colors above or what wire I want when there are more then one to choose from I would appreciate it.

Thanks

Dave

[pmckechnie]

I don't remember the wire colors but I will look it up for an 87 420 SEL tomorrow.

[pmckechnie]

Just a few hints.
First, the wire colors you mentioned are correct. also, use the larger violet wire for the start wire.
You didn't mention the brake wire, but it is blk/red.
I used the tachless method. I try to not do anything that will keep my car from running. If the wire from the coil to the inside of the car shorts out, the car stops. The tachless method doesn't effect the ign system.
The last recommendation is if the car has a factory alarm system (even if it doesnt work) you can run the 4 wires from the ign switch to the passenger side kick panel. Mount the unit there and then you can get most if the other signals you need from the alarm system. Forinstance, stop lights, hood pin switch (br\wt\gy), interior lights (br/wt/blk), parking lamp (gy/wt), door lock/unlock (blue). Makes installation easy.
Let me know if you need more information.