98 E320 remote distance question. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Paul_Dierze · #1 08-31-2006, 03:56 PM

Hi The remote for my 98 e320 only works within say 10 feet of the car. I've replaced remote batteries with no increase in range. Both remotes are about the same.

Is this typical? And if not, is there a DIY solution?

Ed Richardson · #2 08-31-2006, 06:51 PM

That is about right. For security reasons it is an infrared system, not radio signals. The sender needs to be aimed at, and have a clear shot at the receiver points.
Ed

BENZ-LGB · #3 08-31-2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Richardson

That is about right. For security reasons it is an infrared system, not radio signals. The sender needs to be aimed at, and have a clear shot at the receiver points.
Ed

Yep, what he said.

Although in my C320 wagon the range seems to be far greater.

Paul_Dierze · #4 09-01-2006, 10:53 AM

Thanks, Not the answer I was hoping for

But I'm glad to put it to rest.

ILUVMILS · #5 09-01-2006, 12:14 PM

If your car is a 1998 model it should have radio frequency locking. The easiest way to tell the difference is to check which type of key you've got. The older IR systems use a folding metal key while the newer RF systems use the infamous "smartkey".

Ed Richardson · #6 09-01-2006, 01:25 PM

That is new to me. Are the "smartkeys" totally RF, or just the locking?
Ed

BENZ-LGB · #7 09-01-2006, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_Dierze

Thanks, Not the answer I was hoping for

But I'm glad to put it to rest.

This is not a "solution" per se. But if you press the key against your chin, it increases the range.

It looks stupid as hell, but it works.

I have the smartkey, not the switchblade one.

raymond~ · #8 09-01-2006, 05:00 PM

Smarkey....and, if you extend the sliding metal key and touch it to your chin/
jaw, the range will extend another several steps.

Smartkey alone, casual use for my 99 E320 is about 60'. Using chin method is
80'. With metal key-to-chin method, 100'.