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
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 …
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 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.
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.
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…