Just got 2003 S600 with KG. Here is how it works:
1. You have to have KG card, which is abou the size of a credit card.
2. Once you touch the door handle (yes, with your hand), the car unlocks.
3. If you need to lock the car, there is a tiny little button on the handle which you press.
4. To start the engine simply press a button on the shifter while pressing break pedal.
5. To stop the engine press the same button while the shifter is in 'P' position.
6. All of the steps are done without the key.
Just got 2003 S600 with KG. Here is how it works:
1. You have to have KG card, which is abou the size of a credit card.
2. Once you touch the door handle (yes, with your hand), the car unlocks.
3. If you need to lock the car, there is a tiny little button on the handle which you press.
4. To start the engine simply press a button on the shifter while pressing break pedal.
5. To stop the engine press the same button while the shifter is in 'P' position.
6. All of the steps are done without the key.
the older keyless go used a seperate 3mm thick credit card sized transponder... the newer models (~2004 and on) have the transponder built into the smart key. keyless go uses several antennas depending on the car: one in each door, one in the trunk, and one in the center console to track the key transponder accurately. the idea is that the car will not lock if you do something like leave the key in the trunk accidentally.
the idea behind keyless go is to really make the vehicle operator authentifcation automatic and the mercedes system does a very good job at it: the execution is really quite seemless and you have to see it work in person to apperciate it: as posted, you simply walk up to the door and open it. a touch sensor on the handle senses when a human hand grabs it, checks the transponder over radio link and unlocks the door before you actually go from grabbing to pulling the handle to open the door. once you get in you just push the start button to start and you're off. when you are done driving, you push the button again to shutdown the engine and get out. you push the little button on the door handle to lock the doors (or you can use the remote.
the concept initially seems a bit alien to new users because we are all so used to the action of pulling the keys out of your pocket. once you actually use it for a bit you quickly get used to how simple it is and from there you're basically hooked.
We have it on the new E and love it. My wife loves it and I think it's cool but not a necessity. We buy our cars loaded, though and tend to like the gadgets. Really handy when you have things in your hand and can just reach for the trunk handle and open it without digging for a key. As a Realtor in a previous life, I would have killed for this feature when touring and showing properties, getting in and out of the car over and over. My understanding was that the keyless go would be available on 08 ML350 models, as well.
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07 E350 Sport (picked up 2/25/07) P2, loaded...Flint grey, black leather...wife's
03 ML500 (purchased 12/06)Black opal, charcoal leather...mine
01 Volvo C70 (traded for E350)
04 Volvo XC90 (traded for ML)
Done w/ Volvo.
82 300CD TurboDiesel retired many years ago. Missed.
P2, loaded...Flint grey, black leather...wife's
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