Gear
AT Autosport MBZ-1
The humble car key fob has become a tool of great convenience. Nearly every new car comes with a remote control that allows it to be locked or unlocked from a distance. And in most cases, at least with European makes, the remote control part is integrated with the actual car key into a single unit.
For Mercedes-Benz owners, a company called AT Autosport in Santa Ana, California, offers the MBZ-1, a gadget that can expand a remote key's functionality. It is a fully integrated security system and upgrade module where communication between key and vehicle is instantaneous, with no external programming required.
Installation on most vehicles takes about 10 minutes and locates the module in either the driver- or passenger-side kick panel, where it interfaces directly with the factory CAN-BUS DIN rail. For do-it-yourselfers, end-user installation is a possibility, since the unit incorporates a DPS protection system that alerts the installer through a solid red LED that he or she has connected to an incorrect plug on the DIN rail. Once the proper plug is wired, the LED will blink to indicate that the correct port has been chosen.
Mercedes' remote key has a fairly wide range of capabilities, but the MBZ-1 takes things further. For example, the standard key will open or close the windows and sunroof, but only if you're next to the infrared receiver on the driver's door. The MBZ-1 provides the ability to implement this function from anywhere around the vehicle up to 100 feet and allows independent operation of the windows and sunroof. On convertible models, the MBZ-1 expands the range for putting the top down, up to 100 feet, as well as actuating the top with a single touch of the lever, rather than holding it for the duration of the operation. It will even operate the top while the vehicle is being driven, up to 25 mph.
The MBZ-1 provides an audible confirmation that the doors have been locked or unlocked, as well as sounding an alert if one of the doors has been left ajar. There is the capability of choosing your visual confirmation for various functions, like the head- or fog lights coming on, or whether or not you want to keep the audible alert.
Other functions include a car finder (a panic button turns the headlights on) and a shock/impact sensor (which makes the car chirp in the event of a jolt or impact). There is also an optional $2500 content/theft protection guarantee.
The MBZ-1 is available for all new C-, E-, SL-, CLK-, SLK-, ML-, GL- and R-Class applications, as well as model year 2006 and earlier S- and CL\-Classes.