Mercedes-Benz CLS OEM Options Review: Smart Key Upgrade Cost

Upgrading Your 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS with Smart Key and Door Functionality

Even a well-appointed vehicle like a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS can benefit from modern technological enhancements. This review covers an upgrade that transforms the car's convenience by adding two new smart keys and implementing a smart door function, allowing for proximity-based automatic locking and unlocking. This isn't just about replacing a key; it's about integrating advanced features that make daily use of your CLS significantly more seamless.

The Smart Door Feature: Keyless Convenience

The core of this upgrade is the smart door functionality. Imagine approaching your CLS with your hands full of groceries or luggage. Instead of fumbling for your keys, the doors automatically unlock as you get closer. Conversely, as you walk away after parking, the vehicle automatically locks itself. This feature significantly enhances convenience and provides peace of mind, ensuring your vehicle is secured even if you momentarily forget to press a button. It’s a touch of futuristic ease that feels like it's straight out of a movie, making everyday interactions with your car remarkably smooth.

New Smart Keys: Security and Style

Beyond the smart door feature, the upgrade includes the creation of two new, modern smart keys. These aren't just functional replacements; they boast enhanced security protocols and a refined aesthetic that complements the CLS's luxurious interior and exterior design. Having two keys provides a crucial backup, mitigating concerns about loss or malfunction. The installation process, performed in Korea, took approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Following the completion, all functions—including ignition, door locks, and trunk release—were meticulously tested to ensure perfect operation. The client reportedly expressed great satisfaction, noting the car felt 'as smart as an AI.'

Installation Process:

1. Key Programming: The new smart keys are programmed to communicate securely with the CLS's immobilizer system.
2. Smart Door Module Integration: Sensors and control modules for the proximity-based locking/unlocking are installed and integrated with the vehicle's central locking system.
3. Functionality Testing: A comprehensive check is performed to verify all key functions, including remote lock/unlock, ignition start, and the new smart door auto-lock/unlock feature.

The Value Proposition: Is This OEM Upgrade Worth It?

The decision to invest in OEM options and factory upgrades often hinges on a balance of cost, benefit, and the desired enhancement to the driving experience. For a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS, adding features like smart keys and proximity-based door operation can significantly modernize the vehicle's usability. While the exact cost can vary, such upgrades typically range in the hundreds of US dollars (or equivalent in Korean Won). The durability of these factory-integrated options is generally high, as they are designed to work seamlessly with the car's existing systems. Maintenance is usually minimal, often limited to battery replacement in the key fobs over time. For CLS owners who value cutting-edge convenience and wish to extend the modern feel of their vehicle, this type of factory option retrofit can be a worthwhile investment, effectively bringing an older model closer to contemporary standards.