Do all ES 350's come with Remote Start
#16
Lead Lap
I think that some of the confusion results from the fact that remote start options have changed several times since the Generation 6 ES was introduced in 2013.
Originally, the only remote option was the RES option that allowed for remote starting only with the key fob. Then, the RES+ option became available and allowed for remote starting either with the fob or with a smart phone app, and it also requires a paid annual subscription. With the RES+, I'm not sure whether, without an active paid subscription, the vehicle can be started with key fob, but, with the current remote start option, without an active paid subscription, the car cannot be started with either the key fob or the smart phone app.
Originally, the only remote option was the RES option that allowed for remote starting only with the key fob. Then, the RES+ option became available and allowed for remote starting either with the fob or with a smart phone app, and it also requires a paid annual subscription. With the RES+, I'm not sure whether, without an active paid subscription, the vehicle can be started with key fob, but, with the current remote start option, without an active paid subscription, the car cannot be started with either the key fob or the smart phone app.
#17
Lead Lap
You're right Les there is a multitude of confusion. I was in the dealer's the other day and they're running a special on remote starts. For an ES 350 for $499.00 installed, No smartphone access included and NO Enform subscription needed. Starts with the smartkey.
#18
Lexus Champion
I think that some of the confusion results from the fact that remote start options have changed several times since the Generation 6 ES was introduced in 2013.
Originally, the only remote option was the RES option that allowed for remote starting only with the key fob. Then, the RES+ option became available and allowed for remote starting either with the fob or with a smart phone app, and it also requires a paid annual subscription. With the RES+, I'm not sure whether, without an active paid subscription, the vehicle can be started with key fob, but, with the current remote start option, without an active paid subscription, the car cannot be started with either the key fob or the smart phone app.
Originally, the only remote option was the RES option that allowed for remote starting only with the key fob. Then, the RES+ option became available and allowed for remote starting either with the fob or with a smart phone app, and it also requires a paid annual subscription. With the RES+, I'm not sure whether, without an active paid subscription, the vehicle can be started with key fob, but, with the current remote start option, without an active paid subscription, the car cannot be started with either the key fob or the smart phone app.
#19
Pole Position
Perhaps the question is when did they start offering RES+. Anybody know the answer to that?
Somebody has also posted a Lexus site where you can enter you VIN and it will report the equipment. I'm sure it could be found with a search or perhaps someone with knowledge of that site would repost the address. That might help clarify things for you?
EDIT: Sorry, just saw the post(s) above which actually explained a couple of things for me. Question for dchar or lesz though, do you know for a fact that the fob remote requires the subscription? Obviously the Enform version does, but it starts immediately with the fob so it doesn't seem like it would have time to poll the Enform system to see if a subscription is active. All part of my debate to decide whether I want to keep the subscription once the complimentary subscription expires next month.
Last edited by TechNut; 01-02-16 at 09:48 AM.
#21
Lead Lap
I still had to call and have them activate the remote start. Is it possible it didn't show up because your VIN just wasn't registered in the Enform database? If it were me, I might still call Lexus before throwing in the towel.
Perhaps the question is when did they start offering RES+. Anybody know the answer to that?
Somebody has also posted a Lexus site where you can enter you VIN and it will report the equipment. I'm sure it could be found with a search or perhaps someone with knowledge of that site would repost the address. That might help clarify things for you?
Perhaps the question is when did they start offering RES+. Anybody know the answer to that?
Somebody has also posted a Lexus site where you can enter you VIN and it will report the equipment. I'm sure it could be found with a search or perhaps someone with knowledge of that site would repost the address. That might help clarify things for you?
For the 2015 and 2016 models, there is the Enform Remote Start. That system requires a paid subscription to remotely start the vehicle with either the key fob or the phone app. I believe that all 2016 ES vehicles have the Enform Remote Start system, but I'm not sure whether it was standard or an extra cost option for the 2015 model year.
Again, what remote start capabilities an ES has, whether they were standard or an option, and whether a paid subscription is needed to use them varies depending on the model year of the ES. And that is the reason why different people are saying different things about the remote systems in their cars.
#22
Pole Position
Thanks lesz. A bit confusing since the documentation isn't clear and they keep tinkering with the option. I had pretty much decided to keep it anyway, but it also requires SOS be maintained as this is an add-on to SOS. Lexus quoted me $209 annually for the pair. My wife uses it on very cold and very hot days and seems to like the option. Personally, I think it's cool but without my wife's support I probably would let the subscription lapse.
My problem is that I sometimes forget I have it. Last night when we went out to our car at 5 degrees it would have been really nice...
My problem is that I sometimes forget I have it. Last night when we went out to our car at 5 degrees it would have been really nice...
#23
Lead Lap
The res+ system started with the 2014 model year. According to Lexus it cannot be installed in a 2013. However, there are members on this forum that have installed the res+ system on their 2013. I tried to buy it previously and Lexus wouldn't do it on my 2013. A Lexus remote start - no smartphone access - is available to be installed in a 2013 ES car w/o any subscription @ $500.00. It is the RES factory remote start. Works with the factory smart key.
No Enform, Safety Connect, paid subscriptions, or anything else is needed.
No Enform, Safety Connect, paid subscriptions, or anything else is needed.
Last edited by bc6152; 01-02-16 at 11:42 AM.
#24
For those contemplating renewing the subscription that lets you and Lexus locate the car in case it is stolen you might get a discount on your auto insurance for having it active, that may offset some of the annual subscription cost. Similar to having LoJack installed. Ask your insurance agent.
#26
Lead Lap
Again, remote start options have changed several times with the Generation 6 ES. What I explained above for the 2014 ES is different than what would apply to the 2013 ES with RES or with current ES vehicles with Enform Remote start.
#27
Lead Lap
Mhobizal: To expound on Les' post, if your car (2014) had the RES+ option on it when you bought the car, you do not need the subscription after one year to start your car with the key. If you wish to use the smartphone procedure you must subscribe after one year. If you do not want to pay the subscription costs just use the key. But only if you have the RES+ on your car.
I think that Lexus did a really poor job with the remote start options explanation and the sales/service people don't know much either.
Good post Les...
I think that Lexus did a really poor job with the remote start options explanation and the sales/service people don't know much either.
Good post Les...
#28
Pole Position
Our window sticker has "Lexus Enform Remote" as a bullet in the navigation option. That is the version that is actually an "add on" cost, on top of the SOS option. I don't remember how much it was separately but the total for the two options was quoted as either $209 or $219. Now with that said, that was the option on my 2015 MY car. It isn't clear to me which version(s) was available for the 2014 model year car but if I understand correctly, this Enform version is only on the 2015 models and newer.
#29
Lead Lap
Our window sticker has "Lexus Enform Remote" as a bullet in the navigation option. That is the version that is actually an "add on" cost, on top of the SOS option. I don't remember how much it was separately but the total for the two options was quoted as either $209 or $219. Now with that said, that was the option on my 2015 MY car. It isn't clear to me which version(s) was available for the 2014 model year car but if I understand correctly, this Enform version is only on the 2015 models and newer.
#30
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Ontario
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For what it's worth, my 2015 ES 350 came with the remote start from the fob. I am in Canada so the Enform app does not apply for me. The remote start was included in the base model and was not mentioned as if it was an option or extra. Great for those deep freeze Canadian weathers...