Originally Posted by MarkGS

Here is what I know, as well as my own experiences....

DEI manufactures the parts for the 3 major remote start/security system products used as after market; Viper, Python and Clifford. I think this was a result of DEI acquiring its competitors over the years.

You can get a remote start that is designed to work short range (i.e. walking up to the vehicle), with a range of up to 1 mile using (still affected by walls and electronics between you and the car, but less so than the short range option), and via SmartStart

SmartStart is a cellular device that operates with an app (BlackBerry, IO5, and Android). It requires activation. I believe its $50/yr. or you can subscribe for 3 years at $100.

If your battery goes completely dead, then remote start will fail after you restore the battery charge. The installer can flash the unit with the necessary settings to get it operating properly.

It is my understanding that remote start on Toyota/Lexus models using the wireless keys will operate, but shut off after opening/unlocking the door. I would be interested if anyone has had a different experience. I know with other auto manufacturers, like Cadillac for instance, the remote start allows you to get inside the vehicle and a short amount of time to engage the wireless key to keep the car running.

The OEM key fob start feature (3 lock presses) does not function if you have SmartStart. My installer indicated that with the remote start via the 3 lock press of the OEM key fob would allow you to trick the car to continue running until you get inside the vehicle, but SmartStart required a connection that voided this ability. I believe it was either using D2D or W2W - only one or the other can be used with DBALL - not both.

For some certain circumstances, there are some nice features for having SmartStart, like scheduling your car to start on some regular basis to keep the battery charged (like if you store a car for a long period) or to keep the engine warm in cold climates where freezing conditions might compromise a good start.

SmartStart can also advise of current status; like if your car is running, security armed, etc.

You can use SmartStart to help you remember where you parked your car by storing a photo or, if added, by GPS location.

Comes with a 3 year warranty.

No functionality that comes standard with the car is compromised and, if SmartStart is not installed, can be incorporated into the OEM key fob.

In my opinion, remote start is a novelty. The greatest convenience I get out of this is if I am at the airport and returning to a parked car that has been sitting out in the elements, I can use SmartStart (and often the 1 mi range on the after market key fob) to start my car in advance and have it cooled down when I get to it. You could also apply to a similar circumstances, like being at a ball game for a number of hours, and remotely start/cool down your vehicle as you hike back to your car. Otherwise, I don't find many other conveniences that I couldn't live without.

While I could seeing bypassing the SmartStart option altogether, in my case, it was what I needed the most (the ability to start the car from a long distance, and the status indicator is also nice). I just couldn't see the benefit to starting the car as I approached it on foot, only to have to restart the car again once I got inside. The benefit to me was cooling down (I live in a warm climate, but would apply to warming up in a cold climate) well in advance of getting to my car.

I hope this information is helpful to others.

Originally Posted by New to IS3

I placed my order for one yesterday, I am excited and can't wait to get the module up and running. Package should arrive on or before Monday Aug. 27th.

I am going to try an install it myself, according to the install manual listed on their site. It is pretty much plain and simple install, I counted about 7 wires total and D2D method.

THANKS Shibumi1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Shibumi1

a few things.. as far as remote start... i always remote start all my vehicles.. for a few reasons..1st an foremost to circulate the oil in the engine an allow it to warm up before jump in and drive off to reduce engine wear( im kind of a lead foot).. 2nd in fl when its 90+ outside its well over a 100 in the car.. blk leather burns so i set the a/c to cool... (or heat on chilly morns) an at $60 bucks its a no brainer to increase my comfort..

as far as bypassing the door shut off feature,, i dont really suggest it as if its bypassed it leaves a window (however small) for theft.. as the car can be driven w/o the fob at that point...(dei set this feature to prevent theft by shutting the engine down when a door is opened or even unlocked so it must then be restarted w/an oem fob present) also with the newest firmware comes with EIPS Engine Idle Protection Shutdown.. (as long as the vehicle isnt in motion) if the oem fob isnt detected (time programmable) it will shut the car down for u..

as far as smart start..im currently out of town an i was demoing the system for someone..i pulled up my location(vegas baby).. then the cars location (orlando fl ..smart start gps) all recent info about the car.. an remote started it from the pool..lol.. peace of mind is priceless.. it also has a low voltage setting (as i dont drive the LS daily) so if the batt gets low..it will notify me.. if i dont respond it will start the car (programmable) to charge the batt.. then turn back off.. as an added feature if u have home security... u can link that too to your phone.. i turn the lights on/off nightly to give the appearance we're home..(programmable)...i love it.. cameras with an ip address comin soon..

Originally Posted by MarkGS

This would be awesome considering I'm currently having an issue with my battery sometimes draining overnight.

I don't find where that setting can be made. Can you shed some light on this? Is it another add-on, or does it come standard with SmartStart's SmartSchedule? The only setting I can find is where your car reaches a specified temperatures, you can schedule it to start up.

My SmartStart and DBALL were installed less than 2 months ago, so I have to believe I'm on a recent version of firmware.

Thanks for the information.

Originally Posted by New to IS3

Can someone help me, I am trying to locate where the main ECU inside the car.

Originally Posted by Shibumi1

pm'd u.. as well as posted in other thread..

your welcome anything to help the CL family...

Originally Posted by MarkGS

I had this installed a few months ago.

My biggest concern having this installed was that after doing a remote start, the engine would stop once you unlocked/opened the vehicle. The installer told me he thought that the remote start could be tricked into continuing to run after unlocking/opening the door. However, this changed once I added SmartStart.

Apparently one used D2D and the other W2W. By adding SmartStart (according to the installer), this removed the capability of tricking the car to continue running after unlocking/opening the vehicle.

Is anyone aware of remote start working past unlocking/opening the doors on a '12 LS and/or does SmartStart change this?

I don't use the remote start feature much and the SmartStart even less. However, I do enjoy having both for those rare occassions where I benefit from a remote/smart start (cooling down a hot car, for example). If I was able to start the car as I walk up to it, and keep it running after I step into the car, then I would likely benefit much more than I do now.....