Press Release: Beginning Dec. 31, 2025, Mercedes-Benz will discontinue support for its legacy Mbrace system, resulting in the loss of factory-connected features. Mid City Engineering’s SmartKey Starter® provides a seamless,
OEM-integrated way to restore remote start functionality for impacted owners.
As you may know, this sunset will impact 2012–2019 Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Mid City SmartKey Starter® – Mbrace® Shutdown Solution
- Restores factory-style remote start using the OEM key fob
- Fully compatible with Drone, Compustar, and Directed SmartStart® for phone control
- Preserves all factory safety and security protocols
- Installs discreetly with factory-style connectors
- Supports major chassis affected by the shutdown, including: C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS, S-Class, AMG GT, SL, and more
The SmartKey Starter® installs discreetly inside the vehicle using factory-style connectors and preserves all factory safety and security protocols. it is ready for plug & play upgrades like the Compustar Drone®, Directed Smart Start®, Compustar extended range remotes, and DAS II security sensor for shock, tilt, glass break and tow sensing ntegrated into the OEM security.
The Mid City SmarKey Starter works with the OEM key fob by pressing the panic button, or by using lock–unlock–lock if no panic button is present.
Compustar Drone or Directed Smart Start®smartphone control modules interface directly with the SmartKey Starter® to provide remote start/stop, lock/unlock, tracking, vehicle status, and alerts.
For basic key fob remote start, no subscription is required. For full phone control with Drone, a subscription is required, but fees are much lower than typical OEM plans.
SmartKey Starter® (MSRP varies by model) –
Compatible with popular Mercedes-Benz platforms affected by the Mbrace shutdown, including:
● 2016 B Class
● 2016-2017 C Class Coupe and Sedan
● 2016 CLA
● 2016 CLS
● 2016 E Class Coupe, Cabriolet, and Sedan
● 2016 G Wagon
● 2016 GL
● 2016 GLC
● 2016 GLE and GLE Coupe
● 2016-17 GLS
● 2016 SL
Click here for full compatibility list.
● 2016-2017
AMG® GT
● 2016-2017 S Class Cabriolet and Sedan
● 2016 SLK/SLC
