marshmallo

I guess I should've asked, but I did not. I assumed that it
was the OEM one, since it does not void the warranty and she
said it was "new".

I am also hoping that it is an all powerful FOB that can do
everything. I guess I will find out on Wednesday...

bhuwan

excellen t...please post here asap, i am anxious..(everytime I call a biz mgr, they are either busy or not available)

Balnk

Certainly the most important question. OEM or Aftermarket.

If is OEM, please post the Lexus part numbers for the unit
so others can order and install the unit.

If its Aftermarket, beware. Aftermarket remote starts are
fine if they are put in well, and are a decent manufactuer.
Best of my knowledge there is no aftermarket adaptor for
the GS, or anyother push button system.

Very interested in the results. Good luck

Balnk

marshmallo

I will keep you guys up to date as soon as I find out more
details.

I hope it is the OEM remote start FOB shown in the 4th picture
here.

http://lexus-parts.com/partlist.asp?...22&ModelID=125

twister

I also called up that dealership, out of curiousity. Nothing they can do for me since I'm in Jersey, and this is a "special" offer for MA only The part is definitely not OEM, but aftermarket. They worked out a deal with some local place to design this custom remote start. I mentioned this to my dealership (Ray Catena), and they apparently have done something similar with a local place as well. But based from that Lexus Smart-Key picture, I would like to find out more about any possible OEM solutions.

marshmallo

Hi guys, I had the remote start installed today and here
are some observations :

1) It is NOT an OEM part as twister mentioned.
2) I was charged about $550 for the part and install... Possibly because
I also did the 15K maintenance work and the state inspection there,
but they can definitely charge less than $695.
3) The FOB is cheesy looking and simple with 3 buttons : LOCK,
UNLOCK and ENGINE START. The way it works is you press the
ENGINE START button twice (carefully) wait a few seconds for the
car to start and at that point our regular FOBS are DISABLED
and the cheesy FOB takes over so no more keyless entry.
4) The guy showing me the demo said it works for about 100ft
(he probably pulled this number out of you know where because
he was not the guy doing the install and he hesitated).
5) He said they were doing about 1 a day with the Push Button
starts and the guy doing the installs is top notch...
6) STUPID LEXUS, THIS SHOULD BE A FACTORY OPTION!!!!
7) This will make the winters here just a tad easier to
stomach

If I have a problem I'll be sure to let you guys know, but so far
so good.

Funky

Better picture of the cheesy remote :

What's the "i" button for?

bhuwan

So in other words, the non-oem solution is a piece of **** lol

twister

So, pretty much when remote start is used, you can only open/close the car with that remote FOB? Hmm... My dealer also quoted me $700 with their sub-contracting place. The difference doing it that way is they will provide a loaner during the installation, and also a full lifetime guarantee (from a dealer, not the installation place). So, that would worth extra $. I also think if that official Lexus remote start will become available, it will cost twice as much just like any "additional" official Lexus option.

ucmyGS350

I had my car installed with the remote start as well from Lexus. They give you a separate fob to use for the remote start. They told me that the reason for the separate Fob is the range/distance you can access your car. The original FOB works up to 8 ft from the car. The aftermarket for remote start works up to 30ft. This way people car start the car from inside the house instead of standing right next to the car to be able to start it? Also, another reason they gave me was with this aftermarket unit, you can start the car without opening the doors. As you know with the original fob, if you're within 6ft or so from the car the doors will open by itself for you.

I'm in NYC, its not good to have the engine running and the doors unlocked with no one inside. Even if they try stealing the car I don't think they can get far...but why chance it?

This is what they told me...hope it helps.

marshmallo

I would not go that far... It works and does the job for me
which is better than being cold in the morning

My take is it just doesn't look as "pretty" that's all.

marshmallo

I believe that is the OEM remote start FOB.

ucmyGS350

Yes, that should the original. The remote start FOB they gave me didn't have "Lexus" on it.

Now I have to carry 2 FOBs everywhere I go.

GryPhantom

So, I don't get it. You HAVE to carry both remote keys? Can you not carry the original remote FOB given when car is purchased? This is confusing. I figure the remote start key should be programmable to have the same functions of the original FOB given. If I have to carry both, I don't think its really worth my money. I know its convenient to have the remote start but carrying around two sets of remote sucks. I hate carrying rings of keys. I love the fact that i only have to carry the remote and one other key (my house key).

ucmyGS350

I agree with you. It is annoying carrying 2 key fobs...But technically you really don't have to carry BOTH remote, you just have to carry the OEM to be able to drive the car. The aftermarket fob for the remote start is only good for: remote start, unlock, and lock doors. You can't drive with it.

So you can just use the aftermarket Fob to warm up the car in the mornings, leave that at home and then just bring the OEM with you.