Remote Starter Suggestions for S4/S5 B8.5

[Strong Man]

Hi Everyone,

Winter time is getting closer and closer.
Did anyone installed remote starter on S4/S5 B8.5 platform? Any recommendations/Suggestions/ Underwater-points ? I'm thinkig about VIPER Smart Start system.

Thank you.
Val

[brianc21]

Do the viper. You will need that small plastic back up key tho. For my system, I can use the key fob by pressing lock 3times to start it, or the cell phone. I also opted for the data pack with gps so you can locate the car if you ever need to. I use it all year around just to get the engine warm as I'm heading to the car. Definitely worth the cost and will have it on all my cars from here on.

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[mungie]

Love the viper smart start and dball2 combo. Can start with original fob or with the phone. Very convenient.

[brianc21]

Love the viper smart start and dball2 combo. Can start with original fob or with the phone. Very convenient.

What's dball2 used for?

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[mungie]

What's dball2 used for?

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The dball2 is a necessary bypass interface to the security system from what I understand. It also provides the functionality of being able to turn on the car by pressing lock 3 times on the original FOB.

I think you need dball2. The other systems are optional (viper smart start,etc)..

I could be wrong though

[brianc21]

Ah, ok. It's not necessary. My installer used the small plastic key that works with your valet key to bypass the smart key functions.

Sounds like the dball is another option. How much did that thing cost in addition to the viper?

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[Strong Man]

Love the viper smart start and dball2 combo. Can start with original fob or with the phone. Very convenient.

Which Viper version are you using ?

[mungie]

Ah, ok. It's not necessary. My installer used the small plastic key that works with your valet key to bypass the smart key functions.

Sounds like the dball is another option. How much did that thing cost in addition to the viper?

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Mine uses the circuitry from the valet key as well. That's for the electronic start bypass. The dball2 was already installed when I got the car used, but it's listed as $100 at best buy.

Which Viper version are you using ?

I believe I have the VSM300 module. It replaced a Canadian DSM250 which I'm trying to sell at the moment.

[infinkc]

What's dball2 used for?

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It's used to interface to the can bus to control the whole alarm instead of having to splice a ton of wires. It use to be able to allow starting the car with the factory remote, but they took that feature away cause viper got sued.

[pdqgp]

Hi Everyone,

Winter time is getting closer and closer.
Did anyone installed remote starter on S4/S5 B8.5 platform? Any recommendations/Suggestions/ Underwater-points ? I'm thinkig about VIPER Smart Start system.

Thank you.
Val

I have the Viper Smart Start and have had them on several other cars. Works great. My installer used the 3rd plastic key when installing mine. The key with the S4 is that it really does heat up quickly so what I'll do if I'm working at the office is start it about 5 minutes before I walk out and by the time I get to my car, the vehicle is warm enough that when I start driving it begins to below hot air pretty much right away. I have left it running for 10-15 minutes before and heated up the car prior to actually getting in it, but honestly, I'm not one for leaving a cold car idling for that long as I don't believe it's worth it. Some say it causes more wear and tear, but IMO it's that combined with wasted gas for the sake of perhaps 1-2 minutes of warmth. Really, in sub zero weather, 5-7 minutes of idling and the car will blow hot air within the first few minutes of driving. Love it.

[Strong Man]

I have the Viper Smart Start and have had them on several other cars. Works great. My installer used the 3rd plastic key when installing mine. The key with the S4 is that it really does heat up quickly so what I'll do if I'm working at the office is start it about 5 minutes before I walk out and by the time I get to my car, the vehicle is warm enough that when I start driving it begins to below hot air pretty much right away. I have left it running for 10-15 minutes before and heated up the car prior to actually getting in it, but honestly, I'm not one for leaving a cold car idling for that long as I don't believe it's worth it. Some say it causes more wear and tear, but IMO it's that combined with wasted gas for the sake of perhaps 1-2 minutes of warmth. Really, in sub zero weather, 5-7 minutes of idling and the car will blow hot air within the first few minutes of driving. Love it.

Thanks for sharing !!!

[MN Blue S4]

Being able to use your OEM remote is awesome but I'm assuming you have to get some sort of RF range extender to get this to work at any sort of reasonable distance? Any one have experience with that? Does it require a standalone remote if you do use an extender? I realize you can use SmartStart to overcome this but that also costs around $100+/year.

[CrownSeven]

Being able to use your OEM remote is awesome but I'm assuming you have to get some sort of RF range extender to get this to work at any sort of reasonable distance? Any one have experience with that? Does it require a standalone remote if you do use an extender? I realize you can use SmartStart to overcome this but that also costs around $100+/year.

Not aware of any range extender for the OEM remote, but you can get non-OEM remotes installed as part of the package but its pricey and there's a big ol antenna they stick on your windshield, no thanks. The big plus with the smart start system is the ability to start your car by phone. In another state? No problem start your car, unlock your doors, etc... with your phone. We have it on our Q5 and love it. The biggest negative is the subscription fee for the service - but we snagged a sweet deal - $1 for 3 years - don't ask how that happened lol.

And the fact that I don't need another remote on my keychain is a huge plus for me - we have the original dball and have the ability to start the car with the OEM remote if we're within a few hundred feet (using the ol' touch the remote to your neck method).

[mungie]

Being able to use your OEM remote is awesome but I'm assuming you have to get some sort of RF range extender to get this to work at any sort of reasonable distance? Any one have experience with that? Does it require a standalone remote if you do use an extender? I realize you can use SmartStart to overcome this but that also costs around $100+/year.

I paid $140 for a 3 year subscription. Small price to pay to come back to a warm car after skiing IMO.

[MN Blue S4]

Good to know. Sounds like SmartStart service is like Sirius - nobody pays full price.

[DannyDeez]

I'll admit I'm being completely lazy here, but if anyone who has this setup would be kind enough to post product links I would appreciate it. Thanks!

[cjw]

I have a Compustar, controlled by Drone Mobile. Awesome.

[Strong Man]

Was done about month ago : dball2 + Viper Smart Start with GPS

[Pawan2013]

so all I need to be able to start the car from my remote is the dball2?

[BrainDr]

so all I need to be able to start the car from my remote is the dball2?

I'm also wondering this. I am getting a 2019 S5 SB, and would like to simply start my car with the local remote only. Do I only need the dball2?

[bluestyle55]

Can someone tell me the difference between S4 (Smart Key w/PTS) and just S4 (Smart Key).

[bluestyle55]

Does the dball2 (or whatever the current unit is) have to use the ODB2 port? Sorry...unclear on the install procedure. I have a P3 gauge plugged into that full time so if that's the case, just wondering what others did to overcome this.

[Strong Man]

Does the dball2 (or whatever the current unit is) have to use the ODB2 port? Sorry...unclear on the install procedure. I have a P3 gauge plugged into that full time so if that's the case, just wondering what others did to overcome this.

There is no connection between dball2 and ODB2 port.

[ST3]

I’m also running a Viper remote start. It can be setup with 3x lock start using the factory remote, or if you add antenna and remote it’s up to 2 miles range with the new DS4 system. Yes you’ll have to sacrifice a key for any Audi install, but as already stated just use the plastic valet key.
It’s not a do it yourself install, as you need access to wiring diagrams and the ability to flash the module that’s only available through Viper dealers.

[Silver Streakin]

What's the point? Starting it and letting it idle is bad for a car.

Start it, wait for the idle to drop...go.

[CrownSeven]

Yes because we’re all driving prius’. I enjoy getting in my toasty q5 when it’s minus 30f out.

[thaifoodninja]

I installed the Fortin EVO-AUDT1 and was able to set it up to remote start with the Audi key (range does suck) but I didn't have to sacrifice a key, and I can add a fob with increased range if I want. Lucky for me, the car's parked pretty close to my mud room so its warm in winter by the time I get my shoes on and head out.

[bmoreS4]

What's the point? Starting it and letting it idle is bad for a car.

Start it, wait for the idle to drop...go.

Glad to have you in the thread, you're a huge help.


Moving on.....

Did you guys use the Viper website and search for an official Viper installer?

[ns8013]

I installed the Fortin EVO-AUDT1 and was able to set it up to remote start with the Audi key (range does suck) but I didn't have to sacrifice a key, and I can add a fob with increased range if I want. Lucky for me, the car's parked pretty close to my mud room so its warm in winter by the time I get my shoes on and head out.

How difficult was the install? My 2 biggest gripes with my S4 are no remote start, and no heated steering wheel. It would be nice to fix one of those at least!

[Agilis]

Hello,

I recently installed a Compustar/iDataStart VWX000A Remote Start with Drone Mobile.

With this system, I can Lock/Unlock/Start/Stop the car from my phone. It also uses 3 presses of the lock on the OEM keyfob to start the vehicle. The Drone Mobile is subscription based but is worth it for the remote monitor ability.

It uses an OEM key so unfortunately you will lose a key. I chose to lose the black plastic valet key.

The only "issue" I am having is when the car's engine is shut off after being remotely started, the radio, gauge cluster lights turn off, and the interior dome light turns on.

I am trying to track this issue down but as far as the installer, iDataStart is concerned, there is no fix UNLESS I perhaps opt for the hardwired installation which I do not want to do.

Part of me feels that the simple act of pushing the "Push to Start" button or pushing in the key if you have a keyport, triggers some kind of accessory power takeover.

If anyone here has any technical reason as to why the remote start does not act/behave the same as the stock engine shut down, I would love to discuss.

Thanks,

[Nick Fury]

Hello,

I recently installed a Compustar/iDataStart VWX000A Remote Start with Drone Mobile.

With this system, I can Lock/Unlock/Start/Stop the car from my phone. It also uses 3 presses of the lock on the OEM keyfob to start the vehicle. The Drone Mobile is subscription based but is worth it for the remote monitor ability.

It uses an OEM key so unfortunately you will lose a key. I chose to lose the black plastic valet key.

The only "issue" I am having is when the car's engine is shut off after being remotely started, the radio, gauge cluster lights turn off, and the interior dome light turns on.

I am trying to track this issue down but as far as the installer, iDataStart is concerned, there is no fix UNLESS I perhaps opt for the hardwired installation which I do not want to do.

Part of me feels that the simple act of pushing the "Push to Start" button or pushing in the key if you have a keyport, triggers some kind of accessory power takeover.

If anyone here has any technical reason as to why the remote start does not act/behave the same as the stock engine shut down, I would love to discuss.

Thanks,

You bought the wrong iDataStart setup. This is the exact kit I bought and had installed, with DroneMobile, and I didn't lose a key https://www.carsystemsinstallation.c...s=1-4v2-1v3-1v

$345 USD shipped to the US, but I paid an extra $60 to have it shipped overnight. I have no issues.

[Agilis]

You bought the wrong iDataStart setup. This is the exact kit I bought and had installed, with DroneMobile, and I didn't lose a key https://www.carsystemsinstallation.c...s=1-4v2-1v3-1v

$345 USD shipped to the US, but I paid an extra $60 to have it shipped overnight. I have no issues.

Is that remote starter setup hardwired? The iDataStart setup I have is plug-n-play except 1 or 2 wires. Also, you do not experience the same issue that I described?

[Rbby228]

How did you get it installed? Is it something that can be done at home?

[Agilis]

How did you get it installed? Is it something that can be done at home?

When it comes to remote starter installs, which I consider delicate, I like to rely on a professional installation because now that cars are becoming more and more electronic, I do not want to take a chance that something was installed wrong and causes a malfunction.

[Rbby228]

When it comes to remote starter installs, which I consider delicate, I like to rely on a professional installation because now that cars are becoming more and more electronic, I do not want to take a chance that something was installed wrong and causes a malfunction.

i see your in jersey, I'm in nyc. do you mind letting me know where you got it installed at?

[Agilis]

i see your in jersey, I'm in nyc. do you mind letting me know where you got it installed at?

Sure thing:
Dynamic TINT: http://www.dynamictint.com/

If you do call them, just mention Rick with the RS5 recommended them. That way you are associated with me and I’ve been a long, long time customer of theirs.

https://www.google.com/search?q=dyna...ction%2520Film

[Agilis]

My installer will be swapping out the VWX000A for the CMVWXA0 as suggested by Nick Fury which is a newer module.

I also like that there is a manual specifically for my car:

http://images.idatalink.com/vehicle-...104_072130.pdf

There was not one for the other module.

Please keep in mind that each car model and even revision may be different as far as whether or not you need to lose a key, etc. Nick car is an A7 and that does not require a key to be lost. My car however does. The key I chose to lose was the black, plastic valet key.

I’ll post an update once the module swap has been performed.

[JBravo]

I’m going to add remote start to my car so I just picked up the idatastart CMVWXA0 control module and the ADS-THR-AU2 T-harness along with the ADS-USB weblink updater cable in an attempt to install this myself at home.

I purchased the remote start module and wire harness for $259.99 off eBay and the usb programming cable for $35. If all goes well, going to start on this today.

[JBravo]

Install complete. It’s literally plug and play except for 2 wires that you have to splice into but everything is located in one area (trunk) and it’s super easy to do. You do have to lose a key for this to work in the S4.
I’m just using the oem key fob ( lock x3) to start it right now but am going to look into using drone mobile or maybe an extended range transmitter.

[Janviden]

Install complete. It’s literally plug and play except for 2 wires that you have to splice into but everything is located in one area (trunk) and it’s super easy to do. You do have to lose a key for this to work in the S4.
I’m just using the oem key fob ( lock x3) to start it right now but am going to look into using drone mobile or maybe an extended range transmitter.

I Bought the exact same setup to my 2014 A5 with key port and push to start, but I can't get working My problem is that when i following the programming procedure and press on lock 3 times the hazard lights flashes 3 times and the 1 time, instead of two times.
I tried to check the wires and restart the programming several times, but the same thing happens. The seller on Ebay offers no support and Idatastart will only help authorized sellers. So I have wasted 300$ and a weekend