Protect Your Mercedes with Confidence with Advanced Security, Factory Fit Solutions
CHICAGO, June 26, 2025 – Mid City Engineering, a leading provider of innovative accessories for the luxury vehicle market since 1999, is proud to announce expanded plug-and-play alarm kit compatibility for select Mercedes Benz models.
“Previously, we’ve had coverage for the Sprinter and Metris, but now dealers and consumers can utilize these kits for a number of additional Mercedes Benz vehicles,” explained Dan Ruby, owner, Mid City Engineering. “Dealers can purchase either the Compustar or Directed alarm CAN interface by itself or the kit with the alarm.”
Mid City Engineering alarm kits feature plug-and-play installation as the vehicle-specific CAN interface ensures seamless integration without cutting or splicing OEM wires, thus preserving vehicle integrity and warranties. Its comprehensive security includes Compustar alarm, siren, and DAS II digital security sensor which provides shock, tilt, glass break, and tow sensing. The factory key fob control allows for the effortless operation of the alarm system using the existing factory key fob. The optional Compustar Drone module allows control and alerts via smartphone (hardware purchase and subscription required).
Available Mid City Engineering alarm kits include:
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907 Alarm Kit (SKU: 907INTK): Compatible with Sprinter 2019–2025 and various Mercedes-Benz models.
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Metris Alarm Kit (SKU: METRISINTK): Compatible with Metris 2016–2024.
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HSINTK: Compatible with select Mercedes-Benz models from 2007–2019.
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205INTK: Compatible with select Mercedes-Benz models from 2015–2025.
“These Mid City Engineering alarm kits are ideal for commercial Fleet Operators who seek reliable security solutions for Sprinter and Metris vans to protect valuable equipment and cargo, Mercedes-Benz owners who desire enhanced security without compromising vehicle aesthetics or warranties, DIY enthusiasts and installers looking for easy-to-install, high-quality alarm systems, and tech-savvy consumers interested in integrating smartphone control for added convenience and monitoring,” Ruby concluded.
For more information, please visit www.midcityengineerinig.com, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call (312) 421-1114;
About Mid City Engineering
Mid City Engineering has been providing the luxury vehicle market with innovative accessories since 1999. Our world-renowned OEM integration products give drivers factory-like options, unavailable anywhere else. All design, engineering, prototyping, and production takes place at our headquarters in Chicago. We individually test every unit that leaves our warehouse, ensuring a smooth installation that saves you time and money.
It is because of our loyal customers that we can continually build groundbreaking interface devices. We want all of our customers to be completely satisfied with our products and services. To do this we must build the most reliable interface devices on planet Earth, plus make ordering and using them as enjoyable as possible for our customers. Your car isn’t finished when it leaves the factory; so make it complete with Mid City Engineering’s innovative technologies.
ModeLock PLM1, PLM2, and PLM3 Saves the User’s Current Drive Mode Settings for the Next Time the Vehicle is Started
CHICAGO, Oct. 17, 2025 – Mid City Engineering, a leading provider of innovative accessories for the luxury vehicle market since 1999, today announced the release of ModeLock™, a new series of drive mode memory modules designed for select Porsche models.
The ModeLock module bypasses Porsche’s factory default of starting vehicles in “Normal” drive mode, allowing drivers to start every trip with their preferred performance settings.
“Porsche vehicles automatically start up in ‘Normal’ drive mode by default,” explained Dan Ruby, owner of Mid City Engineering. “The driver can change those parameters, but the vehicle won’t remember them for the next drive. ModeLock saves the driver’s preferred settings, so the car is always ready to go exactly the way you want it.”
ModeLock modules are designed for simple installation in the driver’s side kick panel and require only four connections: power, ground, CAN high, and CAN low.
- ModeLock PLM1(MSRP: $279) – Porsche 911 (MY 2023–2025)
- ModeLock PLM2(MSRP: $279) – Porsche Cayenne (MY 2022–2025)
- ModeLock PLM3(MSRP: $279) – Porsche Macan (MY 2025)
“Why not drive your Porsche the way you want to and hear that engine the way it’s meant to sound when you start it?” Ruby added. “With ModeLock, your Porsche is always ready with your chosen settings.”
Mid City Engineering will be confirming additional Porsche compatibility, with more applications expected in the coming weeks.
For more information and updates on additional compatibility, please visit https://mid-city-engineering.odoo.com/modelock, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call (312) 421-1114.
About Mid City Engineering
Mid City Engineering has been providing the luxury vehicle market with innovative accessories since 1999. Our world-renowned OEM integration products give drivers factory-like options, unavailable anywhere else. All design, engineering, prototyping, and production takes place at our headquarters in Chicago. We individually test every unit that leaves our warehouse, ensuring a smooth installation that saves you time and money.
It is because of our loyal customers that we can continually build groundbreaking interface devices. We want all of our customers to be completely satisfied with our products and services. To do this we must build the most reliable interface devices on planet Earth, plus make ordering and using them as enjoyable as possible for our customers. Your car isn’t finished when it leaves the factory; so make it complete with Mid City Engineering’s innovative technologies.
Now Shipping, the New Plug and Play System is Available for Select Models From 2017-2024
SmartKey Starter® Restores Remote Start Functionality for Mercedes-Benz Models Losing Mbrace Connectivity at End of 2025
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.
Mid City Engineering, a leading provider of innovative accessories for the luxury vehicle market since 2007, announced the release of an aftermarket solution designed for Mercedes-Benz vehicles affected by the upcoming Mbrace® telematics shutdown.
The SmartKey Starter® installs discreetly inside the vehicle using factory-style connectors and preserves all factory safety and security protocols. 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 integrated into the OEM security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does your remote start work with the factory key fob right away? Yes. It works with the OEM key fob by pressing the panic button, or by using lock–unlock–lock if no panic button is present.
Can we add phone control? Absolutely. The 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.
Is there a subscription? 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. Click here for full FAQ on our mbrace shutdown info page.
SmartKey Starter® (MSRP varies by model) – Compatible with popular Mercedes-Benz platforms ffected 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
● 2016-2017 AMG® GT
● 2016-2017 S Class Cabriolet and Sedan
● 2016 SL
● 2016 SLK/SLC
Click here for full compatibility list.
It is because of our loyal customers that we can continually build groundbreaking interface devices. We want all of our customers to be completely satisfied with our products and services. Your car isn’t finished when it leaves the factory; so make it complete with Mid City Engineering’s innovative technologies.
Multiple Additional Options Now Available Along with the Same Renowned Feature Sets for Existing Categories
CHICAGO, April 17, 2025– Mid City Engineering, a leading provider of innovative accessories for the luxury vehicle market since 1999, is proud to announce expanded remote start, high idle, and alarm coverage for 2025 Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans.
“Multiple options are now available along with the same renowned feature sets for these existing categories that Mid City Engineering has been providing for 2019-2025 model years,” explained Dan Ruby, owner, Mid City Engineering. “Our new SKUs offer a range of benefits*, including not affecting factory warranties, operation via factory key fobs, seamless 100 percent plug-and-play integration, compatibility with Compustar RF remotes, available with as a kit with alarm or with Drone Mobile smart phone integration, and more.”
A popular add-on that simply plugs directly into the SmartKey Starter is DAS II Compustar sensor integration that adds shock, tilt, glass break, and tow sensing.
New and existing coverage include:
Remote start and alarm (click for link):
Remote start, high idle and alarm (click for link):
Stand-alone high idle (click for link):
Alarm only (available as either alarm interface by itself or a full alarm kit with Compustar alarm):
- 907INTC: CAN interface only for Compustar, 2019-2025
- 907INTD: CAN interface only for Directed, 2019-2025
- 907INTK: CAN interface with full Compustar alarm, 2019-2025
Alarm interface only (click for link)
Full alarm kit (interface + Comustar alarm (click for link)
* Mid City Engineering recommends professional installation and asks that you check the descriptions for each model to determine specific and complete individual specifications and pricing.
For more information, please visit www.midcityengineerinig.com, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call (312) 421-1114;
About Mid City Engineering
Mid City Engineering has been providing the luxury vehicle market with innovative accessories since 1999. Our world-renowned OEM integration products give drivers factory-like options, unavailable anywhere else. All design, engineering, prototyping, and production takes place at our headquarters in Chicago. We individually test every unit that leaves our warehouse, ensuring a smooth installation that saves you time and money.
It is because of our loyal customers that we can continually build groundbreaking interface devices. We want all of our customers to be completely satisfied with our products and services. To do this we must build the most reliable interface devices on planet Earth, plus make ordering and using them as enjoyable as possible for our customers. Your car isn’t finished when it leaves the factory; so make it complete with Mid City Engineering’s innovative technologies.