C63s Edition 1 Stolen - Key Less Owners Warning
#51
Junior Member
The company is UK based so I'm not sure if they supply the US.
I've emailed them to ask the question and will let you know what they say.
I think the product would work with any market variant of the car since the technology is the same regardless of the market it's sold, but fitting might be more difficult if they don't have a distribution network of installers.
Will update once I've heard back from them.
I've emailed them to ask the question and will let you know what they say.
I think the product would work with any market variant of the car since the technology is the same regardless of the market it's sold, but fitting might be more difficult if they don't have a distribution network of installers.
Will update once I've heard back from them.
#52
Super Member
A couple of news articles on this type of theft. One from the Daily Mail about a year ago: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ic-device.html
And another from the US publication Autoweek in late 2016: http://autoweek.com/article/technolo...be-theft-proof
Note the Daily Mail article describes the device as being in two parts and the theft accomplished by a two man team. Sounds awfully like the experience of the OP.
A biscuit tin makes a fine Faraday cage as well, no need to purchase anything fancy.
And another from the US publication Autoweek in late 2016: http://autoweek.com/article/technolo...be-theft-proof
Note the Daily Mail article describes the device as being in two parts and the theft accomplished by a two man team. Sounds awfully like the experience of the OP.
A biscuit tin makes a fine Faraday cage as well, no need to purchase anything fancy.
#53
Super Member
I did some quick research on Ghost by Autowatch. I don't see a US distributor (yet), but it does seem to be pretty clever in that it seems to be undetectable. Some feedback from ppl who have it: http://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/16...t-immobiliser/
Biggest issue is, it can't be turned off. So if you take your car in for service, or the Valet parks it, you'd pretty much have to give them your code (even if you change it afterward, you've let someone know your car has a code, which is more info than I'd like to reveal) cuz otherwise they can't start the car without your car or your phone (Bluetooth connection). That's a big oversight IMO...
Biggest issue is, it can't be turned off. So if you take your car in for service, or the Valet parks it, you'd pretty much have to give them your code (even if you change it afterward, you've let someone know your car has a code, which is more info than I'd like to reveal) cuz otherwise they can't start the car without your car or your phone (Bluetooth connection). That's a big oversight IMO...
#55
Super Member
Again, similar situation if Valet parks it. He may be able to park it, but depending on where/how he drives/parks the car, he may not be able to bring the car back to you...(some Valet parking is off-site).
#56
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Well i don't know about the US. But anyone driving your car shouldn't need to drive it over 30mph, unless the issue you have is related to a certain speed. I.e if you send your car in for an annual service it shouldn't be driven about a few mph.
Regarding your valet. You make it clear not to drive it fast. Simples
Regarding your valet. You make it clear not to drive it fast. Simples
#57
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: VA
Posts: 995
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125 Posts
W212 E-class, W211 E-class, F10 5-Series
Hello everyone.
I thought I would share the recent theft of my 2015 C63s Edition 1 Car with you and the warning of owning a key less car.
The car was stolen in the early hours of the 6th April from Woodford Green in London. I have CCTV and the thief's just walk up to the car, unlocks it and drives it away. I am not sure if they had a copy of the key since the car was in the Loughton dealership 2 weeks back. Or they are the radio codes for my particular car.
Another guy is seen standing in front of our house door, to prevent any interruption of the car being stolen.
It was taking in 60 seconds!!!
I thought I would share my story. I am pretty gutted to have lost that car.
I thought I would share the recent theft of my 2015 C63s Edition 1 Car with you and the warning of owning a key less car.
The car was stolen in the early hours of the 6th April from Woodford Green in London. I have CCTV and the thief's just walk up to the car, unlocks it and drives it away. I am not sure if they had a copy of the key since the car was in the Loughton dealership 2 weeks back. Or they are the radio codes for my particular car.
Another guy is seen standing in front of our house door, to prevent any interruption of the car being stolen.
It was taking in 60 seconds!!!
I thought I would share my story. I am pretty gutted to have lost that car.
#60
MBWorld Fanatic!
It's fairly certain in this world that there will always be thieves, and you will never be able to protect yourself or your belongings. It's a simple fact.
The best thing to do? Let it go. It happens, it's gone. Don't overturn your life because of this. Collect the insurance money and go buy another one or something else you want to drive. Find a way to get a garage (or somewhere) so your car is safe at night when it's most vulnerable.
All the things in this thread talk about driving off in your car. It's also very easy just to bring a tow truck and tow your car. The tipping/jacking alarm? Ok, just lift your car four corners at a time and put it on wheelies. I've also seen those tow trucks in Europe that have hoists and they just pick up your car as if it was picking up a trash can.
Nothing is perfect in this world. Buy another car. Add stuff if it makes you feel better, but a thief who really wants your car will come get it. Don't confront the guy at the door. Shoot him through the window if necessary when he least expects it.
The best thing to do? Let it go. It happens, it's gone. Don't overturn your life because of this. Collect the insurance money and go buy another one or something else you want to drive. Find a way to get a garage (or somewhere) so your car is safe at night when it's most vulnerable.
All the things in this thread talk about driving off in your car. It's also very easy just to bring a tow truck and tow your car. The tipping/jacking alarm? Ok, just lift your car four corners at a time and put it on wheelies. I've also seen those tow trucks in Europe that have hoists and they just pick up your car as if it was picking up a trash can.
Nothing is perfect in this world. Buy another car. Add stuff if it makes you feel better, but a thief who really wants your car will come get it. Don't confront the guy at the door. Shoot him through the window if necessary when he least expects it.
#61
Junior Member
Thread Starter
It's fairly certain in this world that there will always be thieves, and you will never be able to protect yourself or your belongings. It's a simple fact.
The best thing to do? Let it go. It happens, it's gone. Don't overturn your life because of this. Collect the insurance money and go buy another one or something else you want to drive. Find a way to get a garage (or somewhere) so your car is safe at night when it's most vulnerable.
All the things in this thread talk about driving off in your car. It's also very easy just to bring a tow truck and tow your car. The tipping/jacking alarm? Ok, just lift your car four corners at a time and put it on wheelies. I've also seen those tow trucks in Europe that have hoists and they just pick up your car as if it was picking up a trash can.
Nothing is perfect in this world. Buy another car. Add stuff if it makes you feel better, but a thief who really wants your car will come get it. Don't confront the guy at the door. Shoot him through the window if necessary when he least expects it.
The best thing to do? Let it go. It happens, it's gone. Don't overturn your life because of this. Collect the insurance money and go buy another one or something else you want to drive. Find a way to get a garage (or somewhere) so your car is safe at night when it's most vulnerable.
All the things in this thread talk about driving off in your car. It's also very easy just to bring a tow truck and tow your car. The tipping/jacking alarm? Ok, just lift your car four corners at a time and put it on wheelies. I've also seen those tow trucks in Europe that have hoists and they just pick up your car as if it was picking up a trash can.
Nothing is perfect in this world. Buy another car. Add stuff if it makes you feel better, but a thief who really wants your car will come get it. Don't confront the guy at the door. Shoot him through the window if necessary when he least expects it.
#62
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Here's an X5 being stolen using a range extender.
http://nzh.tw/11847669
http://nzh.tw/11847669
#63
Originally Posted by Gurj84
The company is UK based so I'm not sure if they supply the US.
I've emailed them to ask the question and will let you know what they say.
I think the product would work with any market variant of the car since the technology is the same regardless of the market it's sold, but fitting might be more difficult if they don't have a distribution network of installers.
Will update once I've heard back from them.
I've emailed them to ask the question and will let you know what they say.
I think the product would work with any market variant of the car since the technology is the same regardless of the market it's sold, but fitting might be more difficult if they don't have a distribution network of installers.
Will update once I've heard back from them.
Did you get anything???
#64
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yeah but in a resident area like ours, i wouldn't hestitate for a second asking why a car was being taken that way. the towing your car method is a growing method of stealing your car in the area. I cannot accept that we just must just accept this and collect the insurance. My insurnace is going to hurt me for the next 5 years because of this. So when I do decide to replace this car, i will make more effort of making it harder to steal. Yes ppl may view it as OTT, but I would rather make it as hard as possible for someone to steal it.
Just saying...
And best of luck, it truly does stink that this happened.
#65
Super Member
It's fairly certain in this world that there will always be thieves, and you will never be able to protect yourself or your belongings. It's a simple fact.
The best thing to do? Let it go. It happens, it's gone. Don't overturn your life because of this. Collect the insurance money and go buy another one or something else you want to drive. Find a way to get a garage (or somewhere) so your car is safe at night when it's most vulnerable.
All the things in this thread talk about driving off in your car. It's also very easy just to bring a tow truck and tow your car. The tipping/jacking alarm? Ok, just lift your car four corners at a time and put it on wheelies. I've also seen those tow trucks in Europe that have hoists and they just pick up your car as if it was picking up a trash can.
Nothing is perfect in this world. Buy another car. Add stuff if it makes you feel better, but a thief who really wants your car will come get it. Don't confront the guy at the door.
The best thing to do? Let it go. It happens, it's gone. Don't overturn your life because of this. Collect the insurance money and go buy another one or something else you want to drive. Find a way to get a garage (or somewhere) so your car is safe at night when it's most vulnerable.
All the things in this thread talk about driving off in your car. It's also very easy just to bring a tow truck and tow your car. The tipping/jacking alarm? Ok, just lift your car four corners at a time and put it on wheelies. I've also seen those tow trucks in Europe that have hoists and they just pick up your car as if it was picking up a trash can.
Nothing is perfect in this world. Buy another car. Add stuff if it makes you feel better, but a thief who really wants your car will come get it. Don't confront the guy at the door.
Also, yh007x mentioned, even if your insurance states they won't jack up your rates due to THIS theft, wait until you do ANYTHING else (even run a stop sign) and your rates will go through the roof. And they *never* come back down...
Shoot him through the window if necessary when he least expects it.
#67
Member
Your premiums will NOT increase because your car got stolen... Period.
And to say that they'll raise your rates more, to make up for a previous stolen vehicle, because you got a moving violation or had an at-fault accident, is absolutely ludicrous.
I do agree with taking extra precautions to protect your baby though... Just because a stolen vehicle is covered, and also considered a non at-fault loss, I am attached to my car and would be super bummed if some degenerate stole it.
#68
Super Member
California is a different animal altogether when it comes to pretty much everything. So comparing it with any other state is a moot point. Pick up ANY contract (warranty, lease, etc), and go through the fine print. EVERY ONE will have a "California buyers" section for your own unique rules and restrictions lol.
Having said that, so what they do is, they don't raise your premium for something they technically aren't allowed to raise your premium for. But when you have any subsequent issue, they "recategorize" you as a "higher risk" driver that requires an increased premium. Or they may even drop you altogether. Oldest trick in the book...
Having said that, so what they do is, they don't raise your premium for something they technically aren't allowed to raise your premium for. But when you have any subsequent issue, they "recategorize" you as a "higher risk" driver that requires an increased premium. Or they may even drop you altogether. Oldest trick in the book...
#72
Junior Member
#73
Originally Posted by Gurj84
I never heard back from them
Good news about the insurance paying out and having gap makes a difference too! All the best bud
Good news about the insurance paying out and having gap makes a difference too! All the best bud
#75
Junior Member
Me too, tried to reach them through Facebook messenger. Got a reply that they were off for Easter, but then nothing afterward. Anyone know of a similar product in the states?