Security system effective?
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From: Madrid, Spain
Security system effective?
Yesterday I stopped at one of the local (well recommended) alarm shop to seek information on the installation of a GPS alarm on a 240 E-class (this GPS alarm is not even optional equipment by MB) .
The guy recommended not to install just the GPS alarm device (complementing MB alarm) but to substitute MB alarm with a full featured alarm with all the works.
The reason he gave me was that the MB alarm is very good, but since it is installed at factory, and all MB alarms are the same (type), it is very easy for an expert thief to work out how to brake into the alarm of a MB. And once it gets into one MB he can get into all MB.
Therefore he recommends to use an alternative full alarm of good quality.
I partly agree with him that once you break into one MB alarm, the rest are all the same, but having said so, I wonder if MB alarm is an easy target, and if I could have used the MB alarm money to nstall a new one (and now I have to spend double money installing a new one).
If anyone knows anything about this topic, I would appreciate your comments.
Note: In Spain, we are getting a big amount of MB, BMW, and Lexus cars been robbed by some Central European expert thieves. The cars are then shipped to central Europe or North Africa for re-selling al low prices.
The guy recommended not to install just the GPS alarm device (complementing MB alarm) but to substitute MB alarm with a full featured alarm with all the works.
The reason he gave me was that the MB alarm is very good, but since it is installed at factory, and all MB alarms are the same (type), it is very easy for an expert thief to work out how to brake into the alarm of a MB. And once it gets into one MB he can get into all MB.
Therefore he recommends to use an alternative full alarm of good quality.
I partly agree with him that once you break into one MB alarm, the rest are all the same, but having said so, I wonder if MB alarm is an easy target, and if I could have used the MB alarm money to nstall a new one (and now I have to spend double money installing a new one).
If anyone knows anything about this topic, I would appreciate your comments.
Note: In Spain, we are getting a big amount of MB, BMW, and Lexus cars been robbed by some Central European expert thieves. The cars are then shipped to central Europe or North Africa for re-selling al low prices.
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From: El Pueblo de la Reyna de los Angeles
The True OG Modded out W203
Re: Security system effective?
Originally posted by jav
Note: In Spain, we are getting a big amount of MB, BMW, and Lexus cars been robbed by some Central European expert thieves. The cars are then shipped to central Europe or North Africa for re-selling al low prices.
Note: In Spain, we are getting a big amount of MB, BMW, and Lexus cars been robbed by some Central European expert thieves. The cars are then shipped to central Europe or North Africa for re-selling al low prices.
If that is the case and the theives have already figured out how to drive the car off without your key then YES I would most definitely recommend getting a GOOD aftermarket alarm with sensors. MBalarm is not the best. Even if you brake a window the alarm doest go off
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From: San Diego
2004 E320
I really wish our factory alarms came with a shock sensor of some sort and a louder siren. Anyhow, this may sound stupid, but how does someone steal a car that requires an infrared key to start it? It's not like someone could jab a screwdriver into the ignition or hot wire it. 
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the inability to start the car is the answer. I thought this key system was damn near unbreakable, unless somehow the crooks have blank masters or something. Remember the movie Gone in 60 Seconds - they could not steal the MBs without the blank master keys.
I believe most of these cars that are stolen are towed.
I believe most of these cars that are stolen are towed.
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
you can't really steal an MB with the smartkey system unless you flatbed it and your gone.
And it's really not that hard to flatbed either...i've seen tow trucks in boston just tow up cars parked in permit only parking spaces. I saw an E-Class with it's alarm going off, no one cares, it was just going up the flatbed with it's wheels draggin along.
Aside from having it flat bed towed, it's pretty much unstealable IMO.
And it's really not that hard to flatbed either...i've seen tow trucks in boston just tow up cars parked in permit only parking spaces. I saw an E-Class with it's alarm going off, no one cares, it was just going up the flatbed with it's wheels draggin along.
Aside from having it flat bed towed, it's pretty much unstealable IMO.
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From: Madrid, Spain
Thanks for your comments,
Actually in Spain (believe its the same for all Europe) MB offers the basic alarm (362 Euro), and an optional movement (ultrasound) sensors (220 Euro), so if someone breaks the window, or gets into the car without triggering the basic alarm, these sensors will feel the movement inside the car and trigger the alarm (I got both in the car, to be delivered next week).
The idea of getting a new alarm is definitely there, but will one, two or three alarms stop someone if they tow the car and enjoy 2 hours of undisturbed time with the alarms in a close garage. Even the GPS alarms need a GPS antenna to work, and this antenna needs to be visible in order to get the Satellite information, therefore I could just cut the antenna, and the GPS system will not work properly.
I know in the States this thief issue is not so important (except in specific cities), but really before moving along I have to make a decision if either put new alarm or take the chances as they come.
FYR, about 3 months ago, one of these expert thieves robed the whole BMW X-5 sold by a particular dealership in one moth (about 20). Sounds strange, but in the case of the X5 and MB ML it is that bad.
Actually in Spain (believe its the same for all Europe) MB offers the basic alarm (362 Euro), and an optional movement (ultrasound) sensors (220 Euro), so if someone breaks the window, or gets into the car without triggering the basic alarm, these sensors will feel the movement inside the car and trigger the alarm (I got both in the car, to be delivered next week).
The idea of getting a new alarm is definitely there, but will one, two or three alarms stop someone if they tow the car and enjoy 2 hours of undisturbed time with the alarms in a close garage. Even the GPS alarms need a GPS antenna to work, and this antenna needs to be visible in order to get the Satellite information, therefore I could just cut the antenna, and the GPS system will not work properly.
I know in the States this thief issue is not so important (except in specific cities), but really before moving along I have to make a decision if either put new alarm or take the chances as they come.
FYR, about 3 months ago, one of these expert thieves robed the whole BMW X-5 sold by a particular dealership in one moth (about 20). Sounds strange, but in the case of the X5 and MB ML it is that bad.
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From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Originally posted by jav
Actually in Spain (believe its the same for all Europe) MB offers the basic alarm (362 Euro), and an optional movement (ultrasound) sensors (220 Euro)
Actually in Spain (believe its the same for all Europe) MB offers the basic alarm (362 Euro), and an optional movement (ultrasound) sensors (220 Euro)
Without the correct key the only way to move an E-class is upwards (onto a tow truck with the alarm sounding)
No doubt someone, somewhere has managed to by-pass the alarm system, but a category one system is the best you can get.
GPS does not prevent the car from being stolen, but it can show you where it has been taken (sometimes)
John
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From: Madrid, Spain
Originally posted by glojo
Great Britain is part of Europe and the E-class has an excellent category one alarm system fitted as standard, which includes your 'optional' movement sensor.
John
Great Britain is part of Europe and the E-class has an excellent category one alarm system fitted as standard, which includes your 'optional' movement sensor.
John
Since the alarm in the UK has what in Spain is optional equipment (ultrasound sensors), do you know the price of the MB UK alarm.
I may think that MB Spain has divided the alarm in two parts, in order to charge a higher price, because they know that everybody will get the ultrasound option.
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From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Originally posted by jav
Thanks for your advice John.
Since the alarm in the UK has what in Spain is optional equipment (ultrasound sensors), do you know the price of the MB UK alarm.
Thanks for your advice John.
Since the alarm in the UK has what in Spain is optional equipment (ultrasound sensors), do you know the price of the MB UK alarm.
Unfortunately the complete alarm system is standard on ALL E-class models, so it does not list a seperate price.
This is listed as being fitted on ALL E-class:
Alarm system with immobiliser
and interior protection (MBSS3)
Sorry I cannot be more helpful.
John
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
i don't know if Spain has Lo-Jack available. It's a very good tool that recovers your car if stolen. It's a mini transponder hidden in the car (only lo-jack knows where, dealer and owner have no idea where it's hidden in the car).
It can't be disabled or cut, it has it's own battery source and GPS signal so it's not connected into MB's GPS system onboard. You call Lo-Jack when your car is stolen, they activate the transponder and the signal goes to the Police who use a scanner to track it. Most cars are recovered in a matter of hours of activating the system.
It can't be disabled or cut, it has it's own battery source and GPS signal so it's not connected into MB's GPS system onboard. You call Lo-Jack when your car is stolen, they activate the transponder and the signal goes to the Police who use a scanner to track it. Most cars are recovered in a matter of hours of activating the system.
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From: Madrid, Spain
Originally posted by GDawgC220
i don't know if Spain has Lo-Jack available.
i don't know if Spain has Lo-Jack available.
Lo-Jack is not available in Spain as far as I know, but there are similar companies offering such services.
Thanks.
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From: San Diego
2004 E320
I was offered installation of Lo Jack for $400 when I picked up my 320 from the dealer, but refused the offer because I felt confident with the infrared key and stock alarm. I was wondering how many members on here opted for Lo Jack and how many feel rest assured with the stock alarm.
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Originally posted by W211 Ryda
I was offered installation of Lo Jack for $400 when I picked up my 320 from the dealer, but refused the offer because I felt confident with the infrared key and stock alarm. I was wondering how many members on here opted for Lo Jack and how many feel rest assured with the stock alarm.
I was offered installation of Lo Jack for $400 when I picked up my 320 from the dealer, but refused the offer because I felt confident with the infrared key and stock alarm. I was wondering how many members on here opted for Lo Jack and how many feel rest assured with the stock alarm.
Chances are, it's not going to get stolen, but MB's tele-aid GPS can be disabled very simply by ripping off the antenna and no more tracking from Tele-Aid.
At least with Lo-Jack, it's backup insurance.
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From: Paris
2003 E 500 - Full option
Except to protect theft from goods into the car, I do not see why they offer a supplementary alarm system because to start the car you realy need to breakup the electronic code.
So most likely the car must be towed.
In the case of MB cars the theft is organised by very specialised gangs. They operate upon "orders" of well defined models and colors... They may have complicity in the car dealership, registration office or the insurance companies in order to locate the car.
But I think that in Europe, the main threat is more random: carjacking.
A good protection could be the optional infrared protected windows which includes also triplex windows: very difficult to break.
The best protection is from my point GPS based system but in France, the insurance do not give incentive for this equipments.
So most likely the car must be towed.
In the case of MB cars the theft is organised by very specialised gangs. They operate upon "orders" of well defined models and colors... They may have complicity in the car dealership, registration office or the insurance companies in order to locate the car.
But I think that in Europe, the main threat is more random: carjacking.
A good protection could be the optional infrared protected windows which includes also triplex windows: very difficult to break.
The best protection is from my point GPS based system but in France, the insurance do not give incentive for this equipments.
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From: SPAIN
ML 320
HI Jav I´m from spain too and i founded this www.grupodetector.com i think that today is the best but very expensive.
regards
regards
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From: Texas
I got my brand new car stolen 6 months ago.
Police said it was this eastern europe Maffia.
Although I have an alarm in my new car, I think the best thing to do is to get a good assurance company.
See, Poliza trébol de Mapfre, gives you the brand new car value during two years, and for the price of a GPS and an alarm, you ve got the risk undone.
Saludos,
Pablo.
Police said it was this eastern europe Maffia.
Although I have an alarm in my new car, I think the best thing to do is to get a good assurance company.
See, Poliza trébol de Mapfre, gives you the brand new car value during two years, and for the price of a GPS and an alarm, you ve got the risk undone.
Saludos,
Pablo.
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From: Madrid, Spain
Talked this morning to MB about this issue.
They stated that there are two types of thieves: "Low end" and "High end" (as we all know).
90 % of the thieves are Low-End and they will not even get close to break into a new MB car.
The other 10% are High-End, and they can get in any car they want and disable any alarm system (it is just a matter of time).
If eventually you get your car back because the alarm is amazingly good and the thieves give up on it, you will get the car in a very bad shape in terms of its electric system.
This 10% will only steal cars by demand, therefore if they do not see your car on the street there is a high probability that they will not target it.
I guess it is just a matter of luck.
They stated that there are two types of thieves: "Low end" and "High end" (as we all know).
90 % of the thieves are Low-End and they will not even get close to break into a new MB car.
The other 10% are High-End, and they can get in any car they want and disable any alarm system (it is just a matter of time).
If eventually you get your car back because the alarm is amazingly good and the thieves give up on it, you will get the car in a very bad shape in terms of its electric system.
This 10% will only steal cars by demand, therefore if they do not see your car on the street there is a high probability that they will not target it.
I guess it is just a matter of luck.
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From: Texas
Originally posted by jav
Talked this morning to MB about this issue.
I guess it is just a matter of luck.
Talked this morning to MB about this issue.
I guess it is just a matter of luck.
I got my car stolen in my garage, with volumetric alarm, electronic key devices......
You mean that is just a matter of bad luck. Get your car assured and get unworried about that.
Saludos,
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From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Originally posted by GDawgC220
At least with Lo-Jack, it's backup insurance.
At least with Lo-Jack, it's backup insurance.
This was an old Second World War poster that reminded everyone that "Careless talk costs lives" or perhaps 'cars'?????
Lo-Jack and other GPS security devices do indeed offer peace of mind.
Regards,
John
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From: Madrid, Spain
Originally posted by Pablobaamonde
I got my car stolen in my garage, with volumetric alarm, electronic key devices......
You mean that is just a matter of bad luck. Get your car assured and get unworried about that.
Saludos,
I got my car stolen in my garage, with volumetric alarm, electronic key devices......
You mean that is just a matter of bad luck. Get your car assured and get unworried about that.
Saludos,
Thanks for clarifying my comment, indeed it is a matter of bad luck.
Some of us who already got stolen some vehicle in the past know that there is no excuse for robing a car, and even if you do not have any kind of alarm it does not mean that you are promoting someone to steal your car.
Just curiosity: do you know if they broke into your car, or they put the car on to a platform tow-truck
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From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Hi Jav,
I just noticed in your signature that your car was due for delivery on the 20th April???? Has it arrived???
Good luck with your new vehicle.
John
I just noticed in your signature that your car was due for delivery on the 20th April???? Has it arrived???
Good luck with your new vehicle.
John
