M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Thieves use of fob amplifiers

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Old 12-11-2016, 10:17 AM
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GLE 350 4matic-Porsche Cayman
Thieves use of fob amplifiers

The amps multiply distance from your fob to your car. They get in without forcing an entry. Anyone familiar with this theft? Can this be done on a Benz?
Old 12-11-2016, 10:40 AM
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2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
I believe they can if you have keyless start.
Old 12-11-2016, 01:03 PM
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GLE 350 4matic-Porsche Cayman
diabolis, could you chime in please?
Old 12-11-2016, 01:03 PM
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I have Keyless Go.
Old 12-11-2016, 03:01 PM
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2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
So do I, but that is what you have insurance for. If they take it I get another one.
Old 12-12-2016, 03:23 AM
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Yes - I've actually seen it done, although not on a Benz (but there's no reason to think that it won't work on a MB). For as long as the key fob is within radio range of the perpetrator's amp / transmitter and receiver (i.e. sitting in a bowl by your front door for example), in theory it can be done on any car that has keyless go.

If you really want to make sure it can't happen to you, you need to find a dead microwave oven (or something else that acts as a Faraday cage) and keep the keys inside!
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Old 12-12-2016, 07:10 AM
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GLE 350 4matic-Porsche Cayman
Good grief!
Old 12-12-2016, 03:39 PM
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Here's a story on the subject in the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/16/st...eves.html?_r=0

... and the actual research paper on the subject by the scientist mentioned in the article: http://www.syssec.ethz.ch/content/da...h/spot/332.pdf
Old 12-12-2016, 04:58 PM
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GLE 550e, BMW Z3
Originally Posted by Diabolis
Yes - I've actually seen it done, although not on a Benz (but there's no reason to think that it won't work on a MB). For as long as the key fob is within radio range of the perpetrator's amp / transmitter and receiver (i.e. sitting in a bowl by your front door for example), in theory it can be done on any car that has keyless go.

If you really want to make sure it can't happen to you, you need to find a dead microwave oven (or something else that acts as a Faraday cage) and keep the keys inside!
Actually there is another solution. You can do what the MB Dealer I bought my car from does for all the cars they have on the lot. Remove the Start/Stop button. It just pulls out. So then you need the key, unless you have another Start/Stop button handy. You could, in theory take it with you. Somehwat of a PITA. But if you are worried it would slow down, if not stop someone who stole your code.
Old 12-12-2016, 05:12 PM
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True that... but in cars where they do come out, the buttons are universal and cost all of $30. And, most cars have a button that's not detachable.
Old 12-12-2016, 05:19 PM
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GLE 550e, BMW Z3
Well at least on the 2016 and 2017 GLE's they all come out. And again, I wonder if they would be prepared with a start/stop button if they have the code copied...Perhaps. And after the first time I guess they will be prepared!
Old 12-15-2016, 11:26 PM
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'09 C300 4matic,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43
This happened to my previous car already but not on MB. My 07 nissan murano has keyless start but not a push start but still works the same way. Wife brought it to the mall for some shopping then when she came back to her spot the car was gone. They found the car somewhere all beaten up. That was way back at 2011 so it is not really new anymore.
Old 12-16-2016, 12:48 PM
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So basically with all the high tech in our ML's we may now have to resort back to the 1980's steering wheel locks.
Old 12-16-2016, 01:29 PM
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GLE 350 4matic-Porsche Cayman
Popping out the Keyless-Go defeats the convenience of having it!!!
Old 12-17-2016, 09:35 PM
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W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars, EQE 4Matic+ on order
Originally Posted by mb33660
So basically with all the high tech in our ML's we may now have to resort back to the 1980's steering wheel locks.
No. All you have to do is keep your keys further inside your place, not 3' from the front door where the (amplified) RF signal can reach the key fob and the return signal from the fob can reach the amp. Alternatively, keep your keys in a metal box which will shield it from RF signals... so don't throw out the tin when you finish the Christmas cookies!

Originally Posted by easyedwin
Popping out the Keyless-Go defeats the convenience of having it!!!
Agree 100%.
Old 12-17-2016, 10:10 PM
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Tin can....huh?
Old 12-17-2016, 10:43 PM
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W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars, EQE 4Matic+ on order
FOR SALE: Mercedes-Benz Keyless-Go fob amplifier anti-theft device

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Note: all items will be shipped after January 15, 2017. Contents not included. May contain traces of nuts.



Old 12-18-2016, 10:17 AM
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GLE 350 4matic-Porsche Cayman
Love the tinfoil!!
Old 12-18-2016, 10:18 AM
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I actually hace a can of illy espresso.

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