Big brother watching?
10-15-2016, 01:45 PM
#1
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c300
Big brother watching?
We had a weather change yesterday, and the tire sensors got confused again. But, I haven't been to my dealer since spring (weather change) so imagine my surprise when I pull into the bay and the agent greets me by name. I act casual and tell him about the low pressure sensors. I look around as he is moving my c300 over to the air pump and I see a large monitor hanging down, and my name/car (complete with color) at the top of the list of other mercs in the shop. Now, I did not get any of the wireless add-ins or subscribe to any extra services. Nonetheless, my car seems to be dimeing me out to the dealer and it makes me wonder who else can tell who I am and where I am without my permission. I was running late for a meeting so didn't stay and find out wtf was going on (I definitely will next week), but has anyone else had this happen? And are concerned? pek
Last edited by pek; 10-15-2016 at 01:47 PM.
10-15-2016, 01:48 PM
#2
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
We had a weather change yesterday, and the tire sensors got confused again. But, I haven't been to my dealer since spring (weather change) so imagine my surprise when I pull into the bay and the agent greets me by name. I act casual and tell him about the low pressure sensors. I look around as he is moving my c300 over to the air pump and I see a large monitor hanging down, and my name/car (complete with color) at the top of the list of other mercs in the shop. Now, I did not get any of the wireless add-ins or subscribe to any extra services. Nonetheless, my car seems to be dimeing me out to the dealer and it makes me wonder who else can tell who I am and where I am without my permission. I was running late for a meeting so didn't stay and find out wtf was going on (I definitely will next week), but has anyone had this happen? And are concerned? pek
10-15-2016, 01:57 PM
#3
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c300
No, no front plate and if he can see my vin plate from over 50 ft away ( I was watching him to make sure I didn't hit him on my way in) he is wasting his talents. He was there opening my door and greeting me by name as soon as I put it into park, nothing in his hands.
10-15-2016, 02:02 PM
#4
Super Member
Occurs when I drive up to the service dept of my local dealer. They have installed a magnetic strip on the back of the rear view mirror which is coded with my name. When I drive up, a large screen displays my last name and the type of car I have.
The ability to track you has existed for years. EZ pass or local equivalents, and if you have GPS, well, can't imagine why it could work in reverse either.
The ability to track you has existed for years. EZ pass or local equivalents, and if you have GPS, well, can't imagine why it could work in reverse either.
10-15-2016, 02:10 PM
#5
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
Occurs when I drive up to the service dept of my local dealer. They have installed a magnetic strip on the back of the rear view mirror which is coded with my name. When I drive up, a large screen displays my last name and the type of car I have.
The ability to track you has existed for years. EZ pass or local equivalents, and if you have GPS, well, can't imagine why it could work in reverse either.
The ability to track you has existed for years. EZ pass or local equivalents, and if you have GPS, well, can't imagine why it could work in reverse either.
10-15-2016, 08:11 PM
#6
Member
My dealer sales and service are across the road from each other.
My salesman knows every time I drive past and has done for years as they have cameras with licence plate recognition.
My salesman knows every time I drive past and has done for years as they have cameras with licence plate recognition.
10-15-2016, 08:20 PM
#7
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Current :2018 E63S and a 2017 GLE 63S . Prior, CLA 250, C450 AMG, 2017 AMG C63S
Mercedes Benz of Chicago has a sensor at the top of the entry gate that scans your license plate and then a welcome message appears on the screen in the service bay with your name, model, and color. Then I get a text that says the same.
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10-15-2016, 11:10 PM
#8
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c300
Problem is, EZ Pass and those type of services are voluntary, I did not knowingly approve any service from MB that could track me that way. I turned down the GPS/mapping and other services when I leased the car and yes, I'm a reactionary old fart who doesn't have a smartphone, so no way to locate me that way, either. While I did read my lease agreement, I do not recall anything in it that allows them to do that, either. It may be a bar code/mag strip on the dash/mirror, I'll have to look around tomorrow in the daylight. And look around the door to the service bay to see if I can see any external sensors. While some folks may find it flattering or ego boosting, I find it creepy.
10-16-2016, 03:14 AM
#9
Super Member
Problem is, EZ Pass and those type of services are voluntary, I did not knowingly approve any service from MB that could track me that way. I turned down the GPS/mapping and other services when I leased the car and yes, I'm a reactionary old fart who doesn't have a smartphone, so no way to locate me that way, either. While I did read my lease agreement, I do not recall anything in it that allows them to do that, either. It may be a bar code/mag strip on the dash/mirror, I'll have to look around tomorrow in the daylight. And look around the door to the service bay to see if I can see any external sensors. While some folks may find it flattering or ego boosting, I find it creepy.
10-16-2016, 08:40 AM
#12
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2023 GLC 300 SUV, 2006 BMW Z4M Roadster, 2006 Lexus RX400h
Big brother is always watching, especially if you own a smartphone. Ever look at what phones capture about your locations?
10-16-2016, 01:24 PM
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
10-16-2016, 06:40 PM
#14
Super Member
Any cell phone can be tracked. There are ccv cameras everywhere. Like the guy said you live in a bunker or they can follow you. So behave.
10-16-2016, 08:31 PM
#15
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2015 C400, Steel Grey, 4Matic
We all realize how many sensors and computer components that are in a car. Most if not all new cars have gps seniors whether you get a navigation system installed or not. I'm pretty sure since your car is being leased the dealer is tracking it because it's his property and he doesn't want it to go missing.
10-16-2016, 09:10 PM
#16
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10-17-2016, 11:59 AM
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
No one is tracking your car. Why would they want to dedicate that much time and effort to see where their leased cars are at any given time? Unless it was reported stolen, I just can't see that as a viable option for them.
MB can access your car's software remotely if they need to, but they would need your VIN to do that. MB had Verizon remotely install a software patch to my navigation system once, but I had to give them consent before it was done.
I really don't see this as an issue.
MB can access your car's software remotely if they need to, but they would need your VIN to do that. MB had Verizon remotely install a software patch to my navigation system once, but I had to give them consent before it was done.
I really don't see this as an issue.
