Friends car stolen but how?

[GordonTarling]

Wheres the tool to code Mercedes keys? I don't see one anywhere that does merc ones quite as simply as the BMW one does it.

I found them within 30 seconds of using Google, so they're readily available, as are blank keys. I'm not going to post any links here though.

I strongly suspect that this is how my S211 was taken recently.

 

[bpsorrel]

All this has got me worried now as I'm leaving my car at my Dad's today in Wembley. Will it still be there when I get back??

 

[A-AvantGarde]

All this has got me worried now as I'm leaving my car at my Dad's today in Wembley. Will it still be there when I get back??

I'm concerned too - but then one of my cars is one of those from the dark side that is targeted / exploited

Read the 50+ pistonheads thread - crazy stuff

 

[bpsorrel]

Makes you wonder if having a "premium" car is worth it, what with the higher theft risk, costly repairs etc etc....

On the positive side, they do make us feel good!

 

[GordonTarling]

Anyone who's worried about their car disappearing in similar circumstances should consider physical deterrents rather than electronic ones. As painful as it is to fit and store, I'm ordering a Disclock steering wheel locking thingy for mine. While it won't stop them if they're really determined, at least it slows them down a bit.

 

[RMS]

most keep the keys near the door it dont take a lot to find them

since my wife's was stolen- her hand bag and keys were in the hallway, car was taken as we slept- i now leave the spare key on the hallway table( original key had all house keys all locks etc needed to be changed)- got the car back with tracker anyway- don't want them coming upstairs attacking wife and child for it.

 

[m2287]

When googling it I can find machines but it's not clear that they can actually write a new key to any merc through the diagnostics port... They also look alot more complicated and over £2000!

 

[RMS]

i suppose 2k is worth it to them if they make at least that on 1 car

 

[gIzzE]

that is how most of them are done now they get in to the house steal the keys and gone, and cause most keep the keys near the door it dont take a lot to find them

I always leave my keys in our hallway, can't see then through the letter box, but if you get in you can help yourself.

It is a a car, a piece of metal, take it and **** off!

 

[joyful]

Surely tracker is the answer for expensive premium cars, close to 100% success (return) rate claimed.

 

[RMS]

Surely tracker is the answer for expensive premium cars, close to 100% success (return) rate claimed.

it does work- there are different ones- ive researched quite a lot--i think its better to go for the more expensive ones with ADRs as most dont alert you if the car has been taken with keys

also worth remembering that astute thieves rip these out too

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Anyone who's worried about their car disappearing in similar circumstances should consider physical deterrents rather than electronic ones. As painful as it is to fit and store, I'm ordering a Disclock steering wheel locking thingy for mine. While it won't stop them if they're really determined, at least it slows them down a bit.

A good suggestion - although it's a shame we need to consider doing this. At the end of the day a determined thief will do what they want. Quite a lot of concerned BMW owners on pistonheads are doing that as it is a detterent for the type of theft that appears to be happening right now without using keys.

Naturally if they get your keys (in the traditional way) they'll most likely have the key for the Disclock too

 

[RMS]

Quite a lot of concerned BMW owners on pistonheads are doing that as it is a detterent for the type of theft that appears to be happening right now without using keys.

this will do

Google Image Result for http://sanooaung.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/3751561106_flames.jpg

 

[reason42]

Has the BMW issue been on BBC Watchdog?

 

[Dryce]

Has the BMW issue been on BBC Watchdog?

Not yet.

They'd need a suitable pensioner with back story involving a recent bereavement, heart condition, and infirmities, and a hospital visit or holiday thwarted, to lose a car so they can tell a 'story'.

Then they can do the obligatory toothless interview where the spokesperson suitably prepped states how they sell many millions of cars to satisfied customers that are not stolen and that it's not a major concern but that they are looking into it and any concerned customers should contact them.

 

[robpow]

Not yet.

They'd need a suitable pensioner with back story involving a recent bereavement, heart condition, and infirmities, and a hospital visit or holiday thwarted, to lose a car so they can tell a 'story'.

Then they can do the obligatory toothless interview where the spokesperson suitably prepped states how they sell many millions of cars to satisfied customers that are not stolen and that it's not a major concern but that they are looking into it and any concerned customers should contact them.

He he he, that is so spot on!

 

[bolide]

I think the big story here is not BMWs being stolen but the lack of Police response in breaking up the gangs and stopping the cars & parts being broken up and/or shipped out of the country

Where are all these cars going?

 

[Benzmanc]

Anyone who's worried about their car disappearing in similar circumstances should consider physical deterrents rather than electronic ones. As painful as it is to fit and store, I'm ordering a Disclock steering wheel locking thingy for mine. While it won't stop them if they're really determined, at least it slows them down a bit.

Don't bother as they won't fit most MB steering wheels due to the spokes going to the back of the wheel. I've got one in my garage which won't fit my clk or a friends slk.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

Not yet.

They'd need a suitable pensioner with back story involving a recent bereavement, heart condition, and infirmities, and a hospital visit or holiday thwarted, to lose a car so they can tell a 'story'.

Then they can do the obligatory toothless interview where the spokesperson suitably prepped states how they sell many millions of cars to satisfied customers that are not stolen and that it's not a major concern but that they are looking into it and any concerned customers should contact them.

Don't forget that they'll have to send out Mat "not quite" Alright on the back of a motorbike driven by an Eastern European to do the interview - after he's planted a cheap secret camera in the worst possible place and then dressed up as an old woman (probably because he is an old woman!).

 

[reason42]

BMW spokesman Gavin Ward said today: “Vehicle theft is something all manufacturers have to contend with and the current BMW range meets or exceeds all current legislative criteria.”

Read more: Theives target high-end BMWs « Express & Star

Their attitude says it all really. I do hope Mercedes are not affected like this.