Stolen Emblem / Sensor / Wirecut

[asoslover1945]

I’m not the most experienced when it comes to car repairs, so I’d really appreciate some advice.

I have a 2019 Mercedes A-Class A180 Saloon, and someone has stolen the front Mercedes star badge from the grille. When I checked, I noticed the plug/connector behind the emblem is missing and the wires have been cut. Since then, I’ve been getting the warning:

“Active Brake Assist – Functions Limited.”

From what I understand, this might affect the radar or collision assist system, but I’m not sure exactly what’s been taken or what I need to do next.

Could anyone help with

1. What’s actually missing here? Just the badge, or is the radar involved too?
2. What parts do I need to search for on eBay to replace the badge and connector?
3. Can this be fixed by a local garage or mobile auto electrician, or is it a dealer-only repair?
4. Any ballpark figure of what the repair might cost?
5. If anyone knows a reputable garage in London (not main dealer) that could handle this kind of job, I’d really appreciate a recommendation.

Thanks in advance — I’ve added photos too if that helps. Would be grateful for any advice you can give!

 

[SpikyMikey]

Unfortunately, the low-lives have taken your Distronic sensor which lives behind the badge and looks a bit like this:

Someone here will know for sure, but I suspect that any replacement you fit will need to be calibrated by MB

 

[DesireeE]

I’m not the most experienced when it comes to car repairs, so I’d really appreciate some advice.

I have a 2019 Mercedes A-Class A180 Saloon, and someone has stolen the front Mercedes star badge from the grille. When I checked, I noticed the plug/connector behind the emblem is missing and the wires have been cut. Since then, I’ve been getting the warning:

“Active Brake Assist – Functions Limited.”

From what I understand, this might affect the radar or collision assist system, but I’m not sure exactly what’s been taken or what I need to do next.

Could anyone help with

1. What’s actually missing here? Just the badge, or is the radar involved too?
2. What parts do I need to search for on eBay to replace the badge and connector?
3. Can this be fixed by a local garage or mobile auto electrician, or is it a dealer-only repair?
4. Any ballpark figure of what the repair might cost?
5. If anyone knows a reputable garage in London (not main dealer) that could handle this kind of job, I’d really appreciate a recommendation.

Thanks in advance — I’ve added photos too if that helps. Would be grateful for any advice you can give!

Hello there asoslover and welcome to the forum, great to see you join us, but I am sorry sorry to see the reason behind you being here, what an absolute nightmare and I'm really gutted for you - hope you get you MB back in working order soon.

 

[ALFAitalia]

I did have to look twice at that user name!!!

 

[asoslover1945]

I did have to look twice at that user name!!!

 

[AMGeed]

I did have to look twice at that user name!!!

You aren't the only one

 

[Chrishazle]

Should have gone to Specsavers - it's "As Seen On Screen", you're obviously not fashionistas!!

 

[rf065]

Your probably looking at £500 for the part alone, which is why someone has just taken yours!

 

[DesireeE]

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Sorry to hear your news, and I can’t give any specific advice. Replacing with a second-hand like-for-like part will be the most cost effective option, with the connector cut and supplied with it so you can splice it back on to your existing wiring loom.

Of course unless you buy replacement parts from a trusted breakers yard then there is always the possibility that you could potentially end up buying a stolen part - taken just like yours - making this type of theft self-fulfilling.

Buying brand new from a main dealer will be more expensive for a number of reasons, but I suspect one will be that you will probably be unable to buy the wiring and connector on it’s own without buying a larger section of the car’s wiring loom.

Personally I would take it to a main dealer and request a quote to repair it before deciding. That way you know what it would cost to repair at the upper end of the scale and with a clear conscience. You might get lucky and the quote might include part numbers.

 

[Pontoneer]

Should have gone to Specsavers - it's "As Seen On Screen", you're obviously not fashionistas!!

I remember from many years ago , probably around the time of one of the Gulf wars , there was a spoof advert going around , a page of smaller adverts for Tomahawk Cruise Missiles , Scud Missiles , Exocet ... you name it , and prominently across the top " As seen on radar " !