W124 immobilser

[GP801]

In view of publicity re theft of 124s I am trying to work out if the immobiliser actually works. According to the manual it is armed/disarmed only using the remote. If the car is locked with the remote but opened with the key it still starts as normal. There is no alarm system. 1995 E280 estate. I am trying to decide if I need an additional immobiliser. It is parked for 6-8 weeks at a time in Italy. The parking area is fenced/locked so not very high risk but it is unattended for long periods. Many thanks

 

[grober]

As far as I know the alarm is set/disarmed by operation of the remote control locking and unlocking the car. Unlocking the car with the key in the drivers door would normally open the car but the alarm should sound and the car should be immobilised. It sounds as if neither alarm or immobiliser are fitted/operational. They often go faulty with age and are disconnected /bypassed. At that age of car most alarm systems in the UK were a dealer fit extra although in some other markets [ USA??] simple MB immobilisers were built in to the cars wiring from the factory afaik.
A good car alarm specialist should be able to help.

 

[andy27168]

It "could" also be that the key fob is the immobiliser key with a transponder chip inside the fob, the chip being in the fob itself, so when the key is in the ignition the fob is close to the transponder ring around the ignition switch therefore disabling the immobiliser.

 

[GP801]

Tried covering the remote with foil but still starts ok. I think best to get an expert to check it out. Thanks for your help/advice.

 

[Martyn_n]

I've just bought a 124 and was not aware of any theft risk. Is this something I should be worried about and take additional precautions or should I just chill and enjoy the car (and cleaning the oil off the drive!)

 

[GP801]

Read Honest John on Daily telegraph website. Apparently spate of thefts of 124s either for parts or sending complete cars abroad (? Africa) where they are very sought after. They are apparently quite easy to steal if you know how.
Great cars so enjoy.

 

[SilverSaloon]

Read Honest John on Daily telegraph website. Apparently spate of thefts of 124s either for parts or sending complete cars abroad (? Africa) where they are very sought after. They are apparently quite easy to steal if you know how.
Great cars so enjoy.

Extreemly easy to steal as i found out when my immobiliser kicked in and I didnt have the key. Basically i started the engine without the key even in the ignition! But for obvious reasons I wont post up how here!!

 

[grober]

I've just bought a 124 and was not aware of any theft risk. Is this something I should be worried about and take additional precautions or should I just chill and enjoy the car (and cleaning the oil off the drive!)

W124 are regarded as very desirable in the former Soviet block and third world countries due to their quality of construction and relatively simple electronics. They are often stolen for export as entire cars or the lucrative spare parts market in these countries. They are often targeted - stolen to order and vanish from the UK never to be seen again. Many of the early cars like many in that era had no alarm or immobiliser factory fitted and it would make sense to check you have a good quality alarm+ immobiliser fitted and operational. Indeed some insurance companies will insist on it. Depends how much you value your car/peace of mind I guess?

 

[Martyn_n]

I had the alarm replaced last week so I'll sit back and know that I have done all I can to secure it and just stop worrying about it, what will be will be.

 

[Martyn_n]

I hope everyone else is taking reasonable measures as this sort of thing is just the excuse insurance companies need to fleece you! Interestingly I did a quick check on confused.com and adding an alarm made no difference to premium / excess at all.

 

[GP801]

Going to just have a good immobiliser fitted. i think our italian neighbours would not be happy if the alarm malfunctions and we are not there for 2 months.

 

[SilverSaloon]

Going to just have a good immobiliser fitted. i think our italian neighbours would not be happy if the alarm malfunctions and we are not there for 2 months.

fit both and then just disconnect the siren when you are going away for a long period? then, most of the time it will work as an alarm too