Some thoughts about code help
 

Hi,

I just got my car radio/CD player stolen last weekend. Then I read the many postings on this forum asking for code help.

My stereo device was also coded. Without wanting to offend or suspect anyone here, but can the good samaritans providing code help be sure that the code is given to the right people?

Please do not misunderstand me, I'd would be happy too if I lost/forgot my code and got it from this forum. But the purpose of the protection with code is somehow diluted.

Still chewing on my lost radio (value for the theft $40 at most, but lots of damage and nuissance to me) :mad:

The "good samaritans" should simply STOP giving codes.

The intent is that the rightful owner of the car and radio get the code from a Mercedes dealer, who will provide it upon proof of ownership.

This protects us all, and those "good samaritans" are doing the opposite.

Frankly, the forum moderator should post a policy prohibiting seeking codes on the forum and for sure prohibit providing them.

I agree. The presumption is that the requesting party is honest and is legal
owner of the radio. So what if they have the radio s/n?! Most crooks possess
number reading skills once they passed the 1-2 grade.

seems reasonable to me,,, never really considered anyone would steal an oe radio, should i stop completely, or require proof of ownership?

A search on ebay for car stereo shows on the one hand lots of devices without detacheable face and on the other hand faces without player. Many others although complete but sold without lock code.

That says it all!

I agree- please- stop it!
 

I'm in the process of choosing a new car audio system for my '82 300D-T. Consequently, I began visiting this forum again recently. Security features has been one of the things I've been considering lately. This is uncanny- I really felt uncomfortable about all of the requests for security codes on this forum.

I had been considering an newer OEM type unit such as one of the Alpine units made for MB's, which use security codes. Now I'm having second thoughts and am back to considering detachable face units although they seem like a real pain.

When I purchased a new VW GTI 16V in 1992, the sales person who delivered the car handed me the card with the security code for the stereo system. He strongly suggested I put it in my wallet, and not to keep the card in the car, and also told me that if I lost the code, I'd have to remove the radio and send it in to the mfr, or something like that. I kept the card with the security code number in a safe place, with my credit cards, and it never got lost.

I had the car for 12 years and it was never prowled; the security code seemed to be a good deterrent. But now with the internet, I really wonder if the codes will remain as effective as in the past.

Moderators, please consider making not giving out codes, or some other measures such as requiring proof of ownership, etc. a policy. Or consider a poll to see what forum participants think. Or maybe deputize some forum members to become security code request uberpatrol or something like that...

My experience has been quite different.

I change cars often, as I quickly get bored with what I drive. This results in a new used car probably every year or two.

Out of the last few cars, mostly BMWs with stock radios, not a single one came with the radio code cards, though more than half of them did have complete maintenance records from nearly day one. The owner probably puts that card in his wallet, upgrades stock radio to an aftermarket unit, a few months later cleans his wallet out and tosses the code. Then when it comes time to sell the car, the old unit goes back in, but the code is no more.

My new-to-me MB E320 did come with the code card, however it turned out the radio that came with it, did not correspond to the radio code - probably a replacement.

To add insult to injury, I live in a remote part of New York State where the nearest BMW/MB/PORSCHE dealer is more than 3 hours away.

Quite an expedition to get a 5-digit number for a stock player with crappy sound.... :singer:

A radio thief who is intent on stealing coded radios can easily purchase a radio decoder database on DVD-ROM and do his own decoding, that is, if he is in the "business" of stealing those radios.

Factory units do not have detachable faces... and if someone wants to steal a factory tape player, let them. Let them take my tape collection with it too. :P

The only proper way to protect yourself is to insure your possessions adequately, and make use of that exorbitant insurance premium.

Was this a factory unit, or a coded aftermarket unit? Perhaps you don't see a big difference here, but factory units are stolen much less frequently.

I just saw a COMMAND unit purchased by colleague. The mounting tabs were
all broken off. Well, it doesnt take a brain surgeon to draw a conclusion
here. Nonetheless, for the price paid, my friend was thrilled to have this
in hand. One of the first things he did was to have someone get him a
code. Sometimes, with good intentions, we continue to perpetuate and
feed the market for stolen goods. For want of convenient access to
radio codes, we may also unwittingly feed into this, I opine.

Point taken. I wouldn't buy a stolen unit, but perhaps I give too much credit to the rest of the race.

As for me, I have my radio cards.

It was an aftermarket unit. I just bought a Mercedes Audio 10 with code card like this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCEDES-BENZ-OEM-Audio-10-IN-DASH-CD-PLAYER_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38641QQihZ016QQitemZ260123564786QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

and hope that "...factory units are stolen much less frequently".

Indeed, I hope that is the case for you also.

As I've never sought to purchase a used factory unit, I hadn't considered the code card as part of the radio. Trust me, I will do so if I ever am in the market. The last thing I want to do is give my money to thieves.