I have an '88 300E and a lady I work with has an early 80s 300TD.

She was commenting to me yesterday that old Mercedes are extremely difficult to steal for some reason?

Is that true? If so, why? If someone rams the ignition with some sort of device, is it not as likely to start as other cars?

Thanks, -Eric

I have been assured by people involved in law enforcement and M.B. techs alike that although not impossible, Mercedes Benz like W124s and W16s are indeed very difficult to steel.

The design of the key and the key drum at the ignition and doors is exclusive to Mercedes and makes it very hard to force.

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

Pick it up with a tow truck. Gone in about 10 seconds

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Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Yup, true. Not impossible, but difficult. Ask me how I know how tough the ignition housing is on a W124.

Be warned, W124 drivers. If your ignition starts to feel "loose" or becomes difficult to turn you need to get to the dealer and order a new tumbler NOW. If the tumbler jams in the "locked" position you will be singing the blues. it is a difficult repair to attempt yourself and of course it never happens when you're at home.

Steal a Mercedes? Nope. Heck, us owners have a hard time just getting them to start with a key!

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1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino
1989 560SEC
2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual
1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual

The newer ones are much harder because of the Smart key. Making it very hard to steal. Unless you put it on a flat bed or something like that.

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2015 ML350 4Matic. Wifes DD
2015 GLK350 4Matic. My winter DD
2012 E350 4Matic. Road Trip car
2009 CLK350 Coupe Designo.Kleemann Tune For nice days/DD
2006 CL600. V12.Eurocharged Tune. Enough said
2005 CLK55 AMG Coupe.Kleemann Tune. For the sound and style
2004 CLK320 Cabriolet. 2005+ Interior swap. For the sunny Florida days & beach days

Not impossible but can be stolen. I know people who can break into bmws without setting off the alarm.

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

Most thieves wont touch one without a thorough pre-theft inspection performed by a qualified MB technician.

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Jonathan

2011 Mazda2
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1994 C280 (retired)

the armored, high-security S class driven by the CEO of MB was "lifted" while he was at a thirty minute meeting. Never seen again.

Hard but not impossiable i guess.
But for sure Hondas are very easy to be stolen.

and fords

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1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino
1989 560SEC
2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual
1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual

Not impossible...perhaps by some extremely-capable "pros" making a name for themselves...or by someone with "inside" information.

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

The doors may be hard to get into, but the windows are easily shattered, with exception to the double paned W140.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

an 88 300E very easy to steel. A 96 is very easy to put on a flat bed and steel but then its only good for parts because its generally too difficult to crack the security system. But most cars are stolen for parts.

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To see my 129 parts for sale visit:
http://stores.ebay.com/The-Mercedes-SL-Store
John Roncallo

I have a '87 300E with 203K. I can't imagine anyone wanting it!
Anziani