Best way to disable w124? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbzr4ever · #1 10-28-2008, 05:29 PM

Hi all,

This sounds like an unusual request, so let me explain.

I have a situation where someone in my household is not supposed to be driving (legally), and continues to drive my 300E, without my permission. I spoke with the police on this, and he suggested that I disable the car from starting. (I have my own, another car to drive.)

Is there a quick and easy way? I was thinking fuse, or some other electronic switch, BWDIK?

Andras · #2 10-28-2008, 06:05 PM

The most obvious to me is taking the key away. Put a Club on the steering wheel. Next, disconnect the negative battery terminal. If that won't do, remove one wheel and the spare and place them into the trunk of your other car.

LUVMBDiesels · #3 10-28-2008, 06:21 PM

If you can do what I did on my GTO. I bought a key switch at Radioshack with two long leads. I installed the switch in a hidden place up in the dash. I then ran the leads through the firewall and connected them to both sides of the coil. When the switch was "on" the coil was shorted out and the car would crank all day and not start. This actually saved my car from a shopping mall car thief. I came out and there he was trying to start the car. When I offered to 'help him' he ran off.

The nice thing behind this was that since the battery was hooked up, the clock, etc was all working.

If you cannot short the coil, you can get a battery disconnect at an auto parts store. This is a key switch that goes between the negative terminal and the negative lead from the battery. I have on the BMW which I use to disconnect the battery when I will not be driving the car for a while. The downside is that the computer, clock, etc will not be getting juice.

Another trick is to remove the wire from the coil to the distributor (if this car has one) I used to do that with the 1957 Chevy until I got another key switch for that car.

tinypanzer · #4 10-28-2008, 06:22 PM

I dunno if this is the same as on a 126, but you can pull off the fuel system relay pretty easy on a 126. Not going to get anywhere without that.

If you want to have some fun with the little bugger, put a time delay relay on something critical such as the fuel pump along with a hidden bypass switch. Without the bypass switch engaged, the fuel pump cuts out after 60 seconds leaving the would be thief half a block down the road and stalled. Imagine the panic!

They used to make those back in the 70s, they called it a "steal 'n stall"

Have fun!

Arthur Dalton · #5 10-28-2008, 07:07 PM

Just pull the fuel pump fuse. You can replace it with a blown one so they do not notice it as missing.........
I use to do that everytime I went into the city..just put the fuse in my pocket.

deanyel · #6 10-28-2008, 07:20 PM

N.H. has rough cities?

never mind - must be Boston.

Arthur Dalton · #7 10-28-2008, 07:25 PM

Going to the City when you live in NH is NY City or
Beantown ....
There are no Cities in NH...................

hanno · #8 10-28-2008, 07:27 PM

Unsure what the household relationship may be, but if you don't care if it gets worse, call 911, report it stolen.

Pete Geither · #9 10-28-2008, 07:55 PM

Good to see you here Arthur.

Arthur Dalton · #10 10-28-2008, 08:02 PM

Gonna try for the 9TH INNING .... might have to bring in a Relieve Tech.......

Ivanerrol · #11 10-28-2008, 10:21 PM

Of course an more expensive but sneaky way of doing it and negating the necessity of pulling fuses or pump relays whatever, is to install a remote engine immobilizer. Even unsophisticated alarms have immobilisers.

You don't even need to go near the car. Install the immobilizer but no audible alarm. Even with possession of the key the car cannot be started with out disabling the immobilizer first.

mbzr4ever · #12 10-29-2008, 03:20 AM

Thanks everyone for the helpful ideas.
Yes, I was already at the police station earlier today, to report it stolen.
But I'm looking to keep the car from ever leaving my property without my permission again. The other party is so mechanically deficient that any of the above would work. Wish me luck!