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The W124 cars are pretty easy to steal. The lock is easily accessed, so getting in is the easy part.
From there, the ignition cylinder is tougher than many others, but not much of an obstacle for a determined thief. The steering lock is broken by sitting in the passenger seat and putting your feet on the wheel. I won't give the specifics of hotwiring the car (wire colours) but once the ignition cylinder is popped, starting the car is simple.
Don't bother with a steering wheel lock (like The Club) as they take just seconds to defeat.
The best systems use a starter interrupt (NEVER use an ignition interrupt for safety reasons) that is well hidden. Make sure the brain of the system is well hidden and VERY tough to access. For this reason, good quality electonics are a good choice.
Also, make sure the system's valet switch is not accesible. Try to find one that uses a different by-pass set-up. The valet switch gives the prospective thief a place to start.
Lojack and other tracking systems work well. With a desirable older car like a Vette, E500, or other car that's easy to take, the tracking systems are well worth the investment.
Alarm systems will only slow down a pro, but not prevent the theft. If you live somewhere where the pros work, you will do best to invest in a top-line system that's professionally installed (install is 75% of the prevention). Get one that has tracking activation and a pager set-up. If you're paying less than $1500 for a system, you're getting little or no protection.
Tips/tricks:
1. Remove the dash to bury the brain and components. If it can be accessed, it is vulnerable.
2. NO butt connectors, all soldered joints.
3. FORGET perimeter alarms. Jokes that make people kick your car and cause false alarms.
4. Install an interior piezo-siren system. On my own car, if you activate the alarm, the interior is a 150db living hell. Good luck trying to find the alarm while your eardrums begin to burst. Install the peizo's in the venting system while the dash is off.
5. DON'T put the alarm sticker on the window. That lets the thief know what they're up against. Your LED will be all you need.
6. FORGET fake LED's. Anyone that has even thought about stealing a car can spot one.
7. Go for tracking AND a pager system.
8. DON'T have the alarm "chirp" when you arm and disarm it. NO! It does nothing more than alert folks that you have an alarm, and possibly the type you have. Why make people look? Think F117: STEALTH.
9. DON'T tint your windows. People think that it helps "hide" the interior of their car. BS. IT makes thieves think you have something to hide, and makes your car more of a target. Same goes for trick wheels, etc.
10. Park in a locked garage, and think about moving if you don't have a garage. Alarm the garage TOO.
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