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Re: Genuine?
Posted: 10 Feb 2013, 14:56
by gordon-in-aberdeen
There are a couple of known problems with security of well known higher quality cars Peter, Audi have a problem with emergency keys located insid the car and BMW have an issue with their remote keys being cloned, see here in the Channel 4 news site for some info:-
http://www.channel4.com/news/bmw-securi ... car-thefts
I don't know what type of car you have, but It's possible you were being tested by them using the same type of issue BMW have. even if you don't happen to have a BMW, there will be other makes with the same problem, it's just BMW are high profile & will attract more press interest . it's no surprise the lower life in society are trying their hand at this sort of thing, once they find out there is a flaw in the technology they will do their best to exploit it where they can

Re: Genuine?
Posted: 10 Feb 2013, 17:30
by DaveB
I think Peter still has his Smart car Gordon. Who makes them... Mercedes isn't it I think??
ATB
DaveB

Re: Genuine?
Posted: 10 Feb 2013, 17:52
by Garry Russell
Daimler-Benz??

Re: Genuine?
Posted: 10 Feb 2013, 18:18
by TSR2
They almost all use Valeo ignition systems, Certainly BMW / MINI even my old rover 600.

Re: Genuine?
Posted: 10 Feb 2013, 18:24
by TSR2
Actually, Vaelo have just sold this part of their business...
Paris, November 30, 2012 – Valeo announced today the execution of a contract for the sale of its Access Mechanisms Business to Japan-based U-Shin for an enterprise value of 223 million euros.
Closing is subject to approval by the competition authorities and is expected to occur no later than March 31, 2013.
The Access Mechanisms Business, which is primarily mechanical based, comprises products such as locksets, steering column locks, handles and latches. Broadly present in Europe and South America the business is expected to generate 580 million euros in sales in 2012. It operates 12 plants and has 4,500 employees.
Re: Genuine?
Posted: 10 Feb 2013, 18:38
by petermcleland
Yes, I still have my Smart...It is a Mercedes design. The door handles have no Keyhole but there is one on the lifting rear window which allows access to the tailgate. If you leave your keys in the car and get out for more than 5 minutes, you are in trouble as the car locks itself...

Re: Genuine?
Posted: 10 Feb 2013, 19:12
by VEGAS
I've never experienced a crime of this type during my time.
What is more common, especially here in Manchester, is organised gangs targeting owners of expensive high performance vehicles.
The most common MO is to smash your door down at 0400 in the morning and demand the keys. Mainly because most immobilisers cannot be overridden without the original fobs.
As you can imagine people are usually fast asleep and scared witless, so compliance is almost a certainty.
However, sometimes its not always the public that come off worst. This happened on us only a few days ago:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... wn-1302027
Re: Genuine?
Posted: 10 Feb 2013, 20:24
by speedbird591
Bloody hell, Eddie
That's sickening
Ian
Re: Genuine?
Posted: 11 Feb 2013, 10:42
by Filonian
Good grief Eddie, nasty one for all concerned.
Graham
Re: Genuine?
Posted: 11 Feb 2013, 12:56
by Airspeed
Mind boggling.