Keyless entry secure from Scanners?

[Ian.M]

Hi,
Just picked up an 18 plate E220d Cabriolet with keyless entry. On my old 16 plate similar car I could just remove the keyless entry gizmo from the ignition. Is the more recent version still susceptible to a key scamming theft or has the security improved?
Just wondering as can’t see any info anywhere.
Cheers
Ian

 

[Tony Dyson]

I should presume that all keyless entry systems are susceptible, rest assured the thieves will be working as we speak on those that claim they are not!

 

[umblecumbuz]

I thought that 'keyless entry' meant that a thief could enter without a key!

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Get an RF pouch for your key

 

[Srdl]

Starting in “Summer 2018”, Mercedes keys have a built in motion detector so they switch off their signal when they are still. I tested mine by unlocking and locking the car as normal and then leaving the key next it for a couple of minutes. I then tried again and the car wouldn’t unlock but moved the key and it unlocked as normal.

For security reasons, they have not been more specific than mid 2018 so it depends when your car was built but it’s easy to test it. Mine was an August 2018 build.

 

[keefysher]

Or RTFM and 'double click'

 

[John Laidlaw]

^ this and the RF pouch BC mentioned from the bay of plenty or amazing ...

 

[LostKiwi]

^ this and the RF pouch BC mentioned from the bay of plenty or amazing ...

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7doeUF4pH163XJYQ8 ???

 

[Blobcat]

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7doeUF4pH163XJYQ8 ???

Just watch out they don't over-fish them, need to ensure they're from a sustainable source

 

[rorywquin]

Annoying to buy keyless and then having to press buttons and use pouches .....kind of defeats the purpose. Even the new MB key will be susceptible as the scumbags can follow you around the shops with a backpack unit that will do the job for them.

I'd get the Autowatch Ghost if I had keyless.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I can see the point in keyless start but why keyless entry it seems a technology step too far for 99% of drivers. It doesn’t negate the need for a key/card to be present when the car is driven so you’d have to add the maxim ‘I can so I will’ as the only point to it’s introduction. If car designers really wanted to impress why not do it right with biometrics.

When you look at tech generally I think the best innovation was central locking including child locks for the rear doors seconded by seat belt assisters in coupes - no doubt readers have their own favourites.

 

[rorywquin]

I can see the point in keyless start but why keyless entry it seems a technology step too far for 99% of drivers. It doesn’t negate the need for a key/card to be present when the car is driven so you’d have to add the maxim ‘I can so I will’ as the only point to it’s introduction. If car designers really wanted to impress why not do it right with biometrics.

When you look at tech generally I think the best innovation was central locking including child locks for the rear doors seconded by seat belt assisters in coupes - no doubt readers have their own favourites.

I've had keyless in two previous cars and honestly do not miss it.

I don't like a bunch of keys in my pocket while driving and the keys always ended up in the cup holder with my phone and wallet (so were in my hand anyway) and then I had to remember to grab them when leaving the car. Grabbing my keys on the way out (and not fiddling to get them out the FC pouch) pressing a button to open the doors and sticking the key in the ignition and turning it - no sweat.

OTOH, my wife liked it as there was no grovelling in the handbag to find the keys.......

 

[Blobcat]

I can see the point in keyless start but why keyless entry it seems a technology step too far for 99% of drivers. It doesn’t negate the need for a key/card to be present when the car is driven so you’d have to add the maxim ‘I can so I will’ as the only point to it’s introduction. If car designers really wanted to impress why not do it right with biometrics.

When you look at tech generally I think the best innovation was central locking including child locks for the rear doors seconded by seat belt assisters in coupes - no doubt readers have their own favourites.

"Just because you can doesn't mean you should" Applies to more and more tech fitted into new cars to try and tempt buyers from their current car. It is also brought to market quite a bit sooner than it should as it's often full of software bugs and not tested enough in an automotive environment.
I also put electric tailgates into this category, there's been a few with issues on here. I was looking at a new SL400 and even though the roof was folded away the electric boot lid wouldn't close - dealer had to put the roof back up as they couldn't get the boot to stay closed. As electric motors have become cheaper and cheaper they're fitted to more and more previously manual operations.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

^ totally agree - the annoying factor in all this is that since the introduction of keyless entry the car crime rate has soared from quite a low base and unfortunately we are all paying for this car manufacturers are blameless of course which leads me to think more governance is required

 

[A.J.]

I have had Keyless Entry on a non MB. What the hand book said was that when you walk away from the car the car locked itself. I never had the courage to trust that, plus how do you be sure ? If you are on your own you can't just put your keys down and go back and check. If you return to the car it unlocks anyway. There was obviously a button on the fob for locking the car but I didn't like or trust the system at all.

 

[400ixl]

Don't the indicators should still flash when it locks and wing mirrors fold in? Has on the hire cars I have had (non merc) that had this function.

As someone mentioned the so called fix of disabling after a lack of movement is useless when you are walking across a car park or nearby. Its only really of any use then parked overnight.

Also be careful with faraday pouches and test them on a weekly basis as the do fail, some very quickly if used daily.

 

[NBurns]

Don't the indicators should still flash when it locks and wing mirrors fold in? Has on the hire cars I have had (non merc) that had this function.

As someone mentioned the so called fix of disabling after a lack of movement is useless when you are walking across a car park or nearby. Its only really of any use then parked overnight.

Also be careful with faraday pouches and test them on a weekly basis as the do fail, some very quickly if used daily.

Faraday pouches?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Blobcat]

Faraday pouches?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Google is your friend

 

[DrJon]

Keefysher mentioned "double clicking" which I had heard about elsewhere. Does that really work?

 

[John Laidlaw]

Keefysher mentioned "double clicking" which I had heard about elsewhere. Does that really work?

Yes it does (presently)