Parking Scratch Problem

[Superman1992]

Hi,

I was wonder, does anyone got similar experience as me and what things it can be do to avoid the same problems again.

What basicly happen is that, everytime i go parking in the city centre in multi-store car park at manchester, after i come back to get my car (its a C220 coupe) i always find there are key scratch mark on my car. This become a problem that happen every 3 to 4 times a year. >_<

I wonder does any other MB owner have similar problems, and is there anything it can do to avoid ppl damaging the vehicels. >_< Or possible catching ppl who did that, by contacting the car park to see the CCTV footage?

Any advice or suggesting would welcome.

P.S. The car is well parked all the time and have pently of space for both side. Also i been try parked a Peugeot 106, and i find no problem that no one or any scratch damage to that car, it just everytime i park a MB, it just keep getting key scratches. >_<

 

[BlackC55]

I don't think you can do anything about jealousy.

 

[television]

There is no answer, as Black says. I never use a car park for mine ever

 

[EUREST]

There is no answer, as Black says. I never use a car park for mine ever

You would need to park in the middle of a field nowadays, too much people jealous or dont care attitude.

 

[kveysey]

Out of interest what colour is the car?

 

[Viper]

well, on a saxo forum i am on, many people on there have alarms that 'chirrup' when someone gets close to the car, so you could always get one of those fitted.

make most of them have is clifford.

 

[philharve]

Hi Superman1992

I assume your Mercedes is not the only vehicle to be scratched? I mean the damage is not directed purely at you, i.e. a vendetta?

If the car park has surveillance cameras then you could complain to the police and to the owners of the car park. At least you'll be able to ascertain how big the problem is and you may be able to contact the owners of other damaged vehicles. It's often easier and more effective to take action as a group.

I assume you've tried parking in another car park? It occurred to me that maybe you don't have much choice were to park?

Is the car scratched whilst you are shopping? If you are not using your car for shopping, can you leave your car at home and use public transport?

I agree with the other members that you can't do much to protect your car 's paintwork from being keyed. If you must park your car in this particular car park you should aim to park defensively so that it is in sight of the security cameras and in a well lite place.

I've never had my car keyed but it has suffered gouging by inconsiderate 4X4 drivers. No one will own up if they think they can get away with it. In your case the damage sounds malicious and I would definitely contact the car park owners to see if they have CCTV footage. Chances are they will say that vehicles are parked at owner's risk. But if they have security cameras then I believe they share some responsibility towards the damage to our car.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[Legoman]

i personally cant wait till they bring out a car alarm based on the 'tazar' system , keying car=20'000volt shock not only hurting ya like hell but destroying offenders with chipped ignition keys so they cant use there car either

 

[100%Bitch]

There is no answer, as Black says. I never use a car park for mine ever

Chauffeur parking eh? Nothing's too good for our Malcolm. ;-)

 

[Viper]

iirc, bond had one......

had one on his phone too! what a legend


seriously though, i suppose you COULD hook the car up to electrodes yourself, but to legally protect yourself, you would have to put a sign in the window warning of the impending electrocution

 

[100%Bitch]

seriously though, i suppose you COULD hook the car up to electrodes yourself, but to legally protect yourself, you would have to put a sign in the window warning of the impending electrocution

That's a bit like saying if you put a sign on the front of your car stating "If you walk in front of this car when it's moving you could get hurt" then you're in the clear if you knock somebody over!

 

[Viper]

hahahaha

good point........

maybe the sign isnt needed

 

[television]

Chauffeur parking eh? Nothing's too good for our Malcolm. ;-)

Life is not quite like that, I just keep going, never stop in case someone takes the valve caps, sad I am

 

[100%Bitch]

Life is not quite like that, I just keep going, never stop in case someone takes the valve caps, sad I am

So how do you manage to shop???????????

 

[television]

So how do you manage to shop???????????

I am not a consumer, and I have too much of everything, I use the Volvo when I am hungry

 

[100%Bitch]

I am not a consumer, and I have too much of everything, I use the Volvo when I am hungry

I have too much of everything (except money) but I still have to shop. Maybe it's one of those women things. :?

 

[television]

I have too much of everything (except money) but I still have to shop. Maybe it's one of those women things. :?

Isnt the web a wonderful thing

 

[hawk20]

Isnt the web a wonderful thing

Yes, there they steal your ID instead of keying your car.

 

[television]

Yes, there they steal your ID instead of keying your car.

LOL

 

[philharve]

Hi Superman1992

In amongst the above banter there is germ of a suggestion worth pursuing. If the attacks upon your vehicle is motivated by envy, then it's highly likely that the attackers will target other prestigeous makes of vehicle, not just Mercedes.

Do cheaper makes of vehicle come in for the same treatment? If not, then maybe a second car may be the answer. Otherwise you could have a friend drop you off and collect you. That would save you the cost of the parking fee.

It was mentioned previously by another member that you could fit an alarm system that sounded or issued a verbal warning whenever anyone approached your car. This type of alarm might act as a deterant but then again it might not. I think these alarms are very expensive for what they are.

I'm not unsympathetic to the notion of having a presence sensor trigger a pair of flame throwers fitted beneath the car that sprayed flames at anyone who approached too close. Such a system is totally illegal in this country but I have seen it used.

A tazer car? It's certainly technically possible to generate and place a near lethal charge on the chassis of the car but it would likely damage the car's electronics. Anyway, there are other ways to damage a car than just keying it. I've had an antenna broken and a wiper arm snapped off.

What about leaving someone on guard inside the car? This might be the simplest and most effective solution.

REGARDS

Phil