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Mercedes immobiliser complete guide
Mercedes-Benz is the 5th most stolen car brand in the UK, with 3,856 vehicles stolen in 2025. This guide explains why Mercedes vehicles are targeted, how relay attacks work, and how to protect your Mercedes with a physical immobiliser.
In this guide
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are among the most desirable targets for organised theft gangs across the UK. According to DVLA data, the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class consistently appear in the top 15 most stolen models nationally. The West Midlands has the highest vehicle theft rate in the UK at 1,451 offences per 100,000 residents, and affluent Mercedes owners in areas like Sutton Coldfield, Edgbaston, and Harborne are at particular risk.
Why Mercedes vehicles are targeted
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are targeted for several reasons. First, they hold high resale value on the black market, with stolen Mercedes often exported overseas or dismantled for parts. Second, many Mercedes models feature keyless entry systems (Keyless-Go) that are vulnerable to relay amplification. Third, the Mercedes brand is associated with premium ownership, meaning vehicles are often found in affluent residential areas with easy motorway access.
The most frequently stolen Mercedes models include the C-Class (particularly the C220 and C300), E-Class (E220 and E350), A-Class, GLC, and GLE. AMG models are also highly targeted due to their exceptional value.
Factory Mercedes immobilisers communicate with the key fob via radio signal — they can be defeated by relay amplification. Thieves can purchase relay equipment online for under £100. A physical immobiliser adds a layer that cannot be electronically bypassed.
Real incident: Streetly relay attack (May 2025)
In May 2025, two suspected car thieves on a motorbike attempted to steal a Mercedes from Beechcroft Crescent in Streetly, Sutton Coldfield (B74 postcode). The incident was captured on home security camera footage shortly before midnight.
The two would-be thieves, both wearing helmets, were suspected of attempting a relay theft — using a device to amplify the signal from a keyless fob to open and start the car. One suspect was captured heading toward the house while the other stood by the Mercedes’ driver’s door. They tried to get into the car for around 30 seconds, attempting front and back doors.
The owner’s husband was alerted by a security camera notification. He banged on the window and shouted loudly, scaring the thieves off before they could succeed. The resident told Birmingham Live that two BMWs had recently been stolen on their street, and the same gang was seen on Whitehorn Crescent. This incident highlights that even with keys stored securely and steering wheel locks fitted, additional physical immobiliser protection is essential.
Protecting your Mercedes
Mercedes owners should adopt a layered security approach. Signal-blocking Faraday pouches protect keys when stationary but offer no protection when you have your key on you but are briefly away from the vehicle. A physical relay immobiliser like LockCar adds a relay break in the start circuit that requires separate encrypted authentication. This cannot be defeated by relay amplifiers.
LockCar immobilisers are compatible with all Mercedes models, including C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLC, GLE, G-Wagen, and AMG variants, without triggering CANbus errors.
LockCar immobiliser range for Mercedes
Is LockCar compatible with Mercedes Keyless-Go?
Yes. LockCar immobilisers work alongside Mercedes Keyless-Go systems. The factory system remains functional, but the physical immobiliser adds an additional layer that cannot be bypassed by relay attacks.
Will LockCar void my Mercedes warranty?
No. LockCar immobilisers are professionally installed without cutting factory wires. The installation is fully reversible and does not affect Mercedes warranties.
Which Mercedes models are most at risk?
The C-Class and E-Class are the most stolen Mercedes models in the UK. The A-Class, GLC, and GLE are also frequently targeted. Any Mercedes with Keyless-Go is potentially vulnerable to relay attacks.
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