Could a Mercedes Get Stolen?

The real questions are:

• How easy is it to steal compared with other cars?
• What methods do thieves use today?
• What can you do to reduce the risk?

Why Thieves Target Mercedes

Mercedes is a premium brand, so the cars are attractive to thieves because:

• The value is high (expensive to buy, high resale value in parts).
• Luxury SUVs and sedans are popular on the black market and for export.
• Some models are in demand for parts (wheels, lights, interiors, electronics).

Even if a Mercedes is hard to steal and hard to resell as a whole car, thieves can still strip it for parts.

Modern Theft Methods (Especially on Keyless Cars)

Thieves today rarely rely on old-school “hot-wiring”. Instead, they often use electronic tricks, especially on modern Mercedes with keyless entry.

1. Relay Attacks (Keyless Entry/Start)

If your Mercedes has keyless entry and keyless start, you can unlock the car just by touching the handle with the key in your pocket. Thieves can abuse this using a relay attack:

• One thief stands near your house or front door with a signal amplifier.
• Another thief stands near the car with a receiver.
• The device “extends” the signal from your key to the car.
• The car thinks the key is right next to it, unlocks, and can be started.

The thieves drive away as if they had the real key, even though it is still inside your home.

2. Key Cloning and Programming

In some cases, criminals:

• Get brief access to your key (at a car wash, valet, service, or even in a bag).
• Use a device to copy or clone the key’s data.
• Create a fake key that can unlock and start your car later.

This is less common than relay attacks but still a known method in the car-theft world.

3. OBD Port Attacks

Some thieves break into the car, then access the OBD port (the diagnostic plug under the dash). With the right illegal device, they may:

• Program a new fake key.
• Disable or confuse the alarm/immobiliser system.

Car makers, including Mercedes, keep improving defenses against this, but it is a constant “cat and mouse” battle.

4. Simple Forced Theft (Still Happens)

Old-fashioned ways still occur:

• Smashing a window and stealing the car if the key is left inside.
• Breaking into a house specifically to steal car keys (so-called “key burglary”).
• Robbery / carjacking, where the driver is forced to hand over the keys.

No brand can fully protect against situations where the thieves get the real key.

What Anti-Theft Features Do Mercedes Have?

Newer Mercedes models include several built-in protections, for example:

• Factory alarm and immobiliser – the engine won’t start without a valid key.
• Rolling encryption – key codes change, making simple code copying harder.
• Keyless disable options on some models (turning off keyless entry at night).
• Mercedes me tracking on some cars – if enabled, can help locate the vehicle if stolen.
• Steering lock and electronic lock modules to stop “hot wiring”.

These features make casual or unskilled theft much harder, but skilled thieves with special tools can still sometimes bypass or trick them.

How to Make Your Mercedes Much Harder to Steal

You can’t get the risk to zero, but you can push thieves to pick an easier target.

1. Protect Your Key (Especially Keyless)

• Keep keyless keys in a Faraday pouch/box (signal-blocking case) at home.
• Do not store keys near the front door or window where thieves can easily pick up the signal.
• Turn off keyless entry in the car’s settings if you don’t need it (on models that allow it).
• Never leave the key inside the car, even for a short stop.

2. Use Visible Deterrents

• Fit a steering-wheel lock – old-school but very effective as a visual deterrent.
• Use wheel locks and park with wheels turned towards a curb or wall.
• Park in a well-lit, busy area or secure garage whenever possible.

3. Add Tracking and Immobilisers

• Consider a tracker (GPS or RF) approved by your insurer.
• Some aftermarket immobilisers require a hidden tag or pin code before the car will start.
• Check if your Mercedes me / connected services app supports vehicle location and alerts.

4. Be Careful with Who Handles Your Key

• Avoid leaving your key unattended at random parking services.
• Use trusted garages and valets only.
• If a key is lost or stolen, have it deactivated and reprogrammed as soon as possible.

Insurance and Theft Risk

Because Mercedes is a luxury brand, insurers know that:

• The cars are valuable.
• Repair / replacement costs are high.
• They are attractive to organised thieves.

This is why:

• Insurance premiums for Mercedes can be higher than for cheap cars.
• Some insurers require extra security (tracker, immobiliser, secure parking) for certain models.
• Adding approved security can sometimes lower your insurance cost.

Simple Answer

So, could a Mercedes get stolen? Yes, absolutely. It is not magically theft-proof, even with advanced security.

However, if you:

• Protect your key properly (especially keyless).
• Use visible security like steering locks.
• Park in safer places and consider a tracker.

you greatly reduce the chance that your Mercedes will be the one thieves go after.