M-B fights thefts
Page 13
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• Mercedes-Benz has launched a range of alarms and immobilisers for its vans and trucks. Three systems are available: a key operated alarm, an immobiliser and a remote-control alarm.
The key-activated alarm arms automatically 30 seconds after the ignition is switched off and the doors have been closed. To disarm the system the driver uses a key which switches off the system at an external switch. This turns the system off for 30 seconds, allowing the driver to enter and start the vehicle.
The doors are protected by the alarm system and an immobiliser prevents the starter motor circuit from operating. An LED offers a visual deterrent, and a battery back-up siren can be fitted which will continue to operate if the battery is disconnected. Including this back-up the alarm costs £256: fitting should take around four hours.
The immobiliser is armed in the same way as the alarm, but will immobilise up to three cir
cuits. Disarming is by a key and lock switch inside the cab. As the system uses a random encoder it is impossible to bypass it by hotwiring, grabbing or scanning the keycode. Cost of "the immobiliser is around £140 and fitting should take an hour.
The remote control alarm operates in a similar way to the key operated alarm but is activated by a remote-control handset. Ultrasonic interior protection, which detects movement inside the cab, and a panic alarm are included as standard. This system also uses random encoding to eliminate hotwiring and frequency grabbers. Cost is £327 and fitting takes three and a half hours.
All systems are available in
12 and 24 volts. They can befitted by any Mercedes-Benz deal
er and are covered by a twoyear warranty. Various upgrades are available including a cab-tilt lock, fuel shut-off and air-brake lock. Apart from improved security, operators may also benefit from reduced insurance premiums.