S3 - Security!

[jackr1]

Hi all,

Picking up an S3 Faceflift 3 door hatch on Friday.

Its got the advanced key. Im a bit worried about how secure these are and what I can do to help reduce the chance of it going walkabout!

Ive looked through the forums and can anyone give me some advice on what to do.

Im going to order some key pouches. I dont really want a steering wheel lock because of the look. Unless they are that effective? Is something on the OBD worth it? People also said about taking the fuse out to the OBD. Tracker? I thought thieves just used something to block the signals?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Jack

 

[Adam14]

A search on the forum will provide loads of posts on this very topic.

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[quattrorally]

Hi all,

Picking up an S3 Faceflift 3 door hatch on Friday.

Its got the advanced key. Im a bit worried about how secure these are and what I can do to help reduce the chance of it going walkabout!

Ive looked through the forums and can anyone give me some advice on what to do.

Im going to order some key pouches. I dont really want a steering wheel lock because of the look. Unless they are that effective? Is something on the OBD worth it? People also said about taking the fuse out to the OBD. Tracker? I thought thieves just used something to block the signals?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Jack

autowatch ghost is nice from what I've read but it will mess your warranty up so I wouldn't bother. others might be able to correct me if I'm wrong.

the steering wheel lock(disklok) is the most effective deterrent you can get. thieves want to be in and out quickly. they don't want to hang about grinding through a steering wheel lock making lots of noise. I was in two minds about getting the lock...but now that I have it...the hassle isn't all that big taking it off and on. at least I have peace of mind... especially since you have keyless entry(which I don't).

trackers can be blocked but not all thieves have devices to block frequencies. if you can afford it...get one. at the end of the day, you want visual deterrents.. so it shouldn't be the only thing you get.

key pouches are a good idea too...but again it won't stop them from trying to get into your house.

my neighbors BMW M3 has keyless entry. I caught 2 thieves in the act trying to scan for it through a wall. a week later they were back trying to break into his house.

must haves:
floodlights.
pouch.
disklok. it's so bulky and big it will put them off imo.

extras:
tracker
autowatch ghost.






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[Terminator x]

"autowatch ghost is nice from what I've read but it will mess your warranty up" eh, explain pls.

To the OP, on the RS4 auto open doors can be disabled via MMI so perhaps try that first?

TX.

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[RAF_S7]

I have OBD Port Protector installed.

Audi HQ refused warranty work unless it was removed to return the car to stock (MMI DAB Issues). It can’t be removed without destroying it.

DAB still doesn’t work, but my OBD is secure.

I don’t doubt that Ghost has the potential to cause a warranty issue, since it’s a 3rd party, non Audi approved modification.

 

[davc]

On the tracker front I would recommend tracker's own cat s5 plus system which employs vhf as well as GSM and GPS and you get driver ID tags.

https://www.tracker.co.uk/products/s5-plus

 

[wab172uk]

Hi all,

Picking up an S3 Faceflift 3 door hatch on Friday.

Its got the advanced key. Im a bit worried about how secure these are and what I can do to help reduce the chance of it going walkabout!

Ive looked through the forums and can anyone give me some advice on what to do.

Im going to order some key pouches. I dont really want a steering wheel lock because of the look. Unless they are that effective? Is something on the OBD worth it? People also said about taking the fuse out to the OBD. Tracker? I thought thieves just used something to block the signals?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Jack

If you have a Garage, use it. Might be an inconvenience getting it in and out every day, but if they can't see it, they can't take it.

Pouch is a must with keyless go. You shouldn't have to, but manufacturers seem blind to the fact cars are getting stolen, while making more and more cars standard with it

Tracker? Wouldn't bother unless they insurance insisted on it. If it's stolen, do you really want it back?

End of the day, we live in a society where if they want it, they'll have it. Certainly don't leave your keys next to a window, but leave them down stairs in an obvious place so if they do break in, they grab the keys and go.

 

[Terminator x]

I have OBD Port Protector installed.

Audi HQ refused warranty work unless it was removed to return the car to stock (MMI DAB Issues). It can’t be removed without destroying it.

DAB still doesn’t work, but my OBD is secure.

I don’t doubt that Ghost has the potential to cause a warranty issue, since it’s a 3rd party, non Audi approved modification.

What part of the warranty could it possibly void though? I'd rather have it than not if I had keyless entry regardless.

TX.

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[quattrorally]

What part of the warranty could it possibly void though? I'd rather have it than not if I had keyless entry regardless.

TX.

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you'd have to check with Audi or read the warranty terms yourself.a simple Google will help you find other people's experience.

but they'll find any excuse to avoid them paying a bill.


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[Terminator x]

you'd have to check with Audi or read the warranty terms yourself.a simple Google will help you find other people's experience.

but they'll find any excuse to avoid them paying a bill.


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Dont believe it myself. Not heard of a single warranty issue with AWG.

TX.

Edit - Google just has people worried about the warranty not voided warranty facts.

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[RAF_S7]

What part of the warranty could it possibly void though? I'd rather have it than not if I had keyless entry regardless.

TX.

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Because the warranty claim was related to car electronics (MMI - DAB), Audi HQ closed my warranty claim down because I couldn’t (wouldn’t) remove all 3rd party non-Audi approved electronic additions to the car. They even had me remove my additional subwoofer!

The dealer was very apologetic and embarrassed- they had been troubleshooting the problem for a day when HQ stepped in, but without HQ approval to proceed, they had to close down the work.

 

[zaka7]

If you needed warranty work with AWG installed, just take it back to the installer to remove! it leaves no traces and Audi would carry out the warranty work.

In relation to the keyless entry debate it's seemingly endless, but personally it really is no less secure. If they can't scan the signal because you don't have keyless or you do but have a pouch (£) they'll break in. Either way if they want it, they're coming in for the keys.

If they want it, they'll likely get it, but that's what insurance is for I suppose.

Best suggestions however to make it as hard as possible;
Upgraded locks, Motion sensors, cameras, home alarm systems, pouches, floodlights and a shotgun licence! oh and a big FO dog - Doberman or Rottie!

 

[S32B]

Hi all,

Picking up an S3 Faceflift 3 door hatch on Friday.

Its got the advanced key. Im a bit worried about how secure these are and what I can do to help reduce the chance of it going walkabout!

Ive looked through the forums and can anyone give me some advice on what to do.

Im going to order some key pouches. I dont really want a steering wheel lock because of the look. Unless they are that effective? Is something on the OBD worth it? People also said about taking the fuse out to the OBD. Tracker? I thought thieves just used something to block the signals?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Jack

Put your keys in a biscuit tin...it works. I tried it, I put the keys in a tin and sat in the car with the tin! engine didn't start

autowatch ghost is nice from what I've read but it will mess your warranty up so I wouldn't bother. others might be able to correct me if I'm wrong.

I think when I asked the question the reply was they don't cut into any wires so the warranty stays in place.

 

[M7]

I cannot emphasise enough the deterance that a steering lock has against potential thieves. I see it all the time in my line of work and as such i never feel comfortable laying in bed unless its fitted!

Numerous instances whereby offenders will target an address/vehicle to take and upon noticing a steering wheel lock they just walk off and don’t entertain. These people don’t like to make themselves heard usually and a good quality lock will make this difficult!

On the other hand there really is only so much you can do. I’ve dealt with an incident whereby the offenders couldnt get in the car therefore removed the vehcile onto the back of a flatbed truck by dragging it on in the middle of the night.

Realistically if someone wants your car bad enough then they will try and take it and the last thing you want is them to cause harm. I’ve always been of the opinion to have the best security possible but then to always leave the keys downstairs. ‘IF’ they do break in its best that the keys are there for them to take and not come upstairs where you may be sleeping and cause harm to you and/or family.

I always think its funny how we kind of go round in circles. Steering locks were a thing of the past before immobilisers and now we find ourselves depending on them again!

 

[jackr1]

Thanks everyone for the advice ! I appreciate it. Im going to for the Stoplock HG 149 00
Amazon product
Ive seen it posted it on here as i like the look of this one compared the the bulky disklock?
Also in terms of the OBD. Can anyone point me in the right direction for the fuse to take out of the passenger fusebox?

Thanks again

 

[M7]

That steering lock is the exact same as mine bud. Fits perfectly and doesnt leave any impression marks on the wheel. I believe it was also ranked one of the most secure? Someone correct me if im wrong.

 

[Chris S 1245]

autowatch ghost is nice from what I've read but it will mess your warranty up so I wouldn't bother. others might be able to correct me if I'm wrong.

the steering wheel lock(disklok) is the most effective deterrent you can get. thieves want to be in and out quickly. they don't want to hang about grinding through a steering wheel lock making lots of noise. I was in two minds about getting the lock...but now that I have it...the hassle isn't all that big taking it off and on. at least I have peace of mind... especially since you have keyless entry(which I don't).

trackers can be blocked but not all thieves have devices to block frequencies. if you can afford it...get one. at the end of the day, you want visual deterrents.. so it shouldn't be the only thing you get.

key pouches are a good idea too...but again it won't stop them from trying to get into your house.

my neighbors BMW M3 has keyless entry. I caught 2 thieves in the act trying to scan for it through a wall. a week later they were back trying to break into his house.

must haves:
floodlights.
pouch.
disklok. it's so bulky and big it will put them off imo.

extras:
tracker
autowatch ghost.






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Ummm that’s tottally false The Autowatch Ghost does not effect your warranty in any way. I’ve got it installed and already consulted with my Audi Dealership And they said in no way does it affect your warranty . Anyway It has something called Service mode Which you can activate just before your car goes in for a service and that disables the system .

 

[RAF_S7]

Ummm that’s tottally false The Autowatch Ghost does not effect your warranty in any way. I’ve got it installed and already consulted with my Audi Dealership And they said in no way does it affect your warranty . Anyway It has something called Service mode Which you can activate just before your car goes in for a service and that disables the system .

Totally false, until your dealer needs to get warranty approval from Audi HQ, who decline you because you have an unapproved 3rd party device wired to your CAN bus.

 

[Terminator x]

@RAF_S7 I can't believe for a second that AWG has ever been used as an excuse to void a warranty or even part of a warranty.

TX.

 

[Simon Lowe]

And two starving Rhodesian ridge backs roaming around your garden.......((-:

 

[jackr1]

That steering lock is the exact same as mine bud. Fits perfectly and doesnt leave any impression marks on the wheel. I believe it was also ranked one of the most secure? Someone correct me if im wrong.

Have you got the pro or elite one mate ? Barely anything in it price wise on amazon and not sure on differences !

 

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi.
If it's of any help we recommend these for security. They might be able to offer you some advice.
http://gapsecuritydirect.co.uk/
Regards,
Dann.

 

[M7]

Have you got the pro or elite one mate ? Barely anything in it price wise on amazon and not sure on differences !

I hadn’t even noticed there was two different ones and i’ve no idea which one i have of the two haha. From looking at the photos it looks like one has a sharper/bigger bend than the other?

 

[jackr1]

I hadn’t even noticed there was two different ones and i’ve no idea which one i have of the two haha. From looking at the photos it looks like one has a sharper/bigger bend than the other?

Yeah agreed, ill go for the elite. Thanks for your help!!

 

[Simon Lowe]

Yeah agreed, ill go for the elite. Thanks for your help!!

M8
i have one used once no box if you want it its yours £30 posted, i have not used it since i bought it two months ago!!, no box for it as i threw it, pm me if you want it i will post it tomorrow if you want it

 

[Chris S 1245]

Totally false, until your dealer needs to get warranty approval from Audi HQ, who decline you because you have an unapproved 3rd party device wired to your CAN bus.

Hmmm looks like my dealership is telling lies no surprise but I’ve heard a few people with this system who have had warranty work carried out and it made no difference

 

[Terminator x]

Hmmm looks like my dealership is telling lies no surprise but I’ve heard a few people with this system who have had warranty work carried out and it made no difference

Audi have never mentioned it at all both the RS3 and RS4, tbf why would they even know as it goes in valet mode every time it has a service. I even had warranty work done on the 3 (headlight).

TX.

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[RAF_S7]

Hmmm looks like my dealership is telling lies no surprise but I’ve heard a few people with this system who have had warranty work carried out and it made no difference

TBH, it probably depends what warranty work is being undertaken - in my case it was electronics related to the MMI, so given the way the CAN bus works, being told by Audi HQ to halt all diagnostics until the car is returned to stock, is a fair shout, otherwise how will they know if a fault condition is actually genuine, or caused by the 3rd party electronics?

i.e. I wouldn’t expect to be told to pull a 3rd party alarm system, if the warranty work is on a mechanical failure of the turbo chargers, gearbox or bodywork etc. But if the car won’t start, and you have a 3rd party immobiliser fitted......

I’m not saying AWG will cause you a warranty issue in the future. You just need to be aware that fitting any non-Audi approved 3rd party device has the potential to cause issues relating to warranty claims, further down the road

 

[S32B]

I thought of this post this morning whilst in bed! The wife got up and went downstairs.....unaware I'd set a coupe of things up

A few seconds after she'd been in the hall a loud siren started blasting I could hear her chunnering so shouted to her how to turn it off, she turned it of and then I waited again .......after entering the kitchen at the back of the house another siren went off She wasn't happy

But what I've done works well enough for what I want

 

[Janice_3S3]

I guess I’m a bit old school, but I just use a good old steering lock. Plenty of different ones out there I.e thatch approved disc lock etc


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