Does your car set off alarm bells?

[Cees Klumper]

A few years back, as I started my car when it was parked in a low-ceiling parking garage, the alarm of the (modern) car next to me went off! I figured this was caused by the air pressure that the mightly old straight-six produces when fired up.
Has this ever happened to you?

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[A Dalton]

More likely ignition RF...

[Douglas]

Happens to me here in Manhattan frequently.

I recall reading an article about driving a Gullwing in London and the author mentioning that the roar of the exhaust set off car alarms in parked cars and made small children on the sidewalk scream in fear.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Ben]

Yes it's happened to me, and used to happen practically every day when I had my Clio Williams with the Devil exhaust. Even idling that car was loud...........but that was 10 years ago.........and I've become much more sophisticated now !!  

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

[n/a]

OK, and if it IS in fact RF radiation, does anybody know of a fix?

[Mike Hughes]

Some alarm systems have shock sensors that are supposed to set off the alarm when someone strikes the window glass to force entry.  The sensitivity of these shock sensors is adjustable, by the way.  If they are set too sensitive, a clap of thunder, a heavy truck "jake brake", a falling 2X4, a booming car stereo (you know, the kind that rattles windows two blocks away!), or even a sharply resonant nearby exhaust will set it off.  I can certainly understand how a 113 exhaust might set off one of these!  Vroom vroom!

The alarm systems that I can't abide are the ones that have a proximity sensor that triggers a recorded message telling one to "Step away from the car!" when all you're trying to do is get into your own car...

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[n/a]

This happens occasionally with the SL now that it has a stainless steel exhaust, but happens all too frequently with the Harley.
I just love the sound of a throaty exhaust note.

Regards,
Stan

[hands_aus]

When I bought my 250SL it was stored in the basement of an apartment block. When the current owner and I drove out to go for a test drive the sound system alarm of the complex went off and made more noise that the car SS exhaust.
Apparently there are noise restrictions in the complex and if abused the perpetrator is fined by the complex manager.

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[TheEngineer]

You guys sure it's not the other cars applauding?

1969 280SL,Signal Red, A/T, P/S, A/C, Both tops, 3.27 axle. Retired engr. West Seattle, WA