new version of 123 ignition system: with antitheft

[Flyair]

I am aware that various electronic ignition units including the 123 systems have been widely treated in the past. However, I think it is worth sharing about the newest addition to the 123 range, as it offers some interesting and unusual features.

Let me state the usual words that I have no interest of any sort in selling this part. If however this creates some confusion, I leave it up to Garry's appreciation and editing skills.

First of all, the new 123 called 123\TUNE+ is a Bluetooth programmable unit that is designed for Pagoda (as well as for most other vintage six-cylinder Mercedes cars). It can be controlled with an app on either iPhone, iPad, or any Android phone and tablet. The app lets you remotely modify the ignition curve and watch in real time the essential engine data, such as revs, speed, vacuum, etc., displayed on the screen-dashboard.

However, what really makes the difference is that this unit includes an antitheft feature armed with a PIN code. While this will not prevent thieves lifting and removing the car altogether, it would certainly repell unscrupulous amateurs of your car from starting the engine.

What do you think?

BTW: the unit can be checked out here http://www.123ignition.nl/product.phtml?id=187
There is an interesting demonstration on Youtube for those preferring watching rather than reading

[rjmarco]

Hi, Stan. 

I just installed one of these bluetooth units in my 1965 230 SL a few months ago.  I'm very pleased with my car's performance.  It is definitely impressive to have to bluetooth connectivity thought I don't really use the feature much nor have I taken advantage of the security feature.  To me, it was worth spending the extra money to get the 1-2-3 bluetooth version. 

Rich

[WRe]

Hi,
please pay attention not to be hacked during operation. ;-)
I thought that our cars were the last bastion against electronic madness of todays cars.
A lot of car manufacturer and their keyless operations are hacked and more than 100 million cars are affected.
...WRe

[Tyler S]

There is a difference between the bluetooth and USB versions. The bluetooth version settings CAN NOT be modified in real time. The engine needs to be stopped in order to adjust timing, advance etc.. The USB version can be adjusted using a laptop while the engine is running/driving.

As far as being hacked, I dont think a potential thief would even consider the fact that the car would have a modern system and even know what to look for. Nothing is theft proof, this is a mere deterrent. As I posted in another thread, this "Pin" code requirement could be an issue if your phone battery goes dead or you happen to loose/break your phone. I too have the bluetooth version. I am using it without the PIN function enabled.
I have been testing various advance/retard curves and am getting close to an optimal setting. It is nice that these can be adjusted with infinite possibilities as opposed to the older model.   

[Flyair]

Thanks for the input. I was not aware of the Bluetooth and USB difference. The real time adjustment can be of interest for adjustment while driving I guess.

I am also less concerned about hacking. I think that - unfortunately - our engines can be started within a couple of minutes by crossing two cables under the dashboard, in a so called "traditional way".

The only real issue in my view is the question of sticking to originality vs efficiency. But hat's another story...

[Flyair]

Hi Tyler,

I got compelled by your remark about the inability to change settings of the 123ignition set with the engine running using the Bluetooth version as opposed to the UBS one.

After reading again the manual, I think that your statement is not accurate. It says:
"When the engine is running, you could press the ‘TUNE’ to enable real-time ‘TUNING’ mode. (...) This feature will come in handy, if you have your car on a rolling road, and want to optimize the engine-power. The advance or retard found is not stored in any way, so you will have to remind your findings, and adapt the active advance-curve accordingly."

So in conclusion data storing can only be done with the engine stopped, but tuning and checking various settings is possible while driving.

[Tyler S]

Stan, that is correct. However there is no way to visualize the curve or even make changes to it while the engine is running. The "Tune" button only adjusts your overall static advance in half degree increments. You have to remember how many times you pushed the button. Then the engine needs to be stopped to reprogram the map which requires you turn off the key. This causes the APP to loose connection to the 123 and your "tune" adjustments are lost. Best to keep a pen and paper handy

[Flyair]

Hi,
please pay attention not to be hacked during operation. ;-) I thought that our cars were the last bastion against electronic madness of todays cars. A lot of car manufacturer and their keyless operations are hacked and more than 100 million cars are affected. ...WRe

Wr
You are right. I was told that the issue could be addressed by installing a self-modifying keyless software, as it is in modern garage doors. This way, each time it is operated, the code changes, so the scan of the previous code becomes useless.
Somehow, the car producers are not cooperating... any guess why

[neelyrc]

Somehow, the car producers are not cooperating... any guess why

 $$$$$$

[Tyler S]

Keyless Fobs already use rolling code technology. The average time to narrow down and intercept the correct code is 30-45 minutes.  Most of the successful  "hacks" involve intercepting the cars built in 4G modem used for apps on smart phones. If someone wants a car bad enough they will get it. Most likely using a tow truck. Even old cars are susceptible. Pick/break the lock or hot wire it. Nothing is theft proof. The tech is a deterrent. The idea being it takes more time than the thief wants to spend and they move on to an easier target. Most thieves are opportunists.