Physical security

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Discussion

CVP

Original Poster:

2,799 posts

282 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2003
quotequote all
I'm due to pick up my Elise on Saturday . As it's an S2 it will have the Cat 1 alarm and immobiliser on it already, but as it will live off the road but outside the house(under a cover) I was thinking of some physical security too.

I know this would not deter a professional, but I would like to deter any amateurs and make them have a look at the Beemer across the road. Do any of you take any such measures?

I was thinking of installing a couple of D rings into the cement outside the house and then passing a big motorcycle chain through the rear wheel and padlocking to the D ring.

Thoughts?

Chris

Bonce

4,339 posts

286 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2003
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Sounds a bit drastic to me! It's not exactly a prime target for theives like Porsche, Ferrari or hot Jap turbo nutter saloon.

If you do go ahead with your plan, just make sure you never try to drive off before unlocking it from the drive!

CVP

Original Poster:

2,799 posts

282 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2003
quotequote all

Bonce said: If you do go ahead with your plan, just make sure you never try to drive off before unlocking it from the drive!


Mmmm, good point. Could be time for a rethink. I guess just boxing in with the Leon could be more practical.

bogie

16,611 posts

279 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2003
quotequote all
I wouldnt worry about it too much...unless joyriders are a risk in your area - the Elise isnt really a highly stolen car...Ive heard of around 2 cars being stolen before...and they were from dealers.

More often than not its jealousy leading to vandalism - not a lot you can do other than put a cover on it and be careful where you park when you go out

OR

new owners having accidents in the first few weeks of ownership due to not being used to the handling characteristics

these IMHO are the 2 main causes of Elise damage - hear of one or the other every week....and thats just the owners that post on the various BBS's

so dont worry about theft - get a cover for when its on the drive, and get some training on an airfield with www.1stlotus.com

CVP

Original Poster:

2,799 posts

282 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2003
quotequote all

bogie said: and get some training on an airfield with www.1stlotus.com /quote]

You're right there training is high on the list of things to be done. I guess like a lot of people I have grown up with front wheel drive. I have driven a reasonable amount of RWD, but never before had RWD and mid-engine, so training is a must.

Chris

skinner

197 posts

263 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2003
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Chris

Get yourself down there. Can't recommend it enough. Like you I have grown up with various FWD cars so to suddenly have it all happening behind you can be a bit scary!! About to go for my second day there, bring on the left foot braking!!!

Enjoy.

Davey Boy

13,140 posts

261 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2003
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Put up a sign in the drive saying "BMW" and an arrow pointing to the car over the road

Stu__H

3 posts

260 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2003
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Get a removable steering wheel.

Stu.

hungryjim

883 posts

272 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2003
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Most sportscars get stolen to order the Elise is no exception. Amateurs usually go for old hot hatches. Once any car has an alarm and an immobiliser there is not much you can do other than garage it. The S2 is not a 340,Caterham seven ect which are almost totally towards the track,owners of them have reason to worry. The biggest problem will be vandalism from jealous people any expensive car will have this problem so be carefull if someones hanging about go out an put something in it to make them notice they are being watched. Call the police if a group is acting suspicious ect do not wait till the damage is done. When you go out watch where you park it.

If you are still worried then get a large watchdog i reccomend a Weimeraner if anyone is in your street at any time they dogs will let you know.

DanH

12,287 posts

267 months

Thursday 24th April 2003
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Instead of chaining it, you could get a security post. Also as mentioned storing the steering wheel in the bedroom helps and could be integrated into other activities

CVP

Original Poster:

2,799 posts

282 months

Thursday 24th April 2003
quotequote all

DanH said:
Instead of chaining it, you could get a security post. Also as mentioned storing the steering wheel in the bedroom helps and could be integrated into other activities


To be honest I live in a low crime area, so I think having a Beemer and Audi nearby will be more attractive to any potential thieves / vandals.

DanH, you're a more imaginative guy than me if you can incorporate the steering wheel into other activities Or is it that I've just been exposed to too much Mungo & Podie so I'm only thinking down one line