BMW puts the OBD fix in
A long-awaited software update aims to stop the On-Board Diagnostics thieves - but at what cost?
The OBD-accessed thievery of BMWs that's been going on this year has been a serious problem for BMW, not just because it's been in the public domain, but also because there's been no solution offered.
It's a tricky one for BMW. On the one hand, nobody at BMW can have wanted the situation to have developed this far, or for so many people to have been robbed of their pride and joy. On the other, BMW couldn't publish details of any quick DIY fix to its cars’ electrical systems, because that would have contravened certain EU laws.
Now there is an official fix. It's already being rolled-out for the X5 and X6: for other models, the re-flash will be available in around eight weeks time. For many people, that’s too long a wait, but that’s what BMW is offering.
Obviously, BMW is highly defensive of its security credentials. Some of that is bluster, because robbers aren't pinching AMGs and Audi RS models in anything like the same numbers. But one aspect of BMW's defence is actually very interesting. Block exemption laws governing the ability of non-OEM service outlets to service all new cars means that it is now possible for J Bloggs Esq to buy diagnostic software which effectively grants access to a car’s starter motor. There's a good chance that this episode will have all car manufacturers beating a path to Brussels to stop this practice.
Another area of interest is car finance. With the majority of new car purchases being on the dreaded 'drip', those few post-Lehman bankers still willing to lend on cars want better tools for recovering defaulted assets. This OBD trick is perfect for them. If it was a condition for the initial loan, its potential removal through legislation (should the manufacturers persuade the Eurocrats to take action) may well persuade more banks to reconsider the car loan business. Of course, many brands underwrite their own finance and simply keep a spare key.
BMW is not actively contacting owners, because it doesn’t see this as a recall situation, so it's up to all of us to spread the word: any BMW built before September 2011 and using the new electronic key system ('06 on) is eligible for the software update.
And I always thought the ignition had to be on to gain a connection? Anyone with more knowledge wanna weigh in?
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
And I always thought the ignition had to be on to gain a connection? Anyone with more knowledge wanna weigh in?
Pug car in to diag kit, tap in an 8 digit code, get access to car. Obviously the passcode would be given only to the owner...
Also totally unnecessary in this case - all they needed to do was have any OBD access when the car is 'armed' trigger the alarm - the way it SHOULD have been designed in the first place.
p.s. OBD access is something the EU fought to make available despite manufacturers wanting to keep their systems closed - without that, you'd need to pay the official dealer a fortune for the life of your car!!
And I always thought the ignition had to be on to gain a connection? Anyone with more knowledge wanna weigh in?
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Try going outside and talking to real people - if you speak to them like that, they'll kick your teeth in
2. Alarm has a blackspot that means it won't trigger if the window is smashed ins a certain place and area (where the OBD port is!).
1+2 = 3. Thief with these...
... breaks in and drives car away within minutes.
So, given that part of the problem is the shoddy alarm, I am curious to know how this so called 'update' cures the sensor problem, not just the live OBD port?!?
hora
15,513 posts
72 months
[report] [news] Tuesday 17th April
In a few months the woeful/pisspoor BBC Watchdog programme will catch onto this and run a piece. That piece will last for 5mins then they'll run 15mins+ 'rogue traders' where they'll chase a mingy one-man band Gas engineer as though its worthy/national interest tv..
HE IS SOOOO BWAINNNNYYY haha!
If I was cynical I would consider BMW to be less than delighted at being forced into offering a solution.
They will now lose a number of sales for replacement shiiite-boxes.
2. Alarm has a blackspot that means it won't trigger if the window is smashed ins a certain place and area (where the OBD port is!).
1+2 = 3. Thief with these...
... breaks in and drives car away within minutes.
So, given that part of the problem is the shoddy alarm, I am curious to know how this so called 'update' cures the sensor problem, not just the live OBD port?!?
Either way it was very short sighted of BMW, and it should be a recall.
01 ULTRA SONIC-MODULE 1 03/2011 65759200943 ENDED
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New F series BMW's appear to be using different tech advancements:
01 Altern.power siren w inclination indicat 1 65759198581
He told me back then that BMW had his car in for an update that would fix it.
Wonder if M owners were contacted first or something?
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