New BMW's getting stolen using blank BMW keys

[clockworks]

Got my "plip upgrade" alarm fitted today. All seems to be working fine.

If anyone else goes down this route, make sure you use a patient and thorough fitting company. They had a hell of a job fitting it, as getting the correct wiring diagram for my car ('57-plate 525d Touring) was a seemingly impossible task.

[NelsonR32]

angrybird said:

According to the police who I spoke to about an update of my stolen BMW is that BMW initially asked them to keep the thefts quiet

If that's true, then that's another slice of respect i've just lost for the police.

[sinizter]

NelsonR32 said:

angrybird said:

According to the police who I spoke to about an update of my stolen BMW is that BMW initially asked them to keep the thefts quiet

If that's true, then that's another slice of respect i've just lost for the police.

The Police were not going to make much noise advertising BMWs being stolen at the initial stages anyway. No more than if any other prestige brand cars were being stolen.

[Pesty]

NelsonR32 said:

If that's true, then that's another slice of respect i've just lost for the police.

What about BMW.

[Billyray911]

A forum member on E90 post is discussing being a bit more pro-active in relation to this issue.
I've posted a link to the thread below,but he's asking for any constructive thoughts regarding how to really make this issue too hot for BMW to ignore.
At the moment,a petition of some description,seems to be the favourite.
Can we all get behind this and try and support him.
Hopefully,our joint efforts will bring about some action...
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=734...

[Kananga]

akita said:

As a BMW owner who is affected by the key issue this is an interesting thread from across the pond discussing problems here and offering a reason why it is more of a problem in Europe

http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2012/07/hack...

Makes for interesting reading. Some of the potential solutions there seem quite logical and software based so it wouldn't/shouldn't cost BMW in terms of new hardware/etc.

[Kananga]

Billyray911 said:

A forum member on E90 post is discussing being a bit more pro-active in relation to this issue.
I've posted a link to the thread below,but he's asking for any constructive thoughts regarding how to really make this issue too hot for BMW to ignore.
At the moment,a petition of some description,seems to be the favourite.
Can we all get behind this and try and support him.
Hopefully,our joint efforts will bring about some action...
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=734...

Good initiative and agree something should be done - but do manufacturers ever respond to these sorts of petitions ? Genuine question, not trying to be awkward.

ETA: what if pistonheads or another site with high following were to run a poll, asking how the perceived risk of keyless/OBD theft has impacted their decision to buy new/used BMWs ? Assuming the stats show that there has been a serious change in brand loyalty, suspect that's the best way to encourage a reaction ?

Edited by Kananga on Thursday 23 August 06:49

Edited by Kananga on Thursday 23 August 06:50

[Tea Pot One]

NelsonR32 said:

If that's true, then that's another slice of respect i've just lost for the police.

Not true to my knowledge - as a police officer ... and in my experience the police would have totally ignored that request !

The police are not allowed to do that and TBH why should they ! They have a duty anyway to warn people re this ... and in the areas I work that is exactly what has happened as best they can via safer neighbourhood teams, etc !

[aeropilot]

NelsonR32 said:

angrybird said:

According to the police who I spoke to about an update of my stolen BMW is that BMW initially asked them to keep the thefts quiet

If that's true, then that's another slice of respect i've just lost for the police.

What planet are you on it's BMW I've no respect for, for asking such a thing from the Police.
And it's clear that the Police (certainley the Met and West Midlands) have not heeded to such a request.

[angrybird]

Agreed, its not the fault of the police. as the police said, it's really difficult for them to get the message across to all BMW owners and so much easier for BMW and insurance companies as I surname companies and BMW are fully aware of the stats

[Billyray911]

[quote=Kananga]


Good initiative and agree something should be done - but do manufacturers ever respond to these sorts of petitions ? Genuine question, not trying to be awkward.

ETA: what if pistonheads or another site with high following were to run a poll, asking how the perceived risk of keyless/OBD theft has impacted their decision to buy new/used BMWs ? Assuming the stats show that there has been a serious change in brand loyalty, suspect that's the best way to encourage a reaction ?

There are no awkward questions.Get onto E90 post and join in the discussion.
You're suggestions re the poll should be brought up-it's another way of highlighting the issue.

[jacktoyou]

Ive been in contract with a broadcasting journalist at Channel 4 news who has taken a very keen interest in this subject. He is investigated this and will be looking to run/broadcast this on Channel 4 News. He feels that if we can get this message out to at least 1million then hopefully BMW will take note and start do to something about this very quickly.

[mrmr96]

jacktoyou said:

Ive been in contract with a broadcasting journalist at Channel 4 news who has taken a very keen interest in this subject. He is investigated this and will be looking to run/broadcast this on Channel 4 News. He feels that if we can get this message out to at least 1million then hopefully BMW will take note and start do to something about this very quickly.

Nice one.

Speaking as an owner of an affected car, I still sometimes think this is a double edged sword; since more exposure might lead to dropping residuals and rising insurance prices. These things will probably happen anyway, but increased exposure would accelerate it...

...unless it can prompt BMW to publicly acknowledge the issue and implement an FOC fix to all owners. Which I think would be the best outcome from the current situation.

[Kananga]

mrmr96 said:

Nice one.

Speaking as an owner of an affected car, I still sometimes think this is a double edged sword; since more exposure might lead to dropping residuals and rising insurance prices. These things will probably happen anyway, but increased exposure would accelerate it...

...unless it can prompt BMW to publicly acknowledge the issue and implement an FOC fix to all owners. Which I think would be the best outcome from the current situation.

Think you make a good point.

The threat of such publicity pub old prompt BMW into action... But journos would never sign up on that basis... In for a penny, in for a pound [if indeed that is the right expression]

[V8A*ndy]

If anyone is wondering about insurance premiums.

The wife has just had a quote for renewal for the 1M.

£240 with Directline.

Now that's in Belfast which is higher than most places.

I'd say that's a bargin and won't get offered much cheaper.

[smashy]

V8A*ndy said:

If anyone is wondering about insurance premiums.

The wife has just had a quote for renewal for the 1M.

£240 with Directline.

Now that's in Belfast which is higher than most places.

I'd say that's a bargin and won't get offered much cheaper.

....Is that based on 23 miles a year?


That is nuts ,my friend.


My 120d 5 years old 8 years no claim 3 pts 4 years ago = £740 west london and yes I walked round the internet twice getting quotes.

[barbz335d]

BBC Watchdog is looking to interview people who've had their BMW's stolen.
Suggest you contact them NOW if you've been affected... [e-mail]

[iSore]

Don't know if it's been mentioned yet, but the better thieves are using a freeze spray in the doorlocks to open the car without breaking glass or intercepting the blipper signal. No, I don't know how they do it either but this is a newish development.
As ever, a visual deterrent such as a Disklok is going to be a real help. These guys want an easy 1-2 minute nick, not cutting diskloks off outside your house. Unclipping the OBD disgnostic socket and tucking it up right under the dash or around by the tunnel has probably been mentioned already and it's a very good idea that most owners can do themselves.

Most stuff is stolen and chopped up, but apparently many X5's are exported complete. Either way, once nicked you're not seeing it again.

[Zod]

Mine, a petrol one will have gone to a far-Eastern country that drives on the left, such as Malaysia (they don't do diesel).

[aeropilot]

iSore said:

Don't know if it's been mentioned yet, but the better thieves are using a freeze spray in the doorlocks to open the car without breaking glass or intercepting the blipper signal. No, I don't know how they do it either but this is a newish development.

Spray injecting liquid nitrogen (or freon) into locks to break them apart is not new, and the 'freeze spray' you mention is most likely the f

iSore said:

As ever, a visual deterrent such as a Disklok is going to be a real help. These guys want an easy 1-2 minute nick, not cutting diskloks off outside your house.

If the have gained entry through the door locks using freezing, a disc lock will likely pose no extra deterent using the same technique.