New BMW's getting stolen using blank BMW keys
Discussion
King Eric said:
No mate. There is a small area where the sensors do not detect the break in the glass. Hence the 1M owners comment about the small puddle of glass on the floor.
For the information you need see here:- http://www.securemycar.co.uk/bmw-stolen.html
Whether BMW release a workaround or not these guys do a secondary Viper system (which can include remote start etc) to add a layer of protection.
As i've read through these posts tonight and the stuff on the link above about smashing windows it reminded me of a security measure i've not seen for a while.For the information you need see here:- http://www.securemycar.co.uk/bmw-stolen.html
Whether BMW release a workaround or not these guys do a secondary Viper system (which can include remote start etc) to add a layer of protection.
The film you used to put on glass, clear stuff that held the glass together when it was smashed.
What was it called? IIRC you could hardly push the whole lot out as it was that strong.
Perhaps this stuff on the inside of the front windows could also be a deterant, not to fully stop the thieves but to give them a bigger problem getting into the car to reach the OBD port.
Just a thought.
v8mo said:
Thanks very much for your informative post
The reason I left that comment "feds are in on it too" I didnt mean to stereo-type but meant if about 500 BMWs have been taken, and from what I understand they are mostly petrol versions surely they must be leaving the country as logically for a thief who is stealing to break for parts it doesnt really matter if it is M, petrol or diesel. therefore if they are leaving the country, they cant be swimming over to mainland europe, they must either be taken by containers, ferries or eurostar. Surely to take that many cars by containers it must be a really strong network of people to make it happen, its not every tom dick and harry's job to run such a large scale organised car theft export and surely in between there are corrupt cops who shut their eyes and let them pass. Also you tell me if the police is monitoring the VIN numbers of cars crossing the boarder? the d--khead who took my beloved M3 could have rocked over to Dover and boarded a ferry while I was still asleep and had no idea he/she had taken my pride and joy and once it is in france they can do whatever the fark they want with it. Are petrol stations being monitored? my car couldnt have gone further than 30-40 miles as tank was near empty, are scrap yards being monitored for those who are periodically buying into written off BMWs as they can be using the spare to fix those for cheap and they have themselves a legitimate car to put on the front court...
At the end, I think all members who are affected by this would appreciate more pro-activeness by the police about this issue as well as more information passed on to us, had I known about this issue I would have done something about it but unfortunately you dont come across these topics unless you are a victim by which time it is too damn late.
Thanks for the comments and trust me, I completely feel your pain, and as I said in another previous post - its solely down to EDUCATION. That's not just insurance companies etc, but also with other partners involved in this - this even comes down to educating police officers and police staff who investigate these crimes. The reason I left that comment "feds are in on it too" I didnt mean to stereo-type but meant if about 500 BMWs have been taken, and from what I understand they are mostly petrol versions surely they must be leaving the country as logically for a thief who is stealing to break for parts it doesnt really matter if it is M, petrol or diesel. therefore if they are leaving the country, they cant be swimming over to mainland europe, they must either be taken by containers, ferries or eurostar. Surely to take that many cars by containers it must be a really strong network of people to make it happen, its not every tom dick and harry's job to run such a large scale organised car theft export and surely in between there are corrupt cops who shut their eyes and let them pass. Also you tell me if the police is monitoring the VIN numbers of cars crossing the boarder? the d--khead who took my beloved M3 could have rocked over to Dover and boarded a ferry while I was still asleep and had no idea he/she had taken my pride and joy and once it is in france they can do whatever the fark they want with it. Are petrol stations being monitored? my car couldnt have gone further than 30-40 miles as tank was near empty, are scrap yards being monitored for those who are periodically buying into written off BMWs as they can be using the spare to fix those for cheap and they have themselves a legitimate car to put on the front court...
At the end, I think all members who are affected by this would appreciate more pro-activeness by the police about this issue as well as more information passed on to us, had I known about this issue I would have done something about it but unfortunately you dont come across these topics unless you are a victim by which time it is too damn late.
Anybody within my line of work will probably work out who I am, and will no doubt back up everything I am saying when it comes to EDUCATION, and just how hard I've been promoting this issue "in house" and for how long.
Its taken me some time, but I can reassure you now that things are where they should be, albeit a little behind, but the "pro-activeness" as you say is now happening.
As for all of the other issues you raised, I'd like to correct you on the "petrol" models being stolen the most, this is incorrect - 3 series D M Sport is and always has been the most affected, with the 5 series D M Sport right behind it.
Clearly the M's (although stolen in the same way) are a different breed attracting a different type of thief.
Something else I would like you to realise is that these devices are now cropping up in other parts of the world, with a recent find being made in Queensland Australia, where too, I understand there is a BMW theft problem.
There really is NO NEED to ship these cars out of the country, and unfortunately the scanning of containers in not a responsibility of the police, although we do work closely with those who do on issues like this.
That's a whole different kettle of fish which I don't need to go into in this topic.
You mention the buying of written off cars - then yes this is another method of disposal for stolen vehicles/parts.
Zyp said:
That's part of the problem - there's an obvious blind spot the interior sensors don't pick up.
Again, this is correct and as you see from the footage from the guys driveway the reprogramming of the key takes place outside of the car, and only have to put your arm through the broken window to plug in the OBD and it does not set the alarm off.ik186 said:
It appears the general consensus is the windows are smashed but my M3 was stolen last month without any damage to the windows, it was the lock they damaged and I'm still confused why the alarm didn't go off.
All I can say is I saw them and all I heard was a noise which was similar to opening the door and the warning noise to tell you your lights are still on - but I will say these guys are confident because when I stared at him he did not move one inch
There are still a few mysteries as to how they initially get in and access the OBD.All I can say is I saw them and all I heard was a noise which was similar to opening the door and the warning noise to tell you your lights are still on - but I will say these guys are confident because when I stared at him he did not move one inch
Some people just simply forget to lock their cars, but won't admit for insurance reasons and other evidence has shown that the complete drivers side window has been removed (undamaged) and left on the driveway ! There's been lots of glass and no glass at all, so this still leaves some unanswered questions.
E500 TAT said:
As i've read through these posts tonight and the stuff on the link above about smashing windows it reminded me of a security measure i've not seen for a while.
The film you used to put on glass, clear stuff that held the glass together when it was smashed.
What was it called? IIRC you could hardly push the whole lot out as it was that strong.
Perhaps this stuff on the inside of the front windows could also be a deterrent, not to fully stop the thieves but to give them a bigger problem getting into the car to reach the OBD port.
Just a thought.
Cheap as chips too I bet - like it !! The film you used to put on glass, clear stuff that held the glass together when it was smashed.
What was it called? IIRC you could hardly push the whole lot out as it was that strong.
Perhaps this stuff on the inside of the front windows could also be a deterrent, not to fully stop the thieves but to give them a bigger problem getting into the car to reach the OBD port.
Just a thought.
Band0, thanks for your input. Believe me it is highly needed in a time where we are pretty much in the dark,
Can you comment more on what the police do to try and locate the car once it's been reported missing especially if it doesn't have a tracker fitted?
and what are the chances to find the car say 48hrs after it's gone missing?
Can you comment more on what the police do to try and locate the car once it's been reported missing especially if it doesn't have a tracker fitted?
and what are the chances to find the car say 48hrs after it's gone missing?
jackbauer said:
and what are the chances to find the car say 48hrs after it's gone missing?
By 48 hours the shell is most likely crushed.They don't want the car. They want all the bits on the car. Panels, components, drive train, wheels. They go to export for big profit, or may be resold in this country.
Personally I thought the watchdog piece was very good - clear enough for people with little knowledge of cars to understand, and very clearly identifying that this is a BMW specific problem. Yes the issue of broken glass/gaining entry was skipped or avoided, but apart from that it was very strong, and has promoted some further level of response from BMW.
Well done the BBC, we should be thankful that such independent media, who don't rely on BMW adverts and the corporate pound to fund (and therefore bias) their output, can still exist in this country.
There are various suggestions of how OBD socket access is achieved, my view:
- Jam locking process so car never locks - yes must be occuring.
- Break into car some weeks earlier, code key, come back and steal car later - yes must be occuring.
- Smash (or carefully cut through) drivers side window - yes clear evidence of this from others
- Drill door lock - yes, happened to mine
- Accessing engine bay/car electronics from under engine bay/front wing/something like that - highly unlikely IMHO.
- Clone key before ever going near the car (with info from insider at dealer etc) - unlikely to be the majority but could be possible.
Well done the BBC, we should be thankful that such independent media, who don't rely on BMW adverts and the corporate pound to fund (and therefore bias) their output, can still exist in this country.
ik186 said:
It appears the general consensus is the windows are smashed but my M3 was stolen last month without any damage to the windows, it was the lock they damaged and I'm still confused why the alarm didn't go off.
The drivers door lock was drilled out when my E60 was taken, I know this because it was recovered as the tracker worked. Very neat job. Presumably they then opened the drivers door to access the OBD. I am mystified as to why the alarm didn't go off. Car was parked directly outside my terraced house I was asleep <10m from it.There are various suggestions of how OBD socket access is achieved, my view:
- Jam locking process so car never locks - yes must be occuring.
- Break into car some weeks earlier, code key, come back and steal car later - yes must be occuring.
- Smash (or carefully cut through) drivers side window - yes clear evidence of this from others
- Drill door lock - yes, happened to mine
- Accessing engine bay/car electronics from under engine bay/front wing/something like that - highly unlikely IMHO.
- Clone key before ever going near the car (with info from insider at dealer etc) - unlikely to be the majority but could be possible.
Hmm BMW seem to be busy this morning, after 15 minutes on hold I have had to give up for the moment, but I will certainly be calling their customer services back later on
0800 083 4397
to register my concern of this issue and disappointment in their disregard for customers, and I would encourage all other BMW owners of 2005-2011 models to do the same.
0800 083 4397
to register my concern of this issue and disappointment in their disregard for customers, and I would encourage all other BMW owners of 2005-2011 models to do the same.
I was on hold for 40 mins to the customer service number.
So it looks like plenty of people are ringing BMW, job well done guys.
Anyway, I have been told my new M3 and new M5 I picked up this month are not effected. Well for now anyway.
I am going to get the window film applied to both cars to make the glass harder to break.
Neil
So it looks like plenty of people are ringing BMW, job well done guys.
Anyway, I have been told my new M3 and new M5 I picked up this month are not effected. Well for now anyway.
I am going to get the window film applied to both cars to make the glass harder to break.
Neil
I would suggest we post BMW phone number on the thread in general gassing as well to keep it on the front page there today if possible and maximise the number of BMW owning PHers who see this:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
BMW Customer Services (as show on Watchdog)
0800 083 4397
Just got through.
The message is essentially this:-
1. There is nothing wrong with the security system but BMW are aware of a method being employed to cirumvent it (oxymoron!!).
2. There is a fix being tested currently.
3. When this is ready you should be contacted by your local dealership
4. Timeframe approx 8 weeks
Bascially just left them my car reg and contact details....if I've not heard anything within a month or so I'll probably ring back for an update.
0800 083 4397
Just got through.
The message is essentially this:-
1. There is nothing wrong with the security system but BMW are aware of a method being employed to cirumvent it (oxymoron!!).
2. There is a fix being tested currently.
3. When this is ready you should be contacted by your local dealership
4. Timeframe approx 8 weeks
Bascially just left them my car reg and contact details....if I've not heard anything within a month or so I'll probably ring back for an update.
Greetings all, first post, long time lurker 
Having just bought an F30, I am relieved to see BMW's news statement saying that "we are clear that none of our latest models - new 1 Series Hatch, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series - nor any other BMW built after September 2011 can be stolen using the method highlighted" (from http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/about/news/0,,1156___co... Though I would feel better if a more technical explanation was given to say how it has been made 'impossible' - peace of mind and all that.
Does anyone know how they have overcome it in the new models?
Having just bought an F30, I am relieved to see BMW's news statement saying that "we are clear that none of our latest models - new 1 Series Hatch, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series - nor any other BMW built after September 2011 can be stolen using the method highlighted" (from http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/about/news/0,,1156___co... Though I would feel better if a more technical explanation was given to say how it has been made 'impossible' - peace of mind and all that.
Does anyone know how they have overcome it in the new models?
Sounds like I got the same message as dave S13...
1. There is nothing wrong with the security system but BMW are aware of a method being employed to cirumvent it
2. The Security system meets all legislation
3. They hope to have some technical fix in 8 weeks; which may be suitable for my car (this was very vauge; with the insinuation that the fix won't apply to all models)
4. I went through the whole 'the drivers window when smashed doesn't trigger the alarm, ergo how is #1 true?' thing...
5. I registered my extreme disappointment.
6. Was told that my local dealer will contact me if anything becomes avalible; just like they contacted me about a rather large hole in the security then... or not!
Last night when I saw BMWs press release about this I though they must have a fix for the issue. Following that conversation I think the chances of a fix coming out are slim at best. *sigh*
1. There is nothing wrong with the security system but BMW are aware of a method being employed to cirumvent it
2. The Security system meets all legislation
3. They hope to have some technical fix in 8 weeks; which may be suitable for my car (this was very vauge; with the insinuation that the fix won't apply to all models)
4. I went through the whole 'the drivers window when smashed doesn't trigger the alarm, ergo how is #1 true?' thing...
5. I registered my extreme disappointment.
6. Was told that my local dealer will contact me if anything becomes avalible; just like they contacted me about a rather large hole in the security then... or not!
Last night when I saw BMWs press release about this I though they must have a fix for the issue. Following that conversation I think the chances of a fix coming out are slim at best. *sigh*
Big E 118 said:
Tried this number for BMW Customer Service and got through straight away - 01344 480 971
"There is a software update but it's still under testing, should be available in 8 weeks. Your local dealership will contact you for this "free of charge" security update."
Yes, 01344 480 971 is answered immediately, other number was on hold for 20 mins before I hung up."There is a software update but it's still under testing, should be available in 8 weeks. Your local dealership will contact you for this "free of charge" security update."
Register your disgust.
@ No8080: That's my plan at the weekend. Then in 8 weeks if the update appears I'll put it back again.
Use of a disklok is probably still the way forward as well, as that should signify that the owner is aware of the issue and has taken other pre-cautions too; any theif with brains will see that and find an easier target.
@ Band0: thanks for your numerous posts in this thread, to have some idea of what was happening was useful, so thank you.
Use of a disklok is probably still the way forward as well, as that should signify that the owner is aware of the issue and has taken other pre-cautions too; any theif with brains will see that and find an easier target.
@ Band0: thanks for your numerous posts in this thread, to have some idea of what was happening was useful, so thank you.
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