New BMW's getting stolen using blank BMW keys
Discussion
Band0 said:
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.
When this problem first appeared 6 months ago, I enquired about the clear security film for fitting to mine.
The manufacturer said that it will stop/prevent smashing via the traditional crude method of chucking a brick etc through the side glass, but will NOT protect against the use of these 'emergency break glass' hammers or a glass cutter wheel device.
So, given the cost (was quoted about £500 quid for a 1 Series coupe) for releatively limited protection for these particular thefts, I'd suggest the OBD relocation/electronic diablement is more cost effective protection.
Of course, if money is no object, anything and everything you can do is a good thing.
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."
Thanks for that. I got though straight away too."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."
Same old story, 8 weeks, dealer will contact you etc. The woman on the phone started to say "... about the fix" but stopped and said "... about the measure". lol
dave_s13 said:
BMW Customer Services (as show on Watchdog)
0800 083 4397
Getting a "busy" tone... wonder why!0800 083 4397
I just want to call and register so that I'll be contacted in 8weeks or whatever when the fix is out.
Good thing about watchdog is that, on big stories like this, they really are like a "dog with a bone" and they'll keep on and on about it!
It seems to be typical of their modus operandi that any new series of Watchdog starts with a "massive flaw" in a mainstream car, which they promote at the top of the first episode and then return to week after week until the manufacturer crumbles and does something! (Anyone remember the sticky pedals on the carpets? Or the "passenger side brake"? Or the failing handbrakes? Or the dodgy bonnet catches?)
Morning all, I've been lurking for a while now and have followed this topic from day one. Today I called BMW customer services regarding the security issue and was told by the person on the other end of the telephone that my car is not affected by this issue and the update will not apply to my car. My car is a 56 plate (December) E60 523i Msport with the push button start. I explained to the guy that I have tested the dead spot on the alarm and confirmed that you can reach into the car and down to the OBD without the alarm activating. You could probably wind the windows down with a readily available tool but I don't want to test that due to the damage it would cause.
So what next? I already use a disklock and have secured the OBD port. I suppose I'll look at disabling the comfort windows and write to BMW asking for confirmation that my car is safe.
Finally, if your car has a build date from March 2007, the update will apply to you and you will be contacted by BMW in 8 weeks (according to BMW)
So what next? I already use a disklock and have secured the OBD port. I suppose I'll look at disabling the comfort windows and write to BMW asking for confirmation that my car is safe.
Finally, if your car has a build date from March 2007, the update will apply to you and you will be contacted by BMW in 8 weeks (according to BMW)
I have an old stoplock that is fitted to my wifes new M3 at the moment.
I imagine Halfords will be selling out of all steering wheel locks today, as everyone rushes down to buy one!!
Only issue with mine is that is does not quite fit the small M3 steering wheel, but it is a good visual deterent.
The window film is a good idea, but a theif wont know it is fitted, so will try to break in and likely damage the car. A steer wheel lock means they hopefully will look at the car and walk away.
Neil
I imagine Halfords will be selling out of all steering wheel locks today, as everyone rushes down to buy one!!
Only issue with mine is that is does not quite fit the small M3 steering wheel, but it is a good visual deterent.
The window film is a good idea, but a theif wont know it is fitted, so will try to break in and likely damage the car. A steer wheel lock means they hopefully will look at the car and walk away.
Neil
dtiom said:
Morning all, I've been lurking for a while now and have followed this topic from day one. Today I called BMW customer services regarding the security issue and was told by the person on the other end of the telephone that my car is not affected by this issue and the update will not apply to my car. My car is a 56 plate (December) E60 523i Msport with the push button start. I explained to the guy that I have tested the dead spot on the alarm and confirmed that you can reach into the car and down to the OBD without the alarm activating. You could probably wind the windows down with a readily available tool but I don't want to test that due to the damage it would cause.
So what next? I already use a disklock and have secured the OBD port. I suppose I'll look at disabling the comfort windows and write to BMW asking for confirmation that my car is safe.
Finally, if your car has a build date from March 2007, the update will apply to you and you will be contacted by BMW in 8 weeks (according to BMW)
I think BMW need to address two problems, one the weak spot in the alarm and sensor allowing access to the OBD without triggering as this will apply to all cars even ones pre this magic March 2007 cut off point and secondly the OBD issue. I still don't understand what changed as of 03/07 or is this just a date BMW have set and if you own a car pre this tough luck?So what next? I already use a disklock and have secured the OBD port. I suppose I'll look at disabling the comfort windows and write to BMW asking for confirmation that my car is safe.
Finally, if your car has a build date from March 2007, the update will apply to you and you will be contacted by BMW in 8 weeks (according to BMW)
bbr92 said:
I think BMW need to address two problems, one the weak spot in the alarm and sensor allowing access to the OBD without triggering as this will apply to all cars even ones pre this magic March 2007 cut off point and secondly the OBD issue. I still don't understand what changed as of 03/07 or is this just a date BMW have set and if you own a car pre this tough luck?
That's when the E60 facelift was done, I think.Even if they're doing a recall, it will be phased so they won't be dealing with the earlier ones at the same time if they can avoid it.
E500 TAT said:
If you have a private plate how will the thieves know the build date?
Thats the worry I have with my wifes M3, it was built 2 weeks ago, but a private plate means no one knows this model does not work with the current method.So I would end up with a damaged M3 left if they tried to steal it. So a visual deterent is the only way to stop this or at least minimise it, it would seem. As even removing the OBD port still means you would end up with a damaged car, better than a stolen car though.
I just got through on this number 01344 480 971 (1 min wait)
Info I got was anything from 57 plate onwards
Fix is availble 8 weeks time, I urge to call to register your details so they will call you back for the upgrade.
After a bit of probing I managed to get the agent to mentioned what the fix was however I'm not sure this is going to stop it all (unless they left some other information out) :-/
Info I got was anything from 57 plate onwards
Fix is availble 8 weeks time, I urge to call to register your details so they will call you back for the upgrade.
After a bit of probing I managed to get the agent to mentioned what the fix was however I'm not sure this is going to stop it all (unless they left some other information out) :-/
MrPeaPea said:
I just got through on this number 01344 480 971 (1 min wait)
Info I got was anything from 57 plate onwards
Fix is availble 8 weeks time, I urge to call to register your details so they will call you back for the upgrade.
After a bit of probing I managed to get the agent to mentioned what the fix was however I'm not sure this is going to stop it all (unless they left some other information out) :-/
Is this for all models? Wondering if my Z4 (E89) will be done or is even a car that's been affected by all this.Info I got was anything from 57 plate onwards
Fix is availble 8 weeks time, I urge to call to register your details so they will call you back for the upgrade.
After a bit of probing I managed to get the agent to mentioned what the fix was however I'm not sure this is going to stop it all (unless they left some other information out) :-/
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