Securing a modern BMW...
Discussion
Car in question is an E92 320 Cabriolet.
Was getting a lift from the mother this morning and noticed that the boot of the car is open. Didn't think anything of it other than 'Silly woman bashed the button' or such.
Inside the car the cubby holes and such had been emptied/fiddled about with, we hadn't thought much of it as it may have been my brother looking in but hes spoken to her and it wasn't him. From what he could figure out speaking to her by email, the OBD port compartment is open.
Think i'll be parking the BMW at an angle on drive, then box in with my work 500 and the hard top will be going back on the MX5, which sadly has to stay on street (insured as such).
Was getting a lift from the mother this morning and noticed that the boot of the car is open. Didn't think anything of it other than 'Silly woman bashed the button' or such.
Inside the car the cubby holes and such had been emptied/fiddled about with, we hadn't thought much of it as it may have been my brother looking in but hes spoken to her and it wasn't him. From what he could figure out speaking to her by email, the OBD port compartment is open.
Think i'll be parking the BMW at an angle on drive, then box in with my work 500 and the hard top will be going back on the MX5, which sadly has to stay on street (insured as such).
I had the boot broken into on my E90 they used a screwdriver to butcher the lock, they robbed my laptop bag, unfortunately for them there wasn't a laptop in it, I only have it to carry much lunch around whilst trying to look important.
I leave my car in my garage at all times, this incident happened at my local pub
I leave my car in my garage at all times, this incident happened at my local pub
jeremyc said:
Errr .... read this thread.
Yeh, that's whats sparked my brother and I (he's a regular on here too). Really quite crap. Theres an ongoing issue in Aberdeen with someones 335i that's been stolen and ragged about town.
Buy a LHD one? BMW clearly didn't think to think its RHD customers were important enough to design a functional alarm for? 
You could probably devise some kind of lock for the OBD port cover? It doesn't need to be particularly strong because the alarm flaw doesn't give particularly good access to that area. Or just put a switch in one of the OBD lines which they can't reach from the deadzone.
You could probably devise some kind of lock for the OBD port cover? It doesn't need to be particularly strong because the alarm flaw doesn't give particularly good access to that area. Or just put a switch in one of the OBD lines which they can't reach from the deadzone.
MGZRod said:
the OBD port compartment is open.
That sounds like they may have been into the car and programmed a key for it. It's been reported in the main thread that sometimes they'll make the key and they come and steal the car later.I'd STRONGLY suggest that you do the following:
1. [SECURE IT TODAY] Buy a disklock today, and start using it immediately. (Like tonight.)
2. [REMOVE THE KEY THEY MADE] Go to BMW and get them to check what keys are programmed to the car. Have them delete any additional keys from the car which are not in your possession.
3. [STOP THEM MAKING ANOTHER KEY] Remove the OBD port and hide it up out the way somewhere, or disable it, or get an aftermarket alarm, or just keep using the disc lock.
I'd put money on your car being stolen within a week if you don't follow the above. Best of luck.
_bryan_ said:
Or just buy a false OBD port.
Remove that part of the dash which takes 2 mins, unclip proper port and tuck away behind dash.
Then just fit the false port in its place.
I love your thinking.Remove that part of the dash which takes 2 mins, unclip proper port and tuck away behind dash.
Then just fit the false port in its place.
I would just add something bitey, like a Tarantula perhaps.
Not quite sure how you would feed the poor fellow, but I'm sure the screams would wake you.
scarble said:
Rig your false OBD port to trigger the airbags when it's plugged into. Sure you gotta get them replaced but it's worth it to give the scumbags some bruises.
I used to have a false garage door handle that set off a 120 dB siren. Chances are you'll bruise yourself a bit if that goes off inside the same car as you, and without the cost of replacing airbags and getting sued.I'll replace the airbag with an angry midget.
It's spec/plate (local ones haven't had plates changed) is quite unique so worst case scenario it won't stay away long.
It's a 3 car driveway on a cul de sac so we can block it fairly easily. Shall have a look once I see it tonight if there's any damage. Brother suggested checking the window frame for damage as it's a 'vert they might not need to break the window.
It's spec/plate (local ones haven't had plates changed) is quite unique so worst case scenario it won't stay away long.
It's a 3 car driveway on a cul de sac so we can block it fairly easily. Shall have a look once I see it tonight if there's any damage. Brother suggested checking the window frame for damage as it's a 'vert they might not need to break the window.
scarble said:
Rig your false OBD port to trigger the airbags when it's plugged into. Sure you gotta get them replaced but it's worth it to give the scumbags some bruises.
But you might hurt their feelings, or even cause them mental distress. You might get off by giving them the car and a few thousand in comp-en-say-shun though.If it's always parked in a similar place overnight, one of these is remarkably effective!
http://www.barriersdirect.co.uk/parking-and-securi...
http://www.barriersdirect.co.uk/parking-and-securi...
MadMark911 said:
If it's always parked in a similar place overnight, one of these is remarkably effective!
http://www.barriersdirect.co.uk/parking-and-securi...
wouldn't be great with us as the driveway is bricked. so they could just pry the bricks underneath out. and the other side is curved. http://www.barriersdirect.co.uk/parking-and-securi...
Plus, knowing me, i'd forget about it when it's down and drive over it in the MX5, taking the underneath of the car off
Captain Muppet said:
I used to have a false garage door handle that set off a 120 dB siren. Chances are you'll bruise yourself a bit if that goes off inside the same car as you, and without the cost of replacing airbags and getting sued.
Bass tubes!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my6vhMvTNrw
MGZRod said:
It's spec/plate (local ones haven't had plates changed) is quite unique so worst case scenario it won't stay away long.
Recover is unlikely, it'll be broken for parts and shipped off to eastern europe before you know it's gone.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff