New BMW's getting stolen using blank BMW keys

[Gaygle]

Jesus, just looking at the last 4 pages, i think there are 4 people who have had their cars stolen! This seems like a MASSIVE problem.

[Band0]

Zyp said:

I think it's good to have you on here, Band0.
As long as you don't get into trouble with the powers that be?
Can you tell us which areas of the country have most activity with regards to the thefts? (the 'midlands' is a large area!)
Are you working in conjunction with insurance companies/ underwriters?
Thanks.

The main areas in the country to have the issue is Birmingham and London - and there's yet to be a suitable explanation to to why just these areas. Other counties are suffering, but only with single and small double figures compared with WELL into triple figures with those 2 areas mentioned above.

As for the second question - then yes.
You seen LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION - well its all about EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION !!


Question from me - did anyone get this recall on here?
http://uk.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/bmw-recalls-1-30...

The timing of it was...well, I had my own reservations on it.
The right models and years that fits with this theft issue?

[paulrog1]

Zyp said:

I think it's good to have you on here, Band0.
As long as you don't get into trouble with the powers that be?

Can you tell us which areas of the country have most activity with regards to the thefts? (the 'midlands' is a large area!)

Are you working in conjunction with insurance companies/ underwriters?

Thanks.

Thanks for your message, it would be nice to know what area's the gangs are operating?? plus anything else that won't get you in trouble, it's nice to know someone in the know.

I've moved my ODB port, i'm using a Disklok and "OBD port Disabled" stickers in the windows, will that help stop my car from getting nicked??

[RZ1]

Thanks for the informative post Band, what is the red hammer like thing in the picture?

[don'tbesilly]

RZ1 said:

Thanks for the informative post Band, what is the red hammer like thing in the picture?

Breaks the drivers side window,allowing access to the OBD.

[Band0]

paulrog1 said:

Thanks for your message, it would be nice to know what area's the gangs are operating?? plus anything else that won't get you in trouble, it's nice to know someone in the know.
I've moved my ODB port, i'm using a Disklok and "OBD port Disabled" stickers in the windows, will that help stop my car from getting nicked??

Anything to slow them down will help - CCTV is always a bonus too, as long as it hidden away, as you'll see with the WatchDog program tonight, it works, but have it high up so the guys can't cover it up while working on your car.
As some people have said, nothing is ever heard. If you pop the drivers window and reach down to the OBD port, plug it in I understand this disables the alarm, hence so alarm sounds while you're sound asleep. Again, seen on Watchdog tonight. (full unedited version on YouTube)

I've always said to put a manual cut off switch of some description somewhere in the circuit to stop it starting, that only YOU know where it is. All the re-programmed keys can't start anything without power. But like I say I'm no techi so I don't know who easy this is.

As for "areas" - these guys will cover some distance to target vehicles, across both West and East Midlands.

[Band0]

RZ1 said:

Thanks for the informative post Band, what is the red hammer like thing in the picture?

yes its an "EMERGENCY BREAK GLASS" hammer - usually found on trains, coaches etc for shattering windows to escape
very common and easily purchased......

[Mr E Driver]

Watchdog tonight 20.00 BBC1 lead story

[LukeSi]

Mr E Driver said:

Watchdog tonight 20.00 BBC1 lead story

About bloody time
Will make a good barging chip at the weekend when we go to look at 320ds.

[smack]

Looks like Channel 4 news are running a story on it too.

[paulrog1]

Just switched on channel 4 news, they will run a story on the BMW thefts tonight.

[AutoClouseau]

Question from me - did anyone get this recall on here?
http://uk.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/bmw-recalls-1-30...

The timing of it was...well, I had my own reservations on it.
The right models and years that fits with this theft issue?

[/quote]


Yes mine had this done about 3 weeks ago, a 2009 E60. Went for some warranty work and was told there was a recall on a wire in boot.

[Mr E Driver]

AutoClouseau said:

Went for some warranty work and was told there was a recall on a wire in boot.

I wonder if that is the same problem I have just started having? I lock the car and I find the boot is unlocked and can be opened just by lifting the lid without touching the opening switch.

[BEEMER69]

Anne asking all BMW owners who have had their cars stolen to email them so they can get a gist for the actual numbers involved.

[Billyray911]

Just seen on the one show that any BMW owners that have had their car stolen via obd, to get in touch NOW and before they go to air-8 pm
Confirm the address,but i think that its
Watchdog@ bbc.co.uk

This is our time to make a difference,so please get in touch....

[RZ1]

Channel 4 news just aired a feature on this too.
They said If anyone is worried get in contact with BMW now.
They have been working on a solution for a year now.

[EddieFelson]

RZ1 said:

Channel 4 news just aired a feature on this too.
They said If anyone is worried get in contact with BMW now.
They have been working on a solution for a year now.

Just seen that. What exactly is the fix?

[RZ1]

EddieFelson said:

RZ1 said:

Channel 4 news just aired a feature on this too.
They said If anyone is worried get in contact with BMW now.
They have been working on a solution for a year now.

Just seen that. What exactly is the fix?

They didn't go into detail just said to get in touch with bmw

[RZ1]

Band0 said:

RZ1 said:

Thanks for the informative post Band, what is the red hammer like thing in the picture?

yes its an "EMERGENCY BREAK GLASS" hammer - usually found on trains, coaches etc for shattering windows to escape
very common and easily purchased......

Excuse my ignorance but surely breaking the glass will set the alarm off?

[Zyp]

RZ1 said:

Excuse my ignorance but surely breaking the glass will set the alarm off?

That's part of the problem - there's an obvious blind spot the interior sensors don't pick up.