Can you open E93 roof with the keys? Possible theft attempt
Discussion
Is it possible to open the roof on an E93 without either of the keys remotely? Someone may have tried to break into my friends cars during the night, as he discovered it with the roof open and the OBD port cover plastic cover off within the driver's footwell.
Does this mean that someone may potentially have a key programmed to that car now? If they did/do, then they could have just driven off with the car so why go through the hassle and not take it, indicating they weren't able to start the car?
It did go BMW a few months back and he did tell me a software update was done.
Can someone shed any light on how they were able to open the roof?
Any idease please, quite concerned as I also own an E93 and he only lives 2 roads away from me. Makes me glad for having mine locked away in the garage!
I'll be leaving that cover in the boot in the up position from now on so you can't lower the roof in mine, and think it's time for a dislok or something!
Am going to have a read of this topic again -
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=132...
2nd edit - His car has comfort access and so does mine!
Does this mean that someone may potentially have a key programmed to that car now? If they did/do, then they could have just driven off with the car so why go through the hassle and not take it, indicating they weren't able to start the car?
It did go BMW a few months back and he did tell me a software update was done.
Can someone shed any light on how they were able to open the roof?
Any idease please, quite concerned as I also own an E93 and he only lives 2 roads away from me. Makes me glad for having mine locked away in the garage!
I'll be leaving that cover in the boot in the up position from now on so you can't lower the roof in mine, and think it's time for a dislok or something!
Am going to have a read of this topic again -
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=132...
2nd edit - His car has comfort access and so does mine!
Edited by JapFreak786 on Saturday 4th January 03:29
Edited by JapFreak786 on Saturday 4th January 03:36
I don't think it's possible to force an opening of the roof, the only ways are with the button on the centre console, with the fob, or holding the key in the door lock. I think the security update removed the option of the door lock opening.
Is it possible that he has sat on the key and activated the roof opening, some opportunist could have tried the obd flap seeing as the car is open. If they were planning oncoming back later then they probably wouldn't have left the flap open as this will alert the owner to the fact that something has happened.
The roof definately won't open if the storage tray is in the up position so it might be worth leaving it like that.
I'd be interested if there is any other methods of opening the roof as I also have an e93 with comfort access.
Is it possible that he has sat on the key and activated the roof opening, some opportunist could have tried the obd flap seeing as the car is open. If they were planning oncoming back later then they probably wouldn't have left the flap open as this will alert the owner to the fact that something has happened.
The roof definately won't open if the storage tray is in the up position so it might be worth leaving it like that.
I'd be interested if there is any other methods of opening the roof as I also have an e93 with comfort access.
They will have visited to get into the OBD port with a computer and get the info they need to program a key they'll use on their return.
Car needs to be coded to refuse extra keys, comfort access needs disabling etc etc - I think - have a google.
I'm not that clued up on it but from reading and researching buying an E90 your friend needs to do something quick before it vanishes.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?s=5bb...
Car needs to be coded to refuse extra keys, comfort access needs disabling etc etc - I think - have a google.
I'm not that clued up on it but from reading and researching buying an E90 your friend needs to do something quick before it vanishes.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?s=5bb...
I thought BMW had done updates to stop this working?.
I'd be telling your mate to garage the car and block it in, or park it elsewhere just in case until he can get the update done. Although if the have the gear and are pros and had access to the obd port they would have taken it there and then, maybe they were disturbed or his car has the update.
I'd be telling your mate to garage the car and block it in, or park it elsewhere just in case until he can get the update done. Although if the have the gear and are pros and had access to the obd port they would have taken it there and then, maybe they were disturbed or his car has the update.
northandy said:
I thought BMW had done updates to stop this working?.
I'd be telling your mate to garage the car and block it in, or park it elsewhere just in case until he can get the update done. Although if the have the gear and are pros and had access to the obd port they would have taken it there and then, maybe they were disturbed or his car has the update.
I don't think the updates prevent a key from being programmed via the OBD. I forget, but they were something to do with the windows not automatically opening with the key fob button pressed, or door lock deadlocks. As I say, I can't recall exactly. I'd be delighted to be corrected though and someone confirm that the BMW update does prevent a key being programmed!I'd be telling your mate to garage the car and block it in, or park it elsewhere just in case until he can get the update done. Although if the have the gear and are pros and had access to the obd port they would have taken it there and then, maybe they were disturbed or his car has the update.
I would suggest the owner of this E93 do some research and check. The best thing to do is relocate the OBD from its normal place.
In the meantime, as suggested above, park it elsewhere for the time being.
I reckon they were disturbed.
texasjohn said:
I don't think the updates prevent a key from being programmed via the OBD. I forget, but they were something to do with the windows not automatically opening with the key fob button pressed, or door lock deadlocks. As I say, I can't recall exactly. I'd be delighted to be corrected though and someone confirm that the BMW update does prevent a key being programmed!
I would suggest the owner of this E93 do some research and check. The best thing to do is relocate the OBD from its normal place.
In the meantime, as suggested above, park it elsewhere for the time being.
I reckon they were disturbed.
Actually I think you might be right, just had a quick look and it seems it's just to stop the comfort opening. What I ding understand is they say it's not an issue on F series cars, so why no update to stop it on E series cars?.I would suggest the owner of this E93 do some research and check. The best thing to do is relocate the OBD from its normal place.
In the meantime, as suggested above, park it elsewhere for the time being.
I reckon they were disturbed.
As far as I understand it, and please note I'm not scaremongering, just trying to understand what happens so I can protect the E90 I'm about to buy, you can access the OBD port by either breaking a window or by twisting the drivers lock to get the comfort access to roll down a window and roll the red carpet out.
I have read that the alarm sensors don't 'see' your arm down the side of the interior near the OBD port, but surely a smashed window would set the alarm off? Or having used comfort access that would switch the alarm off?
They then plug into the OBD and download enough info to allow them to go away and clone a key that will disarm, unlock and start the car. Car then vanishes at a later date.
BMW will only update the comfort access if they are asked. They charge for this. They state pre 2007 cars aren't affected. As far as I can tell, they are.
Even if comfort access is coded out, pondlife can still smash a window to get OBD access. Unless the OBD port is relocated/covered/removed, they can get into it.
I have found some info about BMW recoding another module so no new keys can be coded to a car unless an existing key is already in the ignition - that seems to be the only way to stop it, without a Viper alarm or similar.
Some thefts make a big show of smashing a window and rummaging through an interior to make it look like a random laptop/satnav theft attempt, when really they are just after the OBD access, so they can return at a later date to a perfect car (after the car window/whatever is repaired), point their keyfob at it, and drive off.
If the OBD cover has been tampered with, the car WILL disappear from what I can understand.
All the above is from the interweb, so may be complete b
ks. But as the car in question has already been breached I'd play it safe and hide the car quick.
eta just to clarify, recoding the comfort access on this car is now pointless - it's too late according to the internet. But do your own research to check
I have read that the alarm sensors don't 'see' your arm down the side of the interior near the OBD port, but surely a smashed window would set the alarm off? Or having used comfort access that would switch the alarm off?
They then plug into the OBD and download enough info to allow them to go away and clone a key that will disarm, unlock and start the car. Car then vanishes at a later date.
BMW will only update the comfort access if they are asked. They charge for this. They state pre 2007 cars aren't affected. As far as I can tell, they are.
Even if comfort access is coded out, pondlife can still smash a window to get OBD access. Unless the OBD port is relocated/covered/removed, they can get into it.
I have found some info about BMW recoding another module so no new keys can be coded to a car unless an existing key is already in the ignition - that seems to be the only way to stop it, without a Viper alarm or similar.
Some thefts make a big show of smashing a window and rummaging through an interior to make it look like a random laptop/satnav theft attempt, when really they are just after the OBD access, so they can return at a later date to a perfect car (after the car window/whatever is repaired), point their keyfob at it, and drive off.
If the OBD cover has been tampered with, the car WILL disappear from what I can understand.
All the above is from the interweb, so may be complete b
ks. But as the car in question has already been breached I'd play it safe and hide the car quick.eta just to clarify, recoding the comfort access on this car is now pointless - it's too late according to the internet. But do your own research to check
Edited by andy43 on Saturday 4th January 21:33
My understanding is that the bmw software update prevents a blank key being programmed via the obd unless a proper key is in the ignition?
Therefore it sounds like any attempted thefts where the obd has been tampered with have been unsuccessful for that reason.
What do previous posters think the thieves have done on first break in that will make a returrn visit successful?
Therefore it sounds like any attempted thefts where the obd has been tampered with have been unsuccessful for that reason.
What do previous posters think the thieves have done on first break in that will make a returrn visit successful?
I kind of understood that the first visit was to get the car's info onto a handheld OBD scanner, then a key could be coded later - I'm guessing maybe because it takes a while to code a key?
Another search finds this - CAS update for adding keys is different to comfort access removal via recoding -
Another search finds this - CAS update for adding keys is different to comfort access removal via recoding -
another website said:
So I emailed the dealer before I pick up the car with the following:
1. Can you confirm that the Car Access System (CAS) has been updated with the security fix which aims to prevent key cloning via the OBD port? I believe the CAS module needs to be updated to 9287535.
2. Can you confirm that the security fix for ‘comfort access’ has been disabled in the footwell module (FRM)? Apparently it’s easy to check by putting the key in the lock with the car locked, turning it anti-clockwise and holding it. If the windows drop then the security fix is not active.
These updates may have already been applied, but I felt it important to check in advance.
The dealer replied with:
"Security wise, the only update possible for the 330d is the comfort opening one. This can be done on the car but it may need booking in by you as 'the customer' to demonstrate to BMW that an owner has requested the software to be changed."
Is he saying that the 330d (it's a 2009/59) does not need the CAS update, it's not physically possible or it's not 'applicable' as it's already been done?
Now I'm confused!
Also, should I be charged for the request for the security update for the change to the window drop?
All that suggests that coding the CAS to update 9287535 prevents any theft via extra keys. I think 1. Can you confirm that the Car Access System (CAS) has been updated with the security fix which aims to prevent key cloning via the OBD port? I believe the CAS module needs to be updated to 9287535.
2. Can you confirm that the security fix for ‘comfort access’ has been disabled in the footwell module (FRM)? Apparently it’s easy to check by putting the key in the lock with the car locked, turning it anti-clockwise and holding it. If the windows drop then the security fix is not active.
These updates may have already been applied, but I felt it important to check in advance.
The dealer replied with:
"Security wise, the only update possible for the 330d is the comfort opening one. This can be done on the car but it may need booking in by you as 'the customer' to demonstrate to BMW that an owner has requested the software to be changed."
Is he saying that the 330d (it's a 2009/59) does not need the CAS update, it's not physically possible or it's not 'applicable' as it's already been done?
Now I'm confused!
Also, should I be charged for the request for the security update for the change to the window drop?
- EDIT **
Bmw did the security fix on our e89 at our request free of charge. I had letters from them regarding our x5 (since sold) but we had to ask over the z4.
You need to ask the garage if this has been done on the car,.. If it has they may have attempted to clone a key but failed. If it hasn't they may have the necessary info to clone a key and presumably may already have done so. If the latter ask bmw what they recommend you do.
You need to ask the garage if this has been done on the car,.. If it has they may have attempted to clone a key but failed. If it hasn't they may have the necessary info to clone a key and presumably may already have done so. If the latter ask bmw what they recommend you do.
M135i feels more agile and the gearbox was very quick and smooth, changes nicer than the DCT I have I think, it has better low end power but lacks high end, kinda like it's running out of poof while on the contrast the M3 comes alive after 6,000 rpm. Guess turbo vs NA that will be the case.
M3 you can tell the car is heavy and with mine being a E93 and not E92, the extra weight being a convertible comes apparent, may be just as quick as each other however was on unfamiliar roads and also a wet/damp road so was being careful.
The M3 sounds nicer and heavier to drive, on a wide open road the M3 will be more fun I think but on the roads I was on in M135i, that wins the fun factor I think.
however the M135i suits my needs better a lot more hence saying that way..
M3 you can tell the car is heavy and with mine being a E93 and not E92, the extra weight being a convertible comes apparent, may be just as quick as each other however was on unfamiliar roads and also a wet/damp road so was being careful.
The M3 sounds nicer and heavier to drive, on a wide open road the M3 will be more fun I think but on the roads I was on in M135i, that wins the fun factor I think.
however the M135i suits my needs better a lot more hence saying that way..
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