Would you use an OBD Protector to secure your car?

[AH33]

They just need to develop a system where you can remotely steer the car full of scrotes into a wall at 90mph and it'll be perfect

[anonymous-user]

Some scumbag almost got away with my M3. It has promoted me to relocate the OBD and put a sticker in the window;

[andy43]

seech said:

andy43 said:

They probably just have a relay in the fuel pump feed - this does - https://www.rewiresecurity.co.uk/103rs-car-vehicle...
It may be illegal to stop a moving vehicle, but hang on, who's driving it? Stuff 'em. The above will kill the car stone dead with one text message.

Thanks Andy. This looks quite good actually. Would this qualify as a tracker in the eyes of the insurance? Never really looked into whether they need to meet a particular standard like Thatcham.

Doubtful it's approved in any way. We had a similar bit of kit on my wife's car, less than 300 fitted IIRC, and it worked great - when the carjacking attempt did come (4 up, masks, gloves, driving a previously stolen car according to the police after a reg check) it was a light rear end shunt at lights designed to get her out of the car. It was unsuccessful as she just drove off, came home, and never set foot in her car again, but had they taken it it would have been simple to immobilise it.

Those OBD port stickers - I put one of those on my E91 330i. Not exactly a super-desirable car, but in 4 years of driveway parking it didn't go missing so there's a chance they work.

[Gareth79]

seech said:

oobster said:

I've been doing a bit of internet searching for an Autowatch Ghost, anyone else got one fitted and can offer their experiences?

Never heard of it but looks interesting. They also mention on their site that it is illegal in the UK to tamper with vehicle electrics whilst in motion.

Their website has a lot of rubbish on it, eg: "The only way a thief could take a Ghost protected car is by physically towing it away, even then they will never be able to drive it!"

But then "No wire cutting means safer installations / Immobilisation by communicating with the ECU / Uses the on-board CAN data network"

So... there is a way - it could just be unplugged?

[Brad B]

Gareth79 said:

Their website has a lot of rubbish on it, eg: "The only way a thief could take a Ghost protected car is by physically towing it away, even then they will never be able to drive it!"

But then "No wire cutting means safer installations / Immobilisation by communicating with the ECU / Uses the on-board CAN data network"

So... there is a way - it could just be unplugged?

Good luck finding it, goes just about anywhere and is smaller than your thumb. I have seen them fitted and when done right they are almost impossible to find even when you know the location they are fitted. All depends who fits it though.

[davemeldrumr32]

Hello SEECH,

I’ve just read your post and I am very sorry to hear that your pride and joy has been stolen by some scum.

Ref the OBD protection, I think it is a very good idea as it’s something I am looking into myself.

The easiest way for criminals is by cloning your keys frequency and this sounds like what happened to your M5.

I have the following items installed that I would strongly recommend you get the same on your next purchase:

Fit the following

1. ScorpionTrack (Annual subscription is £129)
2. Ghost 2 Immobiliser (This uses switches with in your car to act as a unique PIN so even if car keys are stolen or cloned the car cannot be stolen)
3. Ensure that you lock your car every time you leave it (Yes I know this sounds crazy but I’ve heard some owners have done this lol)
4. Buy a Faraday box to put your car keys in at night time as this will prevent cloning as they will be unable to scan for your keys frequency.(Also look at buying a RFID pouch in case a potential car thief follows you home so when locking your car be on the look out fir any dodgy cars/personnel as they might try to catch your cars frequency as you try to lock your car.
6. I’ve done a bit of research into car security systems and a system I would like to get fitted, it’s called a Pandora V2 Elite and costs £1,500 fitted (Just google search for Pandora V2 Elite and you will find the website)
7. Install HD wireless/battery operated Outdoor camera which you can control via mobile and IPad which will send you notifications when motion is detected.
8.if your car is parked on a driveway then fit retractable posts as a deterrent.


It seems like a lot of measures to get in place but it will defo stop future scum from taking your pride and joy. (We all work very hard to get our toys, I’m a Petrolhead like yourself with a few toys)

Good luck.

[usn90]

Arnold Cunningham said:

I have an "unlocked/cracked" iPhone 4 hidden in my car connected the battery so it's always on charge. Then I just use the FindFriends app and the "notify" feature.

Even if scrotes disconnect car battery, it still has about 3 days battery life on standby. Just logged in to it now - it's accurate to about 10 feet. Obvs won't stop it being stolen, but hopefully would increase chances of finding it quickly.

This was my inspiration/howto guide I used:
http://www.techonthego.co.uk/2014/02/how-to-create...

Edited by Arnold Cunningham on Thursday 21st September 18:54

Really like that idea

[davemeldrumr32]

Good idea with the OBD sticker.

I have seen a website (Germany I think but have forgotten it) that sells OBD protection devices.
Best devices I could highly recommend as a deterrent is a Ghost 2 immobiliser, RFID(Faraday pouches to block your keys frequency when in your house)Tracker with immobilisation and a Pandora V2 Elite car alarm system (Gets a high rating via you tube as the best available on the market Fitted for £1,500.

[Lee Jones Jnr]

seech said:

Apparently, a neighbour down the road was 'dragged into his RR Sport to start it' as the thieves couldn't work out how.

.

Move

[Arnie Cunningham]

I've actually upgraded from that to this:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

It's good.

usn90 said:

Really like that idea

[Nelka]

I’ve hidden my OBD & put one of these on it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OBDPRO-Fiesta-ST-MK7-5-...

[RazerSauber]

davemeldrumr32 said:

Hello SEECH,

I’ve just read your post and I am very sorry to hear that your pride and joy has been stolen by some scum.

Ref the OBD protection, I think it is a very good idea as it’s something I am looking into myself.

The easiest way for criminals is by cloning your keys frequency and this sounds like what happened to your M5.

I have the following items installed that I would strongly recommend you get the same on your next purchase:

Fit the following

1. ScorpionTrack (Annual subscription is £129)
2. Ghost 2 Immobiliser (This uses switches with in your car to act as a unique PIN so even if car keys are stolen or cloned the car cannot be stolen)
3. Ensure that you lock your car every time you leave it (Yes I know this sounds crazy but I’ve heard some owners have done this lol)
4. Buy a Faraday box to put your car keys in at night time as this will prevent cloning as they will be unable to scan for your keys frequency.(Also look at buying a RFID pouch in case a potential car thief follows you home so when locking your car be on the look out fir any dodgy cars/personnel as they might try to catch your cars frequency as you try to lock your car.
6. I’ve done a bit of research into car security systems and a system I would like to get fitted, it’s called a Pandora V2 Elite and costs £1,500 fitted (Just google search for Pandora V2 Elite and you will find the website)
7. Install HD wireless/battery operated Outdoor camera which you can control via mobile and IPad which will send you notifications when motion is detected.
8.if your car is parked on a driveway then fit retractable posts as a deterrent.


It seems like a lot of measures to get in place but it will defo stop future scum from taking your pride and joy. (We all work very hard to get our toys, I’m a Petrolhead like yourself with a few toys)

Good luck.

Holy thread resurrection, Batman!

What happened to point no. 5? That's a lot of effort to keep your vehicle safe! That's a few grand's worth of stuff right there. My local car security specialist does all sorts of alarms with extras on that are around the £500 mark.

As far as OBD ports go, I would probably have a look at moving the OBD port to a different location and using the existing OBD port as a device killer and wiring it all up to 12V. They stick their dongle in, wrong voltage down the wrong wire and blow their device. Just remember to put a notification on your key ring if you ever need to take your car to a garage.

[B'stard Child]

Arnie Cunningham said:

I've actually upgraded from that to this:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

It's good.

I like that approach