[andrew0871]

I have just received my copy of AutoExpress (Issue 1221) - Page 16 has an article on Keyless Cloning and makes particular reference to BMW owners. Something we have all seen discussed on this and other forums is now being recognised in the press.

BMW have refused to comment, I wonder what would happen if we all got in touch with BMW customer services over the next few days as concerned owners?

[andrew0871]

Here's the article -

[coopersim]

Thanks for the article, I have emailed BMW as I am becoming more and more concerned about this

[obert]

We should all be worried about this, just wondering who should be call/contact at BMW about this ?

I am sure my local dealer would not even care about this.

[rich1068]

This sort of thing always makes me wonder about some of the items that pop up in the classifieds section.

[obert]

Is this more of a UK problem then a US problem ?

[Ste133]

I must admit that I'm concerned at the amount of media that this problem is receiving.

On another note, it's making me think twice about the paperwork that I leave in the car (service book, history, insurance details etc).

How long can BMW ignore this for?

[Guvernator]

Would it be worth trying to contact Watchdog about this? It can be done quite easily through this link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/gotastory/

If everyone took just 5 minutes to fill out the online form, this would have a good chance of getting picked up, especially if we all mention that this has now been publicised in many well known national magazines\papers. I bet BMW would be forced to acknowledge and do something about it if it made it onto national television through Watchdog.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by Ste133

I must admit that I'm concerned at the amount of media that this problem is receiving.

On another note, it's making me think twice about the paperwork that I leave in the car (service book, history, insurance details etc).

How long can BMW ignore this for?

You live in London and you leave all that in your car?

Why on earth would you want insurance details in the car? Is you cashcard pin in their too?

I don't even leave my sunglasses in the car!

[andrew0871]

Good call Guvernator, I have just filled out the WatchDog form.

My GAP insurance runs out in 10 months, after this I am a lot more worried about my car being stolen!

[whoosh]

Seems the solution is to build a strongbox around the OBD port that must be opened with a key.

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by obert

We should all be worried about this, just wondering who should be call/contact at BMW about this ?

I am sure my local dealer would not even care about this.

Umpteen people over on Pistonheads have contacted BMW,no one has had a response that acknowledges the problem,and the standard response is that the cars meet current security standards

[Ste133]

Originally Posted by doughboy

You live in London and you leave all that in your car?

Why on earth would you want insurance details in the car? Is you cashcard pin in their too?

I don't even leave my sunglasses in the car!

I keep all my papers in the car in case I ever get pulled over or need them in an emergency/crash or any other reason. However, I'm thinking about scanning them as PDF's and just keeping them on my smartphone...

Watchdog sounds like a good idea but I would prefer a 'fix' before watchdog informs the whole country that our lovely BMW's are there for the taking...

[m1bjr]

Originally Posted by Ste133

How long can BMW ignore this for?

At least as long as wheels cracking is my guess

[obert]

Originally Posted by Ste133

I keep all my papers in the car in case I ever get pulled over or need them in an emergency/crash or any other reason. However, I'm thinking about scanning them as PDF's and just keeping them on my smartphone...

Watchdog sounds like a good idea but I would prefer a 'fix' before watchdog informs the whole country that our lovely BMW's are there for the taking...

Yeah it is good to get the info out there for a fix but at the same time we are letting all the crooks know how they car steal our cars !

[rich1068]

I've mentioned it before but that's exactly what happened with the VW/Audi/Skoda/SEAT convenience lock/unlock issue. As soon as Anne Robinson opened her collagen pumped gob there was a collective groan across every VAG forum out there. We all knew about it and now so did the world.

[sparkie]

I'm sure I read somewhere that when your car is in BMW for works they are altering the OBD port so that is not +ve anymore but were not telling anyone? I can't remember where though..
Piston Heads guys are going to extremes lengthening it into the boot or trying to hide somewhere. If the thieves want your car they will just take it off you.

I leave my garage key and car keys on the stairs so if anyone breaks in they can take the keys rather then come upstairs and chin me for them.
When the car is parked outside I use the Krooklock thing.

[BIFCAIDS]

Chin you for them FLOL that comment has made my day.

[rich1068]

Originally Posted by sparkie

I leave my garage key and car keys on the stairs so if anyone breaks in they can take the keys rather then come upstairs and chin me for them.

A sad state of affairs but I'm with you. My keys aren't hidden or taken to bed with me because at the end of the day it's just a car. The other thing to keep in mind is what might happen to someone I find in the house while my wife and children are sleeping. I'm not a violent man but you know, I could do without the hassle.

[Cyprio]

Originally Posted by sparkie

I'm sure I read somewhere that when your car is in BMW for works they are altering the OBD port so that is not +ve anymore but were not telling anyone? I can't remember where though..
Piston Heads guys are going to extremes lengthening it into the boot or trying to hide somewhere. If the thieves want your car they will just take it off you.

I leave my garage key and car keys on the stairs so if anyone breaks in they can take the keys rather then come upstairs and chin me for them.
When the car is parked outside I use the Krooklock thing.

Well, I've extended my obd port with an adaptor cable purchased off ebay and I've also placed a warning sticker on drivers-side window, it really is not that hard, plus i can easily put it back to oem when the car goes in for any work. Also have a disklok as back-up.

[sparkie]

Originally Posted by Cyprio

Well, I've extended my obd port with an adaptor cable purchased off ebay and I've also placed a warning sticker on drivers-side window, it really is not that hard, plus i can easily put it back to oem when the car goes in for any work. Also have a disklok as back-up.

Yea I seen this option but don't fancy a sticker on my window and I'll settle for the krook lock. Can these guys read anyway?

[obert]

Originally Posted by Cyprio

Well, I've extended my obd port with an adaptor cable purchased off ebay and I've also placed a warning sticker on drivers-side window, it really is not that hard, plus i can easily put it back to oem when the car goes in for any work. Also have a disklok as back-up.

Could you help me find the extention you are talking about ?