[fulcrum]

No BMW fix!

Dear Mr Owen

Thank you for your most recent email dated August 23, 2012, addressed to Mr Harkan Suleyman, Customer Service Manager, BMW UK. In the absence of Mr Suleyman, your correspondence has been to me for a response.

I was sorry to learn of your concerns regarding the security of your BMW 3 Series. At this time, I am unaware of any software update for your vehicle that will modify the function of the OBD port in your vehicle and as such, I can confirm that a BMW Approved Dealership will not be able to carry such work out.

As a matter of continuing development, we regularly look to upgrade and modify the software functions within our vehicle range and as such, I would recommend continuing to liaise with your local BMW Approved Dealership to ascertain if and when any updates become available for your vehicle. At such time as an upgrade becomes available, the dealership will also be able to make suitable arrangements for your vehicle to be booked in for any remedial work to be completed.

In closing, I am sorry that you have had further cause to write to us, however, I trust that this information offers some clarity on the matter for you.

[Cyprio]

If E9x alarm systems are as crap as some people are saying, then unfortunately its looking essential to have some kind of third party alarm installed if only to prevent airbag theft!

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by Securemycar

I can't go into detail about what we do to the OBD port to protect my customers who have already had this done to their BMW. The less people that know, the harder it is. But rest assured all our installs are done to the highest standard and look almost 100% factory. We even order in the cloth harness tape from Germany, to match the original BMW wiring. This makes it harder to locate our wiring.

Looking 100% factory would've been something desirable a few years back but now we need to advertise the additional security, in huge letters, to hopefully deter the scumbags who see our cars as easy money. What indications are there that security has been upgraded?

[shortie]

Originally Posted by IanS100

Looking 100% factory would've been something desirable a few years back but now we need to advertise the additional security, in huge letters, to hopefully deter the scumbags who see our cars as easy money. What indications are there that security has been upgraded?

I think what Anthony is trying to say that the actual install of the alarm, all the wiring etc looks factory install, you cant see whats been added so they cant pull it out.

Normal window stickers plus a nice blue flashing Viper sign in the front window draws your attention straight away

Like this but viper not clifford

The interior antenna thing hidden behind the rearview mirror also has a nice blue led that flashes and lights the interior. Will try and get you a video of mine tonight.

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by shortie

I think what Anthony is trying to say that the actual install of the alarm, all the wiring etc looks factory install

Hi shortie, that’s what I understood, just wasn’t that eloquent with my response

Originally Posted by shortie

Normal window stickers plus a nice blue flashing Viper sign in the front window draws your attention straight away

The interior antenna thing hidden behind the rearview mirror also has a nice blue led that flashes and lights the interior. Will try and get you a video of mine tonight.

Cheers, hopefully it pays to advertise when it comes to security, will look forward to seeing the vid

[Securemycar]

Ive fitted at least 30 viper alarm systems across the country on bmw forecourt. Half were also organised by BMW salesmen for there customer when purchasing a car from them.

As for firmware update, our canbus modules are completely independent from the BMW canbus network. They piggy back on to the network. Updating the cars firmware does not affect our modules in anyway or vice versa.

[IanS100]

I'm very interested in this, would you do the installation on Merseyside or would it be someone local.

I don't want remote start so which product would you recommend for a 2010 e90

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by fulcrum

No BMW fix!

Dear Mr Owen

Thank you for your most recent email dated August 23, 2012, addressed to Mr Harkan Suleyman, Customer Service Manager, BMW UK. In the absence of Mr Suleyman, your correspondence has been to me for a response.

I was sorry to learn of your concerns regarding the security of your BMW 3 Series. At this time, I am unaware of any software update for your vehicle that will modify the function of the OBD port in your vehicle and as such, I can confirm that a BMW Approved Dealership will not be able to carry such work out.

As a matter of continuing development, we regularly look to upgrade and modify the software functions within our vehicle range and as such, I would recommend continuing to liaise with your local BMW Approved Dealership to ascertain if and when any updates become available for your vehicle. At such time as an upgrade becomes available, the dealership will also be able to make suitable arrangements for your vehicle to be booked in for any remedial work to be completed.

In closing, I am sorry that you have had further cause to write to us, however, I trust that this information offers some clarity on the matter for you.

+1
Such a shame!

I don't know who spread the rumors about OBD fix. I keep an eye on BMW firmwares and keep looking for such things (massive improvment). If there was a patch for CAS module to rectify this, I would be trying that on my car first and writing a review in UK coders section.
Unfortunately, there is none so far.

I'm confused now. Shall I spend money on viper alarm??? It is tempting.
I am disabling my obd port and surely my car cannot be stolen. However, an airbag and other things can be stolen if OEM alarm is that rubbish. It is £500 vs airbag.



Can somebody e-mail links of all these threads (on BMW security issues) to BMW customer services managers and post links of these thread on their FB / Twitter pages? I would include BB, CC to their Head office in Germany as well.

If they cannot rectify these issues, surely they don't deserve their name in good books.

[IanS100]

I must admit, it never occured to me, when I bought the car, that I'd be have to consider spending £500 on additional security!

[fulcrum]

£585!

But to be fair cheaper by far than anywhere else.

[Billyray911]

Originally Posted by fulcrum

£585!

But to be fair cheaper by far than anywhere else.

And possibly cheaper as part of a groupbuy...maybe!

[Cyprio]

Is the £585 for a base system. Which modules do you get for that price?

Cheers.

[Robin330i]

Relocating OBD port - £0 + Steering wheel Disclok - £50 = £50

vs

Alarm system - £500 +

mmmmmmmmmmmmm..................

[MEGA]

Originally Posted by Robin330i

Relocating OBD port - £0 + Steering wheel Disclok - £50 = £50

vs

Alarm system - £500 +

mmmmmmmmmmmmm..................

Cost of new interior: Over £1000.

Cost of new iDrive system / dash: Over £3000.


We can play hypothetical cost games all day. Point is I don't personally really want them in my car in the first place ??

[zltm089]

Got my disklok!....£84 from halfords!!!...basterds...if only we had harsher punishment for these cocktards...

just need to sort out my barbed wires now...

[Securemycar]

2 weeks ago, I had a customers car in with a 2010 BMW X5. Bmw charged his insurance £17,000. They had the car for 4 weeks and replaced every major module in the car! Including all the idrive system!!

Viper alarm comes with a pager remote which works up to 2000 feet
The can bus module which is used to digitally talk to the car
Upgraded impact sensor
Upgraded internal motion sensor
6 tone siren
Protection to the boot bonnet and doors
External warm away sensor
Extra immobiliser
And mosts importantly OBD port protection.
£550 fitted

[IanS100]

Do you cover Merseyside?

[Securemycar]

Not normally, no but i can if there is more than one car. Otherwise its to far up for me to travel. Another option is to get yourself to Birmigham area?

[IanS100]

No Prob, how long does fitting take?

[Securemycar]

Viper 5202 package takes about 2-3 hours to fit. I pre-wire all the alarm systems the night before ready for installation. This cuts the fitting time down by 50%.

[TripleBlack]

Originally Posted by vblanche

the dealer must have been very happy, I bet they like this kind of customer...maybe they are involved in these thefts to increase their sales...joking !!

bet the bloke thought "that would teach em" when he bought a new one and fitted the alarm right there! Like the phrase, cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Just wondering if its possible to steal these cars straight off the forecourt. You are allowed to get in them and fiddle about, what's to stop someone from programming a key whilst smiling and winking at the receptionist?

[TripleBlack]

Originally Posted by Securemycar

Hi all,

I also enquired with Pentagan when having my windows tinted about the supaglas. I was told because my car is pillarless it's a waste of time and money. Because the glass hasnt got a metal frame surrounding the glass, it just pops out! So I didn't bother.
.

At least it would slow them down a bit. It wouldn't smash the glass and they would probably have to knock it really hard before any damage would be done to the windows, frame work, mechanism and door.
Again slowing them down is the key at the end of the day right?