[Rhino at Work]

Originally Posted by user1811

So if my insurer offers me a Fiat and I decline, GAP insurance wouldn't pay?

Personally I wouldn't be put off by that clause. Realistically I can't see it ever happening.

[Lifted vision]

Considering security. I have seen two mentions of people not having problems with this immobilizer system. The dealer is warning against it so any other replies positive or negative would be appreciated.

[Lifted vision]

I understand thieves plugging into the OBD is a thing, allowing them to code a new blank key. Does anyone have any experience of locks that prevent access to the OBD?

[paulockenden]

I thought the OBD vulnerability was fixed several years ago?

[rodc271]

Originally Posted by paulockenden

I thought the OBD vulnerability was fixed several years ago?

Exactly what I thought. I am sure that the OBD port is disabled when the car is locked.

[Soul_Glo]

Originally Posted by rodc271

Exactly what I thought. I am sure that the OBD port is disabled when the car is locked.

Yes it is disabled with car locked.

[bmnut]

Originally Posted by rodc271

Exactly what I thought. I am sure that the OBD port is disabled when the car is locked.

It is as far as I'm aware!

[Soul_Glo]

The car has a key that goes to sleep. With a motion sensor inside and placed on a stable stationary surface it will de-activate in under a minute. It’s during that minute which is what counts. So that’s where a secure pouch or box comes in handy. Good practice is to lock the car and pouch the key.

A small number of thefts have therefore taken place once the owner has parked up and gone inside with key in hand. Back turned they enter their home with key still active.

The key itself is not immune to relay attacks. Code sniffing is still a thing. As is roll jamming. So if you hit lock on the key and the locks do not lock, assuming you key battery is okay, check for any suspicious individuals nearby (or suspicious devices).

If someone wants it that bad they will take it.

A steering lock is a deterrent.
Other measures might include an additional immobiliser such as the Pandora Storm (Bluetooth), Autowatch Ghost, Compustar etc.

Doesn’t seem to be much of a market for G20 stolen parts at the moment but that could change.

[vadimo]

I have very high spec M340i and it is used so I don't have GAP therfore I don't want to loose the car and then insurance settling a sum for which I have to find new car.

Also my block of flats is secure to park car but I do worry when car is parked elsewhere.

So adding like Ghost makes sense, another layer of protection.

[Soul_Glo]

Originally Posted by vadimo

I have very high spec M340i and it is used so I don't have GAP therfore I don't want to loose the car and then insurance settling a sum for which I have to find new car.

Also my block of flats is secure to park car but I do worry when car is parked elsewhere.

So adding like Ghost makes sense, another layer of protection.

Sounds good. Ghost is an option. Everything has pros and cons. On my F32 I had Pandora. It’s a Russian security company. Very high tech. They have more products in their range and some owners have opted for a Pandora Storm. It’s a secure tag so no need to enter a PIN like with Ghost.

Here is a review of a full blown Pandora set up I wrote some years ago:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1417501

I’m in the same boat otherwise. Home security is fine. Going places that look shady or I haven’t been before I sometimes break out the steering disk lock. In theory you might be fine though. Say you went somewhere. Locked the car. Pouch the key in a faraday bag. Then return to your car and set off. It’s okay. Not enough opportunities for a relay attack. Unless constantly locking and unlocking. Even with a roll jam. You will notice the car hasn’t locked and act accordingly. In cases like that. Rather than pressing the fob again and again to give the thief opportunity.. I would go via the BMW app to lock.

Driveway posts (bollards), use a garage if you have one and car fits.. electric garage door opener. The locking gear is stronger than any padlock.. built in locks can be cut out with tin snips.. a tidy front yard.. overgrowth makes it look like no one is really home.. a dog.. the list goes on..

On the G20. I haven’t bothered with Ghost. A simple faraday pouch. Leave keys in a faraday box in kitchen overnight. Put my efforts into home security instead.

Good on you for buying with cash for used. Finance makes sense for new. Although GAP is available for used cars too.

Hope that helps.

[Soul_Glo]

Here’s a final thought. Kill switch. DIY.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233693006157

[paulockenden]

Many many many many moons ago a friend put a simple toggle switch on the power supply to the petrol pump of his Triumph Stag. Switch was under the driver’s seat - tiny thing - you wouldn’t see it unless you knew it was there.

I lost count of the times we’d set off in that car and limp to a halt 50 yards down the road because he’d forgotten to flip that switch!

[Beemer5to3]

Originally Posted by paulockenden

Many many many many moons ago a friend put a simple toggle switch on the power supply to the petrol pump of his Triumph Stag. Switch was under the driver’s seat - tiny thing - you wouldn’t see it unless you knew it was there.

I lost count of the times we’d set off in that car and limp to a halt 50 yards down the road because he’d forgotten to flip that switch!

Reminds me when my mate used to have a RS turbo swapped Mk1 fiesta - he had a snap off boss kit, so he could just take the steering wheel off, and he also used to just take a couple of the HT leads off too. Ain’t going anywhere without those