[nil98]

Which if either would u spend ur money on? Would they destroy the car trying to start it if immobilised? They seem wise to trackers.
Thoughts?

[paulockenden]

GAP insurance beats either, I reckon. I don't really want my car back if it gets stolen - I'll have a new one instead.

[nil98]

Originally Posted by paulockenden

GAP insurance beats either, I reckon. I don't really want my car back if it gets stolen - I'll have a new one instead.

I think that’s the decision isn’t it I agree. Tho the reality and disruption of that actually happening and all the hassle claiming it back.

[Charlisdad]

Had a tracker in my M340D and to be honest it was a pain in the arse. Batteries in the fobs only lasted about 4 months and having Comfort access was a waste as I had to carry a fob anyway.

[MisterG]

Neither.

Otherwise Tracker - if forced to by the insurance company.

Personally don't see the attraction of a ghost immobiliser etc - yes it may stop your car getting stolen via relay/keyless theft - but it increases the risk of the scum confronting you or family to get the car started if they come into the house for the keys....

Obviously id also always recommend doing the basics to make the scum's job as difficult as possible - faraday pouch for the keys, secure snap-proof locks on the house doors etc..

[alFR]

Out of the two I'd opt for a tracker but only because it seems to widen the pool of available insurance options.

[AP]

Although not part of your question but I think worth suggesting is a steering lock

[Datboireal]

To add to the discussion I've gone a bit OTT since I got my M340i last year. Faraday pouches for both keys, tracker and ghost immobiliser installed plus I've got a full steering wheel disklock for a visual deterant and steering wheel protection (their stealing the steering wheels alot nowadays too). Not to mention a German Shepherd if any would be thieves tries breaking in to steal the keys

[nil98]

Pick it up tomorrow - can’t believe I did it - M3T. Will start with the gap insurance as that’s a no brainer. Already spent 1500 on ppf front end so the funds are thin! I had a £90 tracker nano in the old 340 which insurance company provided but it’s not transferable of course.

Thx for all your comments and guidance.

[paulockenden]

You guys really don’t need Faraday bags for recent BMWs - only for cars that are very old, from the very first generation of comfort access. Certainly not a problem with G2x models. The keys put themselves to sleep pretty quickly when they aren’t in your pocket. You can easily test this for yourself. Put the key on the floor near the car. For a minute or so the can will lock and unlock when you touch the handle, but pretty quickly it’ll stop responding. Then move the key a bit and it’ll start working again.

[The_Tok'Ra]

Originally Posted by paulockenden

You guys really don’t need Faraday bags for recent BMWs - only for cars that are very old, from the very first generation of comfort access. Certainly not a problem with G2x models. The keys put themselves to sleep pretty quickly when they aren’t in your pocket. You can easily test this for yourself. Put the key on the floor near the car. For a minute or so the can will lock and unlock when you touch the handle, but pretty quickly it’ll stop responding. Then move the key a bit and it’ll start working again.

Paul is right, no need for faraday cage for a G2x car, but... I'm very grateful that the car knows when the key fob is inside the car or not.

That's twice now that my keys and fob have fallen out my pocket onto the car seat while I was driving.

I hop out and try to lock the car by putting my finger on the ribbed part of the door handle, but it does not respond i.e. lock. I try again, nothing. Oh!, the keys are on my drivers seat, that's why. Doh!

Thank F for that!!

[sjb993]

Originally Posted by nil98

Pick it up tomorrow - can’t believe I did it - M3T. Will start with the gap insurance as that’s a no brainer. Already spent 1500 on ppf front end so the funds are thin! I had a £90 tracker nano in the old 340 which insurance company provided but it’s not transferable of course.

Thx for all your comments and guidance.

If you have the MyBMW App, you can use Valet Mode to prevent thieves from deactivating its location tracker (i.e. by preventing them from disabling it by changing the relevant privacy setting).

[lnlyssg]

Originally Posted by sjb993

If you have the MyBMW App, you can use Valet Mode to prevent thieves from deactivating its location tracker (i.e. by preventing them from disabling it by changing the relevant privacy setting).

Having watched a fair few salvage videos on YouTube most dedicated thieves will physically remove or disconnect the GPS module after stealing the car.

[srbs73]

Originally Posted by lnlyssg

Having watched a fair few salvage videos on YouTube most dedicated thieves will physically remove or disconnect the GPS module after stealing the car.

My friends X5 was stolen last year and the telematics box was found in a hedge a few hundred yards away.

[Hongning]

Originally Posted by sjb993

If you have the MyBMW App, you can use Valet Mode to prevent thieves from deactivating its location tracker (i.e. by preventing them from disabling it by changing the relevant privacy setting).

Is it possible to start valet from the app if it isn't already in valet mode? Can't seem to find the option in the app.

[sjb993]

Originally Posted by lnlyssg

Having watched a fair few salvage videos on YouTube most dedicated thieves will physically remove or disconnect the GPS module after stealing the car.

Where are the GPS and telematics units located?

[sjb993]

Originally Posted by Hongning

Is it possible to start valet from the app if it isn't already in valet mode? Can't seem to find the option in the app.

I don't think so.

[lnlyssg]

Originally Posted by sjb993

Where are the GPS and telematics units located?

I think it's in the roof lining under the shark fin

[JG66]

...I have so many spare mobiles have thought of getting a PAYG sim card, activating 'Find My Mobile' linked to my principal phone and then having a combo of a slim battery power pack combo to hide both somewhere in my G21...

It's just been a thought & haven't yet tested & tried out the configuration to see how long the battery pack + phone combo charge will last on standby. The plan is to remove all apps & reset the phone to factory. Then obviously put on Silent mode.

worth a try ? anyone done this set up ?

[srbs73]

I used to have a Spytrack Nano (https://www.rewiresecurity.co.uk/buy-spytrack) in the armrest but it stopped working and didn’t bother replacing.

I’m just using a steering lock and hidden Apple AirTags (with speaker removed) now.

[vadimo]

Originally Posted by nil98

Which if either would u spend ur money on? Would they destroy the car trying to start it if immobilised? They seem wise to trackers.
Thoughts?

1. Immobilizer for anti theft, most common scenario people imagine is car at home and they get forced from their home bed but this is more for public security i.e. you gone shopping and car is parked.

2. GPS tracker S7 or S5 Thatcham approved, its installed and wired to the fuse box, these also have built in battery for back up last up to 6 months

3. Steering lock in yellow, more as visual deterrent

[330Stevie]

Faraday pouch still useful in public car parks. For example,You lock your car at a motorway services. Walk into get a coffee etc, key is in motion pretty much the time you walk in. Scum sat in transit van watching for high end cars. Scan the key as you walk away and they are in etc.