Thread: BBC Watchdog (12th September 2012) - BMW Thefts Without Keys

In reponse to Moderator Mark@Vorny.co.uk's request...

BBC News Article: BBC News - BMW owners hit by hi-tech theft
Warwickshire Police Article: NHW NB & NW Increase in thefts of BMW vehicles, without keys, across the Midlands Region. Please check vehicles are locked — Warwickshire Police Safer Neighbourhoods

Vehicles
My understanding is that the following vehicles are either affected or could be affected:
E63 - 6 Series (coupe)
E64 - 6 Series (convertible)
E65 - 7 Series
E70 - X5
E71 - X6
E81 - 1 Series (3-door hatchback)
E82 - 1 Series (coupe)
E83 - X3
E84 - X1
E87 - 1 Series (5-door hatchback)
E88 - 1 Series (convertible)
E89 - Z Series (coupe/convertible)
E90 - 3 Series (saloon)
E91 - 3 Series (touring)
E92 - 3 Series (coupe)
E93 - 3 Series (convertible)

Vulnerability
Vehicles fitted with CAS 2 and CAS 3 modules, can have a new blank immobliser key programmed with certain 3rd party automotive locksmith software, via the OBD socket, and thus be stolen without the original keys.

Solution
Take your car down to your local BMW dealer or a technically proficient BMW electronics specialist, and ask for the SOPT-enabled CAS (Car Access Sytem) firmware update. Cars with the SOPT-enabled CAS firmware, can only have a new immobiliser key programmed if another original immobiliser key is present. If you have had your car serviced at a BMW dealer within the last year, chances-are you already have the SOPT update. Older BMW cars fitted with EWS, EWS 2 and EWS 3 modules are not affected by this vunerability. New F-chassis BMW cars are also not affected by this vunerability, as they are fitted with CAS 4 modules which already have the SOPT feature enabled.

I hope this helps.

Kind Regards,
FAL

Great info and thread stuck

Yes, good info. Doesn't tally up with what BMW are telling everybody about the 8 week wait until the 3 Series can be updated though?

Mine was at the dealer 2 weeks ago for a Service, but doubt they applied anything new... will have to ask.

Originally Posted by cforehead

Yes, good info. Doesn't tally up with what BMW are telling everybody about the 8 week wait until the 3 Series can be updated though?

You're welcome. I believe the "8 week wait" relates to a CAS firmware update for entry into the vehicle itself, in response to the crims managing to get into the vehicles ...but i'm not 100% sure on that just yet.

Cheers. Can't be bothered to ring the dealer - I'll give them a couple of months and wait for my letter. Considering buying a dummy OBD port for the minute...

Disklok, then they won't even touch the vehicle in the first place.

Disklok UK | Car Steering Lock, Car Security, Full Lock

Don't remember where, but I read somewhere someone was going to get another obd socket and run 12v through every pin, stick that in the regular place and relocate the proper socket

Originally Posted by Dansinclair11

Don't remember where, but I read somewhere someone was going to get another obd socket and run 12v through every pin, stick that in the regular place and relocate the proper socket

12V through every pin wouldn't do anything. No potential difference

I never waited for my letter with regard to the OBD update, while I was in our local Stealership having the MINI Slow serviced a couple of weeks ago I booked it in - it took them a couple of hours for the software update, but the low life scummy thieves can't nick it like that now...

I need to mention this to the dealer as I understand that the E70 is vulnerable too. What exactly did you ask for Kev?