Scary Theft!

[TitanTim]

I wonder if the "device" the criminals use can continue to be used instead of the fob? As soon as the criminals stop the car, surely the car can't be used anymore?

Or am I missing something?

When I have the keyfob on me and I leave the car you get a warning appearing on the dash but the car will carry on running, I'm pretty sure you could could still drive it away without the key as the engine is running anyways, you would have to clone a key to be able to start it up again.

Tim.

[shawna]

Once the car is started even if you throw away the key it keeps on running.

[ric19]

Well I'm guesing they are sending a powerful enough signal to the keyfob to get it to activate and then picking up that signal with some kind of antenna and then emulating the returned key with a laptop or something

[ric19]

Yes my M140i has comfort access, I've always been careful when locking the car and ensured the alarm is armed with the red light blinking but this story is taking it to a new level. I didn't realise the keyfob emits a continous signal.

Tim.

They don't, it's based on NFC or Near Field Communication. When it receives a signal it energises the circuit and allows it to power up

So whatever the low life are using they must be boosting the signal from the keyfob to the car? a little like a wifi extender?

Tim.

Well I'm guesing they are sending a powerful enough signal to the keyfob to get it to activate and then picking up that signal with some kind of antenna and then emulating the returned key with a laptop or something

[greg81]

Just put your keys in your microwave when you get home.

That only works if you also turn it on though...

[gannet]

I read this last night and was also concerned - the new MINI has comfort access...

Think I'll be getting a metal tin - if only for peace of mind.

Any excuse Man Tin

[un1eash]

I was all set on getting comfort access on my M140i but after hearing about this didn't spec it.
Haven't tried with the 1 but our 5 won't let you drive away without the key even if the engine is still running.

This article explains how they do it with easily accessible tech.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... -cars.html

[TitanTim]

I was all set on getting comfort access on my M140i but after hearing about this didn't spec it.
Haven't tried with the 1 but our 5 won't let you drive away without the key even if the engine is still running.

This article explains how they do it with easily accessible tech.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... -cars.html

I wouldn't let it put you off to be honest, comfort access or not if someone wants a car they will take it regardless. Glad I have it on mine I think parking the car especially at home you just need to take sensible precautions which makes nicking the car harder, lock it in the garage at night etc and ensure you have GAP insurance if a newer car should the worst happen.

Tim.

[DPG]

How about something like this for in the house?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222043788555

Suppose if the scum want your car bad enough then they'll just break in and demand the keys.

[buzyg]

Best security is out of sight out of mind. Not fool proof and often not possible, but it works well.

[TitanTim]

I might consider one of those pouches of some sorts if they actually work

Tim.