Security

[mijoed]

I have recently placed an order for an X5 hybrid MSport, which I'll hopefully see in about four months.
When checking with several insurance companies for how much the insurance would be, they all specified that a Tracker must be installed as the X5 is currently the most stolen vehicle in the UK.
One company even hinted that they would prefer that comfort access was not installed after a spate of thefts (U.K.) that were attributed to thieves supposedly using signal amplifiers to amplify the signal from the keys in the house to open and start cars. As it happens, I didn't select comfort access.
I'm curious to know if people take additional security precautions or rely on the BMW installed Thatcham 1 alarm to protect their X5.
Thanks.

[ams3177]

Originally Posted by mijoed

I have recently placed an order for an X5 hybrid MSport, which I'll hopefully see in about four months.
When checking with several insurance companies for how much the insurance would be, they all specified that a Tracker must be installed as the X5 is currently the most stolen vehicle in the UK.
One company even hinted that they would prefer that comfort access was not installed after a spate of thefts (U.K.) that were attributed to thieves supposedly using signal amplifiers to amplify the signal from the keys in the house to open and start cars. As it happens, I didn't select comfort access.
I'm curious to know if people take additional security precautions or rely on the BMW installed Thatcham 1 alarm to protect their X5.
Thanks.

So when I enquired with my insurer about how much the difference will be if I fit one of the approved tracker vs the standard security measure as supplied by BMW, the answer was just £30 (for year) hence decided not to go ahead with tracker, instead spent money on GAP insurance (return to invoice) and BMW fitted dash cam (for other security reasons not for the one stated by you)

[mijoed]

Do BMW have their own specific make of dash cam or did you source that yourself?

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by ams3177

So when I enquired with my insurer about how much the difference will be if I fit one of the approved tracker vs the standard security measure as supplied by BMW, the answer was just £30 (for year) hence decided not to go ahead with tracker, instead spent money on GAP insurance (return to invoice) and BMW fitted dash cam (for other security reasons not for the one stated by you)

Hi, can you please let us know whether BMW dashcam makes any rattle noise (with music on more loud or rougher pavements). Thanks

[ianfp]

I think the vehicle location App is a tracker. If you use the BMW connected drive App, there is an option to enable tracker. The location of the car can be checked on your phone.

BMW have advertised a dash cam and I am waiting for further details from them. I have been waiting for a few weeks though!

The camera is labelled as BMW, but it looks like a standard high resolution camera from someone like Fuji.

[ams3177]

Originally Posted by mijoed

Do BMW have their own specific make of dash cam or did you source that yourself?

I went for the BMW Advanced Car Eye (front and rear both); there was a promotion when I bought it, it was £399 fully fitted with cables hidden and power sourced from fuse box as recommended by BMW. I am not sure of the offer if still available, check with your dealer and they should be able to fit it for you before you can take delivery.

[ams3177]

Originally Posted by 1230vani

Hi, can you please let us know whether BMW dashcam makes any rattle noise (with music on more loud or rougher pavements). Thanks

None that I have noticed.

In fact there were some comments about interference with DAB because of GPS chip and I was slightly worried but till date I have not noticed any issues (fingers crossed)

[ams3177]

Originally Posted by ianfp

I think the vehicle location App is a tracker. If you use the BMW connected drive App, there is an option to enable tracker. The location of the car can be checked on your phone.

BMW have advertised a dash cam and I am waiting for further details from them. I have been waiting for a few weeks though!

The camera is labelled as BMW, but it looks like a standard high resolution camera from someone like Fuji.

You are correct about the connected drive app, there is a setting in the iDrive (need to check exact menu path) but it will enable Vehicle Tracking allowing you to track vehicle via the connected drive services.

Have you asked your dealer about the BMW Advanced Car eye? Because as said in one of my earlier reply, BMW was promoting it for £399 fully fitted (i believe the previous price was £799 fully fitted - when I checked couple of years back for my 5 series)

Also agree on your comment about it is looking like a digital point and shoot camera but it gives me better peace of mind to allow me to ignore its appearance.

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by ams3177

None that I have noticed.

In fact there were some comments about interference with DAB because of GPS chip and I was slightly worried but till date I have not noticed any issues (fingers crossed)

Thanks!!

[Iaro]

Is this available in the U.S.?

[retx]

Sorry to hijack you UK folks' conversation, if I remember correctly, in US, this is what I learn -

If your BMW is equipped with BMW Assistant/BMW Connected Drive and is ever stolen, notify the BMW Assist Response Center by calling toll free BMW hotline immediately after filing your police report. The response specialist can remotely activate your BMW Assist system to locate your vehicle and then help the police recover it. This feature may even reduce your comprehensive insurance premium.

You can also track your vehicle location (the last parking location?) by BMW Connected App in your mobile devices.

Did I miss something here? My insurer ever said my car has the GPS tracking built-in, and installing the additional GPS tracking (like LoJack) won't help you save too much per year. Maybe it's because I'm living in NYC, I have to pay high premium anyway.

[retx]

Originally Posted by mijoed

I have recently placed an order for an X5 hybrid MSport, which I'll hopefully see in about four months.
When checking with several insurance companies for how much the insurance would be, they all specified that a Tracker must be installed as the X5 is currently the most stolen vehicle in the UK.
One company even hinted that they would prefer that comfort access was not installed after a spate of thefts (U.K.) that were attributed to thieves supposedly using signal amplifiers to amplify the signal from the keys in the house to open and start cars. As it happens, I didn't select comfort access.
I'm curious to know if people take additional security precautions or rely on the BMW installed Thatcham 1 alarm to protect their X5.
Thanks.

Back to the topic, I recalled these news in the past, and they all talked about Faraday pouches or bags to protect the key fobs, or even ask you to hide the key fobs in the fridge-like box. Our E-ZPass toll system transponder unit also comes with the bag.

I am thinking if $5 Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil can help. People can get the small piece of foil to double wrap up the key fob when walking away from the car. The whole roll may be good for a long period of time.

[ams3177]

Originally Posted by retx

Sorry to hijack you UK folks' conversation, if I remember correctly, in US, this is what I learn -

If your BMW is equipped with BMW Assistant/BMW Connected Drive and is ever stolen, notify the BMW Assist Response Center by calling toll free BMW hotline immediately after filing your police report. The response specialist can remotely activate your BMW Assist system to locate your vehicle and then help the police recover it. This feature may even reduce your comprehensive insurance premium.

You can also track your vehicle location (the last parking location?) by BMW Connected App in your mobile devices.

Did I miss something here? My insurer ever said my car has the GPS tracking built-in, and installing the additional GPS tracking (like LoJack) won't help you save too much per year. Maybe it's because I'm living in NYC, I have to pay high premium anyway.

Very interesting information indeed. I was aware of BMW customers being able to activate tracking and then using it via their Connected Drive APP but was not aware that BMW can centrally monitor the car as well if needed. And may be that's why when I checked with my insurer here in UK, the difference in insurance prices was minimal for with vs without external tracker.

[Mike3518]

In NY State Farm doesn’t consider BMW’s connected Dive sufficient as a vehicle locator because it’s a subscription based ,Which the owner can cancel.I inquired about savings with a LoJack type system and the saving were minimal at best.

[ikheetleon]

Keep the keys (at home) in a metal box, disable the OBD port by putting a hidden switch on the power wire. Install a vehicel following system from a known good manufacturer.

[martin mustang]

Plus GPS can be cancelled via the i-drive settings.

Originally Posted by Mike3518

In NY State Farm doesn’t consider BMW’s connected Dive sufficient as a vehicle locator because it’s a subscription based ,Which the owner can cancel.I inquired about savings with a LoJack type system and the saving were minimal at best.