X5 40d M Sport and Security Measures

[Digiwolf]

Hi BMW Fans –

I had my BMW 320d GT recently stolen, after my house was burgled and car keys taken. As the vehicle hasn't been found, I decided to upgrade to my new X5 40d M Sport.

However, after reading a barrage of articles claiming X5s are the most popular targeted vehicles by thieves, I am worried. The car has the standard alarm/immobiliser, and I am thinking about getting a tracker installed. Any thoughts? Which category of tracker should I go for, CAT 5 or 6? Realistically, besides the budget, what are their fundamental differences?

Also, the Police claimed that BMWs are vulnerable and traditional security measures should be used, such as steering wheel locks and gear stick locks. Do you agree? If yes, any recommendations for the X5 with M Wheel?

Many thanks!

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by Digiwolf

Hi BMW Fans

I had my BMW 320d GT recently stolen, after my house was burgled and car keys taken. As the vehicle hasn't been found, I decided to upgrade to my new X5 40d M Sport.

However, after reading a barrage of articles claiming X5s are the most popular targeted vehicles by thieves, I am worried. The car has the standard alarm/immobiliser, and I am thinking about getting a tracker installed. Any thoughts? Which category of tracker should I go for, CAT 5 or 6? Realistically, besides the budget, what are their fundamental differences?

Also, the Police claimed that BMWs are vulnerable and traditional security measures should be used, such as steering wheel locks and gear stick locks. Do you agree? If yes, any recommendations for the X5 with M Wheel?

Many thanks!

Will PM you

[MattBianco]

Watch the video clip (desktop version of the site) in this story: http://www.marinij.com//general-news...ensive-bicycle. That unlock and theft occurred in the town next to me.

Also, keep your key fob in your microwave or fridge) poor battery) http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/04/16...referrer=&_r=0

[charlietangobravo]

I would recommend SmartDNA. And use the stickers that come along with it.

In Sweden all new X5/X6 get trackers and SmartDNA before delivery since last summer. Insurance companies demand it here. Often see people using steering wheel locks on them anyway.

Edit:
Seems like the equivalent in the UK is Smartwater? https://shop.smartwater.com/vehicle.html

[Baunton]

Originally Posted by Digiwolf

Hi BMW Fans –

I had my BMW 320d GT recently stolen, after my house was burgled and car keys taken. As the vehicle hasn't been found, I decided to upgrade to my new X5 40d M Sport.

However, after reading a barrage of articles claiming X5s are the most popular targeted vehicles by thieves, I am worried. The car has the standard alarm/immobiliser, and I am thinking about getting a tracker installed. Any thoughts? Which category of tracker should I go for, CAT 5 or 6? Realistically, besides the budget, what are their fundamental differences?

Also, the Police claimed that BMWs are vulnerable and traditional security measures should be used, such as steering wheel locks and gear stick locks. Do you agree? If yes, any recommendations for the X5 with M Wheel?

Many thanks!

digiwolff Hi and welcome! I have Tracker Locate on my F15 and had the same on the previous E70. Had no issues with Direct Line when insuring. They didn't insist on having it fitted but previously when I was with Avia it was conditional
Have read lots in the press about stealing both JLRs and Beemers with and without keys.
Personally I have never thought about anything other than the cars own security plus the Tracker as being sufficient - unless Direct Line say anything different I feel the risk must be low of it going AWOL.

[wjbender]

I bought this small metal box to store my keys in at home. This will shield the keys from the signal used to hijack your car

http://www.amazon.com/Containers-Sto...al+storage+box

[MattBianco]

Originally Posted by wjbender

I bought this small metal box to store my keys in at home. This will shield the keys from the signal used to hijack your car

http://www.amazon.com/Containers-Sto...al+storage+box

I've been looking for a cast iron box for all the keys. Yours certainly looks big enough for one set.

Why not a tin of Altoids, the curiously strong mints ?

[Kzang]

I haven't heard anything about the X5 being popular for stolen vehicles... is this specific to Europe?

[igorsvrub]

I also heard some stories that additional security systems have to be installed-but if insurance company accept what is in the car why to install something else, if the car will be stolen-it is not my problem.
Let the police will do the job and insurance company.