[PhilD]

Does anyone have any experience with "Accessory Trackstar" with BMWs? As of fairly recently, it's listed as an option in the configurator (here in the UK at least). The details state:

Trackstar is BMW UK’s approved Stolen Vehicle Tracking supplier.

The BMW Trackstar S5 product has a unique wireless tag paired with the tracking device. If this isn’t present, the system will send an alarm to the 24/7 monitoring centre if the car is driven. The customer will receive a call to verify the situation.

This product is fully supported by all police authorities and includes European coverage as standard. Furthermore, it attracts full Thatcham S5 accreditation.

Subscription costs apply: 1 Year £168 or 3 Years £399

While I would like tracker functionality both for peace of mind and insurance purposes, this feature looks like it would kind of make the whole 'use your iPhone as a car key' feature redundant as you'd need your keys with you anyway otherwise the tracker alert would go off. I do typically have my house keys on me (not car keys though) so I'd likely have the fob on me most of the time but there are times I've forgotten and my wife forgets her keys all the time (stupid pockets on women's clothing).

[NiallG]

If not aware - the ConnectedDrive system/app already shows the vehicles location & you can get the internal camera option to take a snapshot of whoever is driving. It doesn't do any of the 'if car is driving without a fob' type stuff though.

[PhilD]

Originally Posted by NiallG

If not aware - the ConnectedDrive system/app already shows the vehicles location & you can get the internal camera option to take a snapshot of whoever is driving. It doesn't do any of the 'if car is driving without a fob' type stuff though.

I do remember that being mentioned in some of the reviews. It seems like a superior system to the Trackstar (or equivalents) in pretty much every way, so I'm kind of surprised that BMW have recently added Trackstar as an option (it definitely wasn't there a week or two ago). Maybe there have been issues with insurers not trusting BMW's system and only wanting Thatcham compliant trackers.

[nosnoop]

Originally Posted by NiallG

If not aware - the ConnectedDrive system/app already shows the vehicles location & you can get the internal camera option to take a snapshot of whoever is driving.

The problem with OEM system is that it would be the first system to get deactivated by professional car thieves. It is only useful for the amateurs or joyriders.

[sahajesh]

I have on my X5 - the app is horrible and I often find the system fails to detect the fob and then bitches about the car being stolen etc.

Even BMW Insurance (who I'm with) wouldn't insure without a tracker, so in a way I'm glad I have it.

[PhilD]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

I have on my X5 - the app is horrible and I often find the system fails to detect the fob and then bitches about the car being stolen etc.

Even BMW Insurance (who I'm with) wouldn't insure without a tracker, so in a way I'm glad I have it.

Yeah, I guess it's a necessary option unless you go with a third party tracker but I suspect all trackers with that level of protection will need a fob.