[Jon D]

There's quite a lot of talk regarding the theft of BMWs in the UK. Car thieves are breaking the driver's side window to gain access to the OBD port in order to clone a blank key, which apparently takes little more than a few minutes to accomplish.
Does anyone know if this affects the F10/11 or whether it's limited to older cars which require the key to be inserted into the dashboard slot?

[xenon]

I was told that it's not a problem on the F series cars but I'm not sure if that's accurate.

[330cdsport]

I have been reading up about this too and am a bit concerned. I read somewhere that you can either lock the OBD port to stop physical access or disconnect it temporarily.

I tried removing the fuse for the OBD, but the car just went wonky after that - so it is not a solution.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by 330cdsport

I have been reading up about this too and am a bit concerned...

There's a lot of discussion on this here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=725184
The OP is, I think, a policeman and, therefore, presumably privy to more info than us civilians; I've asked whether or not F10/11s are affected, but haven't yet received any answers.

[psyxologos]

Sorry, noob question. What is the ODB port? A picture would help... Thanks!

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by psyxologos

Sorry, noob question. What is the ODB port? A picture would help... Thanks!

It's used to connect your car to a computer for diagnostics/reprogramming etc., and it's located below and forward of the small storage compartment under the light switch.

[psyxologos]

Thanks. I had a look and could not see anything yesterday. I shall have another look tomorrow.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by psyxologos

Thanks. I had a look and could not see anything yesterday. I shall have another look tomorrow.

It's just as easy to feel for it; slide your hand forwards under the dash below the light switch and you'll contact a protruding lip on the edge of the OBD port hinged cover. Flip it down to access the socket.

[gspannu]

A friend of mine does a protective plate for the OBD connector.

This is a made to order, fit to design yellow plate with screws. See picture attached. It is a customised fit to OBD cover plate shape hardened material plate specifically designed for this purpose.

You may (for additional security) use tamper proof screws as well.



Not a 100% proof solution; but it does prevent anyone getting easy access to the OBD port….

It is purposefully done in Striking Yellow to give it max visibility; as one of the key points of avoiding theft is to show the potential thief that you have some sort of protection mechanism - and thereby it is not worth his while to attempt theft on your car.

If you are interested in buying this; I can forward your request to my friend. PM me for details...

[xenon]

Hmm, I'm pretty sure the blaggers would have a No. 2 Phillips and if you use tamperproof screws then the port is disabled for legitimate use. A proper software update is what's needed.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by xenon

Hmm, I'm pretty sure the blaggers would have a No. 2 Phillips and if you use tamperproof screws then the port is disabled for ligitimate use. A proper software update is what's needed.

Quite agree and, regardless of the type of screw being used, seeing as they're only threaded into relatively soft plastic, I don't see the guard putting up much resistance to being wrenched off with a simple lever, such as a flat-blade screwdriver.

[psyxologos]

Originally Posted by xenon

Hmm, I'm pretty sure the blaggers would have a No. 2 Phillips and if you use tamperproof screws then the port is disabled for legitimate use. A proper software update is what's needed.

Indeed!

[gspannu]

@psyxologos, @Jon D, @xenon

As I said its not 100% fool proof, but it's not 'that simple' to just rip off the plate or unscrew the screws (or tamper proof)... The person trying to steal your car is trying to make this quick, with minimum fuss.

Most likely the potential thief has broken your window glass, and then slides his hand by the inside of the door to access the port and slot in his OBD cable. Opening screws with a screw driver/ ripping off a plate will require a lot more movement/ intrusion and the car alarm is likely to sound.

As I said, not a perfect solution... In fact I doubt there is any perfect solution. If your car is being stolen 'to order' then it's likely to be stolen regardless of what you do.

This is possibly a deterrent... It's better than not having anything at all.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by gspannu

@psyxologos, @Jon D, @xenon

As I said its not 100% fool proof, but it's not 'that simple' to just rip off the plate or unscrew the screws (or tamper proof)... The person trying to steal your car is trying to make this quick, with minimum fuss.

Most likely the potential thief has broken your window glass, and then slides his hand by the inside of the door to access the port and slot in his OBD cable. Opening screws with a screw driver/ ripping off a plate will require a lot more movement/ intrusion and the car alarm is likely to sound.

As I said, not a perfect solution... In fact I doubt there is any perfect solution. If your car is being stolen 'to order' then it's likely to be stolen regardless of what you do.

This is possibly a deterrent... It's better than not having anything at all.

Fair comment; apologies for my earlier cynicism.

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by Jon D

Fair comment; apologies for my earlier cynicism.

No offence taken... I really did not read your post as cynical; you were just being straight...

On a side note; does anyone have any idea if BMW is responding with any solution?

[xenon]

I still think that relocating the port as many on e90post have done is a better solution but I take your point. Hopefully pressure will be brought to bear on BMW who might issue some sort of fix but it might be the 1950s Pinto situation.....

[Mshulla]

There was a report on this last night on ch4 news. Seems the thiefs can get access to the OBD port without breaking the window

The whole thing is done in minutes, they showed it being done but obviously didn't show how they get an arm into the car without breaking the glass.

BMW apparently have a fix. I meant to call the dealer today but got bogged down at work, will try tomorrow.

[MalithS]

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthre...1#post12678464

[XDEEDUBBX]

Does anyone actually use an "auto lock" on the brake pedal? I use one in my Toyota Tacoma.

[billythetidd]

There was a thing about this on Watchdog the other night:

Linky

Apparently it only effects cars built between 2006 and 2011.

[330cdsport]

http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/bmw-...cle4b_headline

I just booked the wife's X5 in to get the software fix next wednesday. The dealer told me that all F10/F11 cars are un-affected - so mine should be ok.

It will be a no-cost fix and should take about 30 mins.

[MalithS]

When I called BMW UK this morning I was told my Sep 10 F10 was affected and BMW would contact me once the fix is available. I think all BMWs pre Sep 11 are affected.