M4 attempted theft - best way to secure?

[ladderino]

Some nice folks tried to nick my M4 last night.

When I used it today it was unlocked and the seat changed position when I opened the door, which I thought was a bit weird, but just assumed my wife had maybe used it and forgotten to lock it.

Then noticed one of the cameras on the house by the front door was pointing skywards. Looking through the footage from the other camera which they didn't spot, I can see two chaps at 2AM trying to drive it away. They can get straight into it but are not able to start it and giving up after 2 or 3 mins.

It looks like they tried to do keyless theft, as one is hanging around the front of the house. The keys are in a faraday box and glad I remembered to chuck both sets in before going to bed. I don't really understand how they managed to get the door open though.

I've put on a stoplock on just to try to improve things, but is there anything else practical I can do to secure it? I've seen the thread about Ghost and warranty, and that doesn't sound like a path I want to go down given I intend to keep the warranty running.

Thanks in advance.

[Smuler]

I use a Disklok , plus as I was told an aftermarket immobiliser would breach my warranty I went for BMWs own option.

[ladderino]

Thank you, will order a look at Disklok. Presume that Small is fine?

Re. your comment on the BMW immobiliser - is this an additional OEM thing you can get fitted via BMW? I thought there was one installed as standard so after market was the only option.

Thanks.

[SteBrown91]

Park it elsewhere for a few weeks. Chances are they will be back.

[Percy Cushion]

Fit a tracker if it doesn’t already have one. Is the car parked on the driveway/road overnight? Is it possible to move it to a garage out of sight?

[Geffg]

Weird you saying about how they unlocked it as I’ve got a 5 series and a couple of weeks ago there were a gang of lads going round trying cars etc and my car was rummaged through. Mrs went out to the car in the morning for something and noticed the passenger door slightly open. I’ve assumed my lad hasn’t shut it properly the night before and it’s coincidence happened to be that night that they were around.
I also keep my key in a pouch but on checking in the morning it wasn’t stopping me from opening the car with the key in the pouch. I’d had it a couple of years and with using it all the time it must of worn with constant opening and shutting etc and not blocking the signal as the new one with the spare key in did block the signal. So could be worth checking the pouch is still blocking.

[ro250]

Geffg said:

Weird you saying about how they unlocked it as I’ve got a 5 series and a couple of weeks ago there were a gang of lads going round trying cars etc and my car was rummaged through. Mrs went out to the car in the morning for something and noticed the passenger door slightly open. I’ve assumed my lad hasn’t shut it properly the night before and it’s coincidence happened to be that night that they were around.
I also keep my key in a pouch but on checking in the morning it wasn’t stopping me from opening the car with the key in the pouch. I’d had it a couple of years and with using it all the time it must of worn with constant opening and shutting etc and not blocking the signal as the new one with the spare key in did block the signal. So could be worth checking the pouch is still blocking.

Although presumably if the pouch wasn't working he wouldn't have his M4 anymore...

I like to think that because the thieves worked out the keys were blocked they won't bother returning as I think the keyless theft is more common these days than breaking into the house for the keys.

[Terminator X]

Ghost.

TX.

[ladderino]

Thanks all for comments. Disklok ordered.

ro250 said:

Although presumably if the pouch wasn't working he wouldn't have his M4 anymore...

Yep - keys in a faraday box, which looks like it worked well. Just can't figure out how they managed to open the door given key signal is blocked.

Chap at work had his XC90 nicked a few weeks back via keyless theft. He got a replacement this week, and someone tried to nick that as well. Same as me, keys in a faraday box and they were still able to open the door.

ro250 said:

I like to think that because the thieves worked out the keys were blocked they won't bother returning as I think the keyless theft is more common these days than breaking into the house for the keys.

My thoughts as well. Will fit a Disklok

Terminator X said:

Ghost.

TX.

Thanks, did look at Ghost, but seeing this puts me off it as want to keep the warranty running.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Percy Cushion said:

Fit a tracker if it doesn’t already have one. Is the car parked on the driveway/road overnight? Is it possible to move it to a garage out of sight?

I'm really more keen to just get deterrents in place - if it ends up being nicked tbh I'm not all that keen on getting it back. Was parked on my gravel drive and we don't have a garage. We blocked it in last night with other cars and going to look at getting a locking bollard fitted.

[A500leroy]

Id be getting it sold personally, lifes too short to be worried about someone nicking a chunk of metal and possibly hurting your family.

[VeeTenM]

Smuler said:

I use a Disklok , plus as I was told an aftermarket immobiliser would breach my warranty I went for BMWs own option.

Funny that you cant install an aftermarket one but you can buy a "BMW" one, which they will worm out of aswell!

[BoRED S2upid]

Amazing that you need a disclock on an M4. Haven’t used a disclock since the 90’s.

[irish boy]

BoRED S2upid said:

Amazing that you need a disclock on an M4. Haven’t used a disclock since the 90’s.

It’s the best deterrent. They see it and don’t even try hence no damage caused.

[Mits]

Is this a F series m4?

[ladderino]

Mits said:

Is this a F series m4?

Yep. 2019 F82 M4 Comp.

[wyson]

https://uk.pcmag.com/security/142046/is-your-car-k...

Just the act of remote locking and unlocking your car can be enough to give someone access to your car if they have the right, easily available tools that cost a few hundred pounds. Obviously as they are recording signals that have already been sent, a faraday pouch isn't going to help.

I expect to see more stuff like this as cars are basically becoming mobile, internet connected computers.

I’m definitely investing in old skool steering locks with my next car purchase. You need a physical deterrent so they pass by your car. Even a Ghost, bet it won’t stop them having a go and damaging lord knows what in the process.

Edited by wyson on Saturday 25th March 07:49

[Terminator X]

ladderino said:

Thanks all for comments. Disklok ordered.

ro250 said:

Although presumably if the pouch wasn't working he wouldn't have his M4 anymore...

Yep - keys in a faraday box, which looks like it worked well. Just can't figure out how they managed to open the door given key signal is blocked.

Chap at work had his XC90 nicked a few weeks back via keyless theft. He got a replacement this week, and someone tried to nick that as well. Same as me, keys in a faraday box and they were still able to open the door.

ro250 said:

I like to think that because the thieves worked out the keys were blocked they won't bother returning as I think the keyless theft is more common these days than breaking into the house for the keys.

My thoughts as well. Will fit a Disklok

Terminator X said:

Ghost.

TX.

Thanks, did look at Ghost, but seeing this puts me off it as want to keep the warranty running.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Percy Cushion said:

Fit a tracker if it doesn’t already have one. Is the car parked on the driveway/road overnight? Is it possible to move it to a garage out of sight?

I'm really more keen to just get deterrents in place - if it ends up being nicked tbh I'm not all that keen on getting it back. Was parked on my gravel drive and we don't have a garage. We blocked it in last night with other cars and going to look at getting a locking bollard fitted.

I'd rather keep the car safe and battle it out with stupid manufacturer if they suggest it will void some element of the warranty.

TX.

[DiscoSINGH]

SteBrown91 said:

Park it elsewhere for a few weeks. Chances are they will be back.

This ^. Chances are they'll be back to have another go with the right "tools" (if you catch my drift).

[ro250]

irish boy said:

BoRED S2upid said:

Amazing that you need a disclock on an M4. Haven’t used a disclock since the 90’s.

It’s the best deterrent. They see it and don’t even try hence no damage caused.

I have a Stoplock Pro on my F36 440i. Not as good as the Disklok but probably the next best. It can be removed with 2 cuts to steering wheel but that takes time and I hope it acts as a deterrent. Blocking in with another car is also highly effective!

[MitchT]

A500leroy said:

Id be getting it sold personally, lifes too short to be worried about someone nicking a chunk of metal and possibly hurting your family.

It's shame we have to think this way but, yes, I'd like an M4 but I wouldn't buy one as my gut tells me that sooner or later someone will steal it and possibly injure me in the process. A friend was clobbered over the head on his driveway just after getting out of his Audi RS6 Avant. A neighbour found him unconscious on the ground. He had to go to hospital for the top of his head stitching up. I'd buy a 440i but am trying to find one without comfort access.