Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 2:06 pm
I emailed BMW with my concerns on this issue. I have copied and pasted my question to them, and their reply. It hardly fills me with confidence that they recognise and acknowledge the issue.............
I am contacting you to voice my concerns at the recent rise in thefts of BMWs. My concern is the way in which the car thieves seem to aquire BMW keys, and are able to re-program them via the vehicle's OBD II port. Being a member of various online forums, and reading the motoring press, it makes for very worrying reading. It is even more so when I own a very desireable Alpina D3 BT Coupe. Can you tell me what BMW are doing on this issue, and how they can re-assure customers?
Dear Mr Allan
Thank you very much for your online communication dated July 20, 2012. I am extremely sorry to learn that you have been given cause for concern regarding the security of your vehicle following some coverage on the Internet.
Firstly, I would like to advise that whilst BMW take pride in guaranteeing the safety and performance of our vehicles, respecting the safety regulations existing in the various countries, a car manufacturer cannot possibly know the many techniques used by criminals all over the world. At this stage, I can only recommend that you contact your local police force, who can instead advise on the measures to adopt to deter local criminals, since this is their field of expertise. I sincerely hope that the police bring this situation to a close.
Furthermore, I also understand that you would like to know if BMW are taking steps with regards to this issue. In this instance, I suggest that you liaise with your local BMW Approved Dealership. After inspecting and assessing your onboard computer, they will be in the best position to advise if there are any issues or updates required.
I am sorry that I have been unable to fully address your concerns in this first instance, however, I do hope that this information is of use to you. I have recorded details of your contact as an official customer complaint under case reference number 1-8290347105, which may be utilised as part of our ongoing internal auditing programme in the future.
Yours sincerely
BMW UK
Eileen Thorpe
Customer Service Executive
Ellesfield Avenue
Bracknell RG12 8TA
Tel: +44 (0)870 5050 160
Fax: +44 (0)870 5050 205
Mailto: customer.service@bmw.co.uk
URL: www.bmw.co.uk
I am contacting you to voice my concerns at the recent rise in thefts of BMWs. My concern is the way in which the car thieves seem to aquire BMW keys, and are able to re-program them via the vehicle's OBD II port. Being a member of various online forums, and reading the motoring press, it makes for very worrying reading. It is even more so when I own a very desireable Alpina D3 BT Coupe. Can you tell me what BMW are doing on this issue, and how they can re-assure customers?
Dear Mr Allan
Thank you very much for your online communication dated July 20, 2012. I am extremely sorry to learn that you have been given cause for concern regarding the security of your vehicle following some coverage on the Internet.
Firstly, I would like to advise that whilst BMW take pride in guaranteeing the safety and performance of our vehicles, respecting the safety regulations existing in the various countries, a car manufacturer cannot possibly know the many techniques used by criminals all over the world. At this stage, I can only recommend that you contact your local police force, who can instead advise on the measures to adopt to deter local criminals, since this is their field of expertise. I sincerely hope that the police bring this situation to a close.
Furthermore, I also understand that you would like to know if BMW are taking steps with regards to this issue. In this instance, I suggest that you liaise with your local BMW Approved Dealership. After inspecting and assessing your onboard computer, they will be in the best position to advise if there are any issues or updates required.
I am sorry that I have been unable to fully address your concerns in this first instance, however, I do hope that this information is of use to you. I have recorded details of your contact as an official customer complaint under case reference number 1-8290347105, which may be utilised as part of our ongoing internal auditing programme in the future.
Yours sincerely
BMW UK
Eileen Thorpe
Customer Service Executive
Ellesfield Avenue
Bracknell RG12 8TA
Tel: +44 (0)870 5050 160
Fax: +44 (0)870 5050 205
Mailto: customer.service@bmw.co.uk
URL: www.bmw.co.uk