IMPORTANT for 2006 cars
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On the E60/E61 and the E90/E91 with strat engine button you can start the car without the key!
BMW doesn't know how this could happen, but there is a software problem.
When you pull the key out, the settings are getting stored. This process lasts for 20-30 seconds. In this period you can start the car as if the key would be in. The key doesn't even need to be anywhere near the car...
This info is from another forum and got verified by different members there, aslo E90 drivers.
Just make sure that you don't let the car open when you jump out just for a second... Allways lock it, or someone who knows about can jump in and drive off...
BMW doesn't know how this could happen, but there is a software problem.
When you pull the key out, the settings are getting stored. This process lasts for 20-30 seconds. In this period you can start the car as if the key would be in. The key doesn't even need to be anywhere near the car...
This info is from another forum and got verified by different members there, aslo E90 drivers.
Just make sure that you don't let the car open when you jump out just for a second... Allways lock it, or someone who knows about can jump in and drive off...
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From: Madison, WI, USA
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This doesn't seem to work with keyless Comfort Access configuration (i.e., key not being inserted for Start/Stop - after the engine is stopped and once the key leaves the interior of the vehicle, the vehicle can not be restarted).
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Originally Posted by das' post='194409' date='Nov 7 2005, 01:47 AM
This doesn't seem to work with keyless Comfort Access configuration (i.e., key not being inserted for Start/Stop - after the engine is stopped and once the key leaves the interior of the vehicle, the vehicle can not be restarted).
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From: Madison, WI, USA
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[/quote]
Right, but when you do *not* insert the key, this issue doesn't exist; in other words, if you use Comfort Access in the keyless mode and don't insert the fob into the steering column. Once you stop the engine and remove the fob from the interior of the vehicle, the vehicle can not be restarted. I verified this on Friday. And since most people with Comfort Access use the car in this configuration, it wouldn't be a problem for that subset of customers.
However, I do agree this is a serious vulnerability for 2006 (September production and newer) vehicles used with the fob in the conventional fashion. I'll confirm tomorrow whether post-Week 40 vehicles are still vulnerable.
If a car is hijacked using this method, it won't be able to be restarted (easily, anyway) once stopped.
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Originally Posted by Iceman' post='194401' date='Nov 6 2005, 04:35 PM
When you pull the key out, the settings are getting stored. This process lasts for 20-30 seconds. In this period you can start the car as if the key would be in. The key doesn't even need to be anywhere near the car...
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From: Madison, WI, USA
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[/quote]
Not sure how this vulnerability works (yet), but with Comfort Access, if the vehicle is running, and the fob is removed from the interior of the vehicle while the car is still running, it will stay running until stopped (though it does show a "no key" warning on the instrument cluster). It's reasonable to believe that with this issue *without* Comfort Access, the vehicle still may be able to be driven until the engine is stopped. I'll be happy to verify tomorrow if no one here has been able to yet...
Look at it this way: if this issue does indeed exist with all September production and newer E60s, it's a surefire way to get a free upgrade to CIP 20.x when it is released.
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My Ride: 535d Auto M Sport delivered 04/10/05, Carbon Black, Beige Ventilated Nasca Leather, Dark Poplar Wood, Media Pack - Sat Nav Pro, Bmw Assist, Bluetooth phone prep + telematics + snap in adapter for Nokia 6230i & 6 CD, Visibility Pack - bi-xenons, adaptive headlights and Headlight Wash, HUD, High Gloss Shadow Line, Extended Lights, HiFi System, Extended Voice, M Spoiler and Heated/ventilated f/seats. Chrome Grills. M Double Spoke 19" Mixed Wheels 172 with 245/35 front and 275/30 rear (Non-runflat continentals) Spare wheel and jack. Supaglass.
Tried this on my car last night and it works - started the car fine without the key. I will be calling BMW to see what they are going to do about it.
