Picking up a new X4 M40i for the wife on Friday which has comfort access so wondering what the state of play is with vulnerability to theft is these days. we live in North Leeds where there’s been a lot of cars stolen over the last 2-3 yrs, but fortunately we haven’t had much trouble on either my M3 or her current X4 due to CCTV and neither having comfort access. Is this still a real problem or have BMW addressed the vulnerability in some way? It was flagged by the insurance co who were originally requesting a tracker on the new X4 but then backed down. However I’m left wondering whether I should ask the dealer to deactivate comfort access. Any views, opinions, advice will be greatly appreciated.
i’m under the impression on my x3m that the key goes to sleep after no movement after a certain time don’t know how true that is, no issues so far however i do have a disklok for that extra security
The newest ones go to sleep, my X3 doesn’t so keep the keys in an RFID faraday type pouch. For the cost of them I’d maybe still put it in one anyway to be safe.
Thanks - dealer has confirmed it has the new keys which go to sleep but will order a couple of RFID/Faraday pouches to be on the safe side. Interestingly, they reckon Comfort Access cannot be disabled by dealer, but I'm pretty sure they can with E-Sys etc...
Yer I tested the sleep function on mine, wouldn’t say it was a scientific test but it worked. Theifs are bound to find a way around it but seems secure for now.
Not that I know much about it, but these new gimmicks sound more hassle than having a good ol' fashioned key? All the pouches, boxes and not least worry.
first time I’ve had it and I do find it useful having 2 kids. Is it a big game changer no, but useful nonetheless. And security wise it’s the same for me, if they want the car your front door is unlikely to stop them
Can someone clarify what comfort access is, does it mean if you have the key/fob and go near the car it unlocks and then you can start/drive it? If this is the case I assume you have to remove the key/fob from the faraday pouch to open and use the car? Or does the pouch just limit the distance rather than entirely block the key/fob signal?
The pouches I have block the signal from the key and you can’t open the car unless you remove the key from the pouch.
Yes essentially, if you have the key in your pocket then the doors will unlock when you touch the handle, and the engine will start when you press the start button. Getting out you switch the engine off with the button again, then once out press a small button or a marked zone on the exterior door handle to lock it. The basic premise is a great system as you can unlock etc with your hands full, but the security side is a weakness. The pouch is for in the house, pop your key in so the thieving tw4ts can’t intercept the signal through your front door. The pouch completely blocks the signal.
