Z4 security measures, suggestions?

[Flemish]

Hi,

after many months of research I finally picked up my dream Z4. Its a 2004 3.0 SE with 57K miles on it. She is a true beauty.
My colleagues at work thought it was a new car and were surprised to hear it is a 2004 model. They said "make sure it doesn't get stolen!"

Which brings me to my question, how safe is the Z4 in terms of locks, immobilizer and alarm? I know that there is no 100% security but since I am new to this car / forum what would you recommend? Is the standard equipment good enough to scare off the opportunist or would you recommend additional features such as a disclock, clutch claw, etc?

Thanks!

Steve

 

[sp3ctre]

I've not heard of a Z4 being stolen by bypassing the security, more likely to get vandalism or people breaking in to steal stuff. Not to say it doesn't happen though, but I personally don't use any extra security. Over here the preferred method of stealing cars is to gain access to the keys, either by stealing them from your person or going into your house when the front door is unlocked.

 

[Mangozac]

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding was that the Z4's ignition has an inbuilt immobiliser system. Without the correct key I really can't see anybody starting the car without doing some major work - like sp3ctre says they would be more likely to steal the keys first. I too would be more worried about vandalism. Will the car be getting left in less than secure places overnight?

My neighbour (who is a tyrefitter) commented on the fact that I don't have locking nuts on my wheels since there is apparently a big market for genuine used BMW wheels. The area I live in has a very low crime rate and my response was that the car is never left anywhere dodgy enough to worry about it.

 

[Adamski]

Its not unheard of for a Z4 to be hoisted onto a low loader then driven away :thumbsdown:

This is a good endorsement of the standard security, but there ain't much you can do prevent it other than to keep it in the garage...


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[bat1959]

I have a "Tracker Locate" fitted. I know this is a bone of contention. Do I want my ragged car back or not?

 

[2alpsade]

Its not unheard of for a Z4 to be hoisted onto a low loader then driven away :thumbsdown:

This is a good endorsement of the standard security, but there ain't much you can do prevent it other than to keep it in the garage...

This is where a Tracker is useful as it activates if the car is detected as being moved without the key in the ignition. Garages aren't always seen as being a positive...it can enable a thief to gain unseen access to a car and work on it before nicking it...especially if he suspects it may have a Tracker fitted. They are very easy to find and deactivate if you know a little about them, sadly. Both my cars are, however, garaged, and always will be.

Just about every BMW now requires the key to enable theft OF the vehicle. Theft FROM the vehicle can only be prevented by the owner putting his valuables out of sight. Vandalism is tougher to avoid. Keep your keys safely hidden when at home, but then you run the risk of being rudely awoken if a thief breaks in and REALLY wants you car keys.

The bad news on locking wheel bolts is that there is a tool available for around £100 available to all-and-sundry which will remove ALL locking wheel bolts. I still have locking bolts on my cars, though, just to stop an opportunist. I won't link to it, and suggest no-one else does......

 

[wiseguy]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117196

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=383883

One day, when I have some free time...

 

[CoupeAli]

With electronic ignition immobilisers and alarms, gone are the days when the local billy burglar could take a car armed only with a screwdriver.
Today cars are stolen by means of key (house gets burgled and keys removed), owner leaves keys in ignition (whilst popping into the shop/refueling car) or by means of force (car jacking or pre-planned accident where you get rear shunted, get out of your vehicle to inspect the damage, and some one jumps in and drives it away)
The most likely form of crime would be criminal damage (scratches, ripped hood) or theft from vehicle.
As 2alpsade states, common sense is the key, don't leave valuables on display, and try to park your car in 'safe' places.

 

[Flemish]

Thanks everyone. I live in a relatively low crime area in Oxfordshire and the car is out of the public eye. Since I use the car most of the time for commuting it will be either in the office car park or in our driveway. Guess common sense combined with the standard tech features will do.

We had a number of break-ins in the general area and people seem to leave their keys close to the entrance. We now always take our keys upstairs to the bedroom.
We also have a large dog (looks like the top gear dog) who would probably alert us if anyone were to break in but then would proceed to lick the intruders faces

 

[lacroupade]

Thanks everyone. I live in a relatively low crime area in Oxfordshire and the car is out of the public eye. Since I use the car most of the time for commuting it will be either in the office car park or in our driveway. Guess common sense combined with the standard tech features will do.

We had a number of break-ins in the general area and people seem to leave their keys close to the entrance. We now always take our keys upstairs to the bedroom.
We also have a large dog (looks like the top gear dog) who would probably alert us if anyone were to break in but then would proceed to lick the intruders faces

Sorry to laugh.....your use of the words "low crime area" and "number of break-ins in the area", but having spent much of my life in Oxfordshire, I also chuckle at the word "relative"...I mean its Blackbird Leys or its every else LOL

 

[RCT_Z4Coupe]

Sadly, if somebody is determined to steal your Z4 there is little that can be done. Joy riders and opportunists usually go for the easier option of older cars that haven't got the sophisticated security systems that new cars have. High end cars are more often than not stolen to order and shipped out of the country, or cloned. This is normally achieved by car-jacking or burgling your house for the car keys. Somebody local to us had their X5 stolen as they got out of the car to remove a wheelie-bin placed across the driveway (by the scumbag thief). More likely issues with your car is mindless vandalism.