[BMWCSRegistry] Stealing an M5

[Buettner, David L]

Having purchased a "recovered theft" M5 from an insurance company as salvage, and having learned a bit about BMW theft deterrents and the thieves' sophistication at circumventing them in the process, it leaves me in awe of how they do it.  My car arrived without keys and not running, of course.  In the course of getting it going, I discovered a duplicate trunk release button that operated two little transmitters which had been installed near the antenna around the key.  Somehow, that button must have been used to furnish the "code" the antenna and computer were looking for from the chip in the proper key.

BMW certainly had no idea of how this could work, nor how they had changed the VIN numbers in the instrument cluster, theft deterrent module, and on board computer.  What was really amazing, the ECU had been modified, and contained two distinct VIN numbers, apparently to confuse both theft deterrents as well as proper owner ID by any inquiring minds.

I gave up trying to figure it all out and replaced, much to the pleasure of BMW, the instrument cluster, ECU, theft module, ignition switch, keys, and all locks throughout the vehicle.

Then, whaaaalaaaaa!  It came to life and thrilled me beyond my anticipation.  What an automobile!  I eventually sold it to a friend who has proceeded to place his driving privileges and freedom in jeopardy, so I think I might try to buy it back.  I miss it.  Coupe guys can enjoy a little variety, too.

Not exactly on subject, but it is Friday, right?

Dave