With rising vehicle theft statistics, car trackers have become essential for car owners seeking peace of mind, that absolutely includes BMW owners.
BMWs remain among the most targeted vehicles in the UK, primarily due to their high value and advanced electronic features, which, paradoxically, make them more vulnerable to theft techniques like relay attacks.
With this in mind, we wanted to put together a guide on protecting your BMW from thieves, the risks involved and include 3 of the best vehicle trackers that work particularly well securing these German powerhouses.
Rising Theft Rates and BMW’s High-Risk Profile
The most recent data from KeyTek and the Office for National Statistics shows a concerning rise in vehicle thefts across the UK.
From 2022 to 2023, car theft incidents increased by 8%, and BMW models are among the most frequently targeted.
BMW vehicles rank as one of the top five most stolen brands in the UK, with the 3 Series especially vulnerable due to its popularity and high value on the resale and black-market parts scenes.
Advanced hacking techniques like fob relay and on-board diagnostic (OBD) port access have made it easier for thieves to bypass even sophisticated security systems
The most frequently targeted BMW models include:
- BMW 3 Series: High demand in the black market due to valuable parts and easy accessibility for tech-savvy thieves.
- BMW X5: Larger models with a high resale value in the UK and abroad, which make them profitable targets for organised theft rings.
- BMW 1 Series and 5 Series: Known for their luxury appeal, these models are often targeted for parts and export resale.
The high desirability of these models in the secondary market, combined with sophisticated tech vulnerabilities make BMWs prime targets for theft.
In urban areas like London and the West Midlands, where car theft rates are highest, having additional security like GPS tracking is more critical than ever.
Why BMWs Are So Attractive to Thieves
BMW models attract thieves for several reasons:
- High Market Value: BMWs hold strong resale value, making them prime targets for organised car theft rings which can quickly sell or export these vehicles.
- Advanced Electronics: While beneficial to drivers, BMW’s reliance on advanced electronic systems can expose them to key fob hacking and relay attacks.
- High Demand for Parts: BMWs are expensive to repair, and parts are in high demand, making it profitable for criminals to strip and resell components like engines, airbags and even body panels.
- Tech-Savvy Thieves: Modern thieves have developed techniques to override complex electronic security features. Common methods include key cloning, OBD hacks and relay attacks.
BMW theft in urban centres is particularly high, where criminals can more easily evade detection and police response times may be longer due to dense traffic. For BMW owners in these areas, investing in a sophisticated car tracker is essential.
If you’ve seen the need to enhance the security of your BMW, then you’re going to need a tracker. Thankfully, here at Infiniti, we’ve got you covered! These are the three we would recommend starting with…
1. ScorpionTrack S5 VTS
The ScorpionTrack S5 VTS offers an excellent combination of tracking precision and security features, making it a top choice for BMW owners. Its key features include:
- Multi-technology tracking: Provides real-time tracking, ensuring precise vehicle location monitoring across Europe by utilising GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and GSM technologies.
- Automatic Driver Recognition: Uses advanced driver identification tags to verify authorised access. If an unauthorised driver attempts to move the car, the system triggers an alert.
- 24/7 Monitoring: Includes a subscription-based monitoring service that alerts the owner and authorities in case of unauthorised movement.
The ScorpionTrack S5 VTS’s combination of real-time tracking, driver ID and a range of incredible features makes it highly effective against BMW theft (or any other car for that matter).
2. TrackStar Secure S5
The second tracker worth your attention is the TrackStar Secure S5 which also offers similar high-end security features tailored specifically for BMW owners. You need to know about it because it gives you:
- Thatcham S5 Accreditation: As a Thatcham-approved device, it qualifies for lower insurance premiums while ensuring compliance with the strictest vehicle security standards.
- Live Tracking: Uses GPS and GSM to deliver precise, real-time location information and is supported by a 24-hour emergency response centre.
- Key Protection Technology: Reduces the risk of relay attacks by monitoring and authenticating the presence of a registered key fob.
- Transferrable: If you change your vehicle, you can transfer the system to another vehicle with the minimum of fuss!
Given BMW’s relay vulnerability, the TrackStar Secure S5’s robust key protection tech and live tracking are crucial, especially in relay-prone urban areas.
In addition, at the moment, if you purchase a 12-month subscription, you get 6 months free. If you buy a 3-year subscription, you get a whole year free!
3. TrackStar Secure S7
The final tracker I wanted to talk about is from the same company and is fantastic for those seeking a balance of affordability and effectiveness, the TrackStar Secure S7 is still a very solid choice.
Whilst not as packed with features as its big brother above, you still get:
- GPS Tracking: Includes real-time tracking capability to provide accurate vehicle location, with history logs available to owners.
- 24/7 Support: Monitored by a 24-hour control centre that responds to unauthorised movement and assists with police reporting.
- S7 Security Level: Though it’s one tier below the S5 in security certification, it still offers substantial theft protection.
While the TrackStar Secure S7 lacks some high-end features like driver ID, it’s a cost-effective option that provides real-time tracking and basic alerts, making it ideal for those who want additional security without an S5 price tag.
Tips for Choosing a Car Tracker
Whilst we recommend these three trackers, they aren’t the only options. When selecting a tracker for a BMW, consider the following factors:
- Thatcham Approval: Trackers certified by Thatcham meet high-security standards and may qualify for insurance discounts.
- Driver Identification: Systems with driver recognition or ID tags add an extra layer of security, essential for preventing unauthorised driving.
- 24/7 Monitoring: Opt for systems that include round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring immediate response if theft occurs.
- Remote Immobilisation: This feature, available in many high-end trackers, can stop a stolen vehicle in its tracks, increasing recovery chances.
- Subscription Fees: Many tracker services require monthly fees, so check for options that fit your budget while still meeting your security needs.
For BMW owners facing a rising tide of car theft, selecting the right tracking device is crucial. The ScorpionTrack S5 VTS and TrackStar Secure S5 stand out for their robust security features like driver recognition tags, while the TrackStar Secure S7 offers effective, affordable tracking for those on a budget.
Given BMW’s vulnerability to relay and key fob attacks, these trackers provide essential protection for both the car and its owner’s peace of mind in today’s high-risk environment.
Investing in a reliable tracker not only helps secure your BMW but can also contribute to a quicker recovery in case of theft. With vehicle crime rates on the rise, a proactive approach to car security has never been more important.
If you drive a BMW and looking to make your sheer driving pleasure more secure, then please speak to us. Our customer service team are available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm on 0330 043 3993 and we’ll be happy to talk you through the options and secure your car before it’s too late. Don’t forget, we can come to your home, office or workplace to install it too!
