Was anyone else concerned about the BMW vulnerability to key fob cloning in view of the fact the Freelander uses something "similar"

I've been reassured today by my local dealer that the system in my Freelander 2 is not vulnerable in the same way.

Apparently, the code to a BMW key fob is accessible from the OBD/ECU and therefore easily duplicated should you have the right equipment and software, whereas to get a code for a Freelander 2, there must be a LIVE link to Land Rover to get a new code.

I genuinely feel reassured by speaking face to face with the chap in the Service Dept but just wondered what everyone else on here was thinking. The chap had received 4 other phone calls today regarding the same issue so I'm glad I wasn't the only one raising the issue with them.

tim4848 wrote:

Was anyone else concerned about the BMW vulnerability to key fob cloning in view of the fact the Freelander uses something "similar"

I've been reassured today by my local dealer that the system in my Freelander 2 is not vulnerable in the same way.

Apparently, the code to a BMW key fob is accessible from the OBD/ECU and therefore easily duplicated should you have the right equipment and software, whereas to get a code for a Freelander 2, there must be a LIVE link to Land Rover to get a new code.

I genuinely feel reassured by speaking face to face with the chap in the Service Dept but just wondered what everyone else on here was thinking. The chap had received 4 other phone calls today regarding the same issue so I'm glad I wasn't the only one raising the issue with them.

You beat me to it with this post I've just posted something similar

I too watched that program. Did you notice that the car was unlocked, open and the alarm was not active.
If some one wanted to do this then they would have to break in, set the alarm off and climb in over broken glass as the door would not open.
This would be a big deterrant in its self.
Unless you were stone deaf, blind and disabled.

Last edited by superspark on 13th Sep 2012 6:12 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Oh, I forgot to mention that if any one was to leave their car unlocked these days then they would deserve to get it stolen

i believe the BMW issue arises from the fact that

a) you can somehow disable the ultrasonics part of the car alarm system using some sort of jammer, therefore you could smash the glass on the driver's side and the alarm doesn't go off.

b) then reach the OBD/ECU system by reaching in without getting in the car and setting off the movement detection part of the car alarm.

c) codes can be extracted from the OBD/ECU without any need for data from an external source

d) Blank BMW key fobs seem to be readily available????

Please correct me if I'm wrong

They have been known to smash the window and gain access that way, the unlock car was an example. There is a video on you tube of someone nicking a 1 series this way

Superspark, the echo is still there

Cloning BM fobs has been the brunt of many jokes in the motor trade for some time. Of course you'd be hard pressed to find a BM dealer who will admit cloning is possible. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

Tell me about it

I would suggest its superspark having an issue, as no one else is double posting, slow connection, maybe and double pressing send  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

it must be his "send" key that is stuck again  ______________________
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