Security code blues - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

cliff · 2nd December 2001, 05:24

I set my security code today. I used my daughter's birthday so I wouldn't forget it. Unfortunately I must not have entered it correctly when I set it up. So I got to experience the emergency bypass procedure.

I you haven't done this, first you get your three strikes while you try to figure out what the code was. Then you get about a minute of the alarm. Then you disconnect the battery for a couple minutes. When you reconnect the battery, you get the alarm again. Finally you watch a 10 minute countdown timer on the screen. At least there is a way, however tedious and painful, to bypass the code. My lesson for the day is to look very carefully at the code when you set it to make sure it's the code you intended.

I would be much better if the computer let you set up a single code that does not change (until you decide to change it), and then an option to either enable or disable use of the code. I doubt that many people want to use a different code each time they want to turn this feature on.

Chris Foote · 2nd December 2001, 05:38

I have never run into that problem, but I do use the code every time I shut the car off. I agree that there should be a "SET" code in the system, giving you the option of either using the code or bypassing it when its time to leave the car.

Maybe a future software release will fix this??

-Chris

lear · 2nd December 2001, 15:11

Quote:

Originally posted by cliff

I you haven't done this, first you get your three strikes while you try to figure out what the code was. Then you get about a minute of the alarm. Then you disconnect the battery for a couple minutes. When you reconnect the battery, you get the alarm again. Finally you watch a 10 minute countdown timer on the screen. At least there is a way, however tedious and painful, to bypass the code.

Should we have this on a public forum? Maybe a reference to where we can get the info, the service writer perhaps. Although, I am sure those scumbags who would steal the car already know.

livenupe · 2nd December 2001, 16:10

I share Lear's concern. In the wrong hands, this info could serve as a step-by-step guide to stealing a beast.

Out of curiousity, I once created a poll asking how many beast owners use the code feature. After thinking about how this information could be used by a person with dishonest motives, I asked the moderators to remove my poll immediately.

I would like to ask you to do the same. Please have the moderators delete this thread as soon as possible.

1C00lVC · 2nd December 2001, 18:10

This information is in the public domain. The owners manual for E39 has this info. It is in my manul at page 83 (Emergency deactivation):

Quote:

Emergency deactivation:
If you have forgotten the code, proceed
as follows:

1. Disconnect the battery, wait approx.
2 minutes, then reconnect it. Note
that on vehicles with an alarm, this
will sound.

2. Place the ignition key in position 1:
The time display will count down for
the next ten minutes.

3. After ten minutes, start the engine.

tfung · 2nd December 2001, 18:17

I've never tried the code feature on the beast, but on our 740, once you set the code and activate it, everytime you start the car, it would come on using the same one you set... you don't have to change it everytime you do it....

bgomez · 2nd December 2001, 23:18

I have never used the code feature because when the salesman was demonstrating the feature to me on my wife's X5 we had to go through the whole disconnect battery routine and really didn't think it was necessary. I'm thinking about giving it a second try but am I understanding you guys correctly that the code changes every time that you start the car? I would prefer it to stay the same code until I decide to change it.
Bill

Karl G · 2nd December 2001, 23:55

I've got an E46 so I'm not familiar with the code feature... what is it supposed to do? Is it useful enough to warrant investigation into a possible retrofit?

Chris Foote · 3rd December 2001, 01:49

The theory behind the code system is that it is one more thing a thief has to deal with in trying to start the car -- in other words, if he doesn't have the code, he has to wait 10 minutes before the system deactivates. Combine that with our coded keys, and our semi-decent factory alarm, and we have a pretty good security system from BMW.

The CODE feature should be on your xi -- under the OnBoard Computer, check for an option called "CODE". When you are ready to leave the vehicle, shut the car off, but leave the key in the "ON" position (i.e. engine off, but electronics still on). Go to the OBC Menu, select "CODE". Punch in a 4 digit code (one that you will remember!). Punch it in, and then turn the key to the OFF position and take the key and leave the vehicle.

Upon return, turn the key to the ON position (don't try to start the car), and the OnBoard Computer should come up with a "CODE ?" display. Punch in your code, then select DEACTIVATE. Now turn the key and start your car.

It sounds complicated, but its just another added protection measure. If they want your car, they'll just tow it anyways, but this will give them a hard time when they try to start it

-Chris

cliff · 3rd December 2001, 02:48

Quote:

Originally posted by livenupe
I share Lear's concern. In the wrong hands, this info could serve as a step-by-step guide to stealing a beast.

Out of curiousity, I once created a poll asking how many beast owners use the code feature. After thinking about how this information could be used by a person with dishonest motives, I asked the moderators to remove my poll immediately.

I would like to ask you to do the same. Please have the moderators delete this thread as soon as possible.

That is a good point, and one I did not consider when I posted this thread. While this information is readily available, it might be better not to help it get distributed even wider. Thanks for the feedback.

rvacha · 3rd December 2001, 03:27

Had exactly the same thing happen to me - but my car was brand new and it happened when I drove my son to a parking lot to meet up with the other baseball players and parents. While waiting for eveybody to show up, I set the Code (incorrectly I guess!) just to try it out and then tripped the alarm just as every one started showing up. The caravan stopped impatiently, waiting for me to figure out how to reset the alarm/DME. I finally found the procedure in the manual but no one was much amused when I told them that we had to wait another 10 minutes! I shrank in size that day, to about 1 1/2 inches tall as I recall

As far as the thead goes, I think it is OK. For one thing the info is in the public domain. For another, Truly Bad Guys would have to rip into the trunk to disconnect the battery, which doesn't sound like a very hot thing to do even for Bad Guys.