05-27-2022, 11:34 PM | #1 |
Private First Class
215
Rep 139
Posts
Drives: 2019 440i GC
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Toronto, ON
|
BMW ConnectedDrive and Theft Tracking Capability
I have a question about the on-board telematics and BMW's ability to track a vehicle in the event of a theft. I have a 2019 440i with BMW ConnectedDrive.
In recent weeks, the city of Toronto and surrounding areas have seen a disturbing rise in carjacking incidents. People have been robbed at gunpoint in parking lots, main roads and even their own driveways. The vehicles targeted range from Range Rovers and Porsche Cayennes to Honda CRVs and Toyota Corollas. My question is whether BMW ConnectedDrive is effective at tracking a stolen vehicle if reported quickly? I am trying to figure out if installing an aftermarket GPS tracker will provide additional benefit or if it will be unnecessary? Thanks. |
05-28-2022, 01:04 PM | #2 |
Brigadier General
1665
Rep 4,924
Posts |
On my 2016, it updates real time. Our Audi only updated when the car was stationary (at least that's what the app did).
I'm pretty sure that if you reported a modern day vehicle stolen, law enforcement has the ability to access locations. Pretty sure, not 100% sure. There is notes in the manual, etc, about calling 9-1-1, etc and the police could track. |
Appreciate
1
syd34214.50 |
05-28-2022, 06:26 PM | #3 |
Captain
1324
Rep 894
Posts |
My car w/ active CD pkg stays traceable in the My BMW app as well, if you enabled tracking. It will locate the car precisely on the map. Throw in an AirTag if you’re extra paranoid to ‘double down’ your own tracing…
(of course, determined/smart thieves can disable these techs) |
Appreciate
1
syd34214.50 |
05-29-2022, 09:29 AM | #5 |
Private First Class
215
Rep 139
Posts
Drives: 2019 440i GC
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Toronto, ON
|
Thanks everyone. Sounds like the standard ConnectedDrive should be good. I may just use the AirTag idea soon, thanks for that idea.
Hopefully this craziness winds down. Even an NHL player from the Toronto Maple Leafs (Mitch Marner) had his Range Rover taken at gunpoint. Thanks guys. |
Appreciate
0
|
06-09-2022, 11:44 AM | #7 |
Second Lieutenant
75
Rep 287
Posts |
I had my 2022 M340 stolen about 3 weeks ago. I was tracking it on my phone until the thieves changed the privacy setting within the car's iDrive system disabling my tracking. BMW call center was able to track them but after the thieves reached their destination, they unplugged the cellular module. So connected drive was pretty much useless.
Overall, I also found BMW assist to be unhelpful. They would not provide any information to me and said they will only call my police department (even though the police were at my house completing the incident report). In the end they never called the police department directly either. I am pretty sure my car is now on the other side of the Atlantic by now. I am using an Airtag on my other car, placed in a well-hidden location. |
Appreciate
1
Pauloxxi343.50 |
06-09-2022, 12:43 PM | #8 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
1291
Rep 1,641
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-09-2022, 03:08 PM | #9 |
Second Lieutenant
75
Rep 287
Posts |
I have new car replacement coverage that will pay the full cost of a similarly optioned model, waiting for insurance company to give me their proposal. The bigger issue is the long wait for a replacement vehicle, Dealer is saying 5-6 months for a X5 45e as we decided to go plug-in with the crazy gas prices. It will be more out of pocket but we are expecting to receive the tax credit.
|
Appreciate
1
CajunBMW1290.50 |
08-20-2023, 01:14 AM | #10 | |
First Lieutenant
59
Rep 305
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-03-2023, 06:48 PM | #11 |
Second Lieutenant
75
Rep 287
Posts |
the old fashion method of breaking into home and taking the keys. according to the police report, they took my car to try to steal other cars.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-29-2024, 02:07 PM | #12 |
Registered
0
Rep 2
Posts |
Apologies for bumping an old thread but I was hoping someone could clarify what service allows for for the vehicle tracking feature. I was primarily looking to see what the cost was against insurance discounts for theft prevention and, going to https://mygarage.bmwusa.com/connected-drive-store.html it lists 6 available services as part of BMW Connected Services:
* Amazon Alexa Car Integration * Remote Services * Advanced Real-time Traffic Information * Online Speech Processing * BMW online * Automatic Map Update The ones that are indicated as included with my vehicle (2018 340i) are: * Apple CarPlay Compatibility * BMW TeleService * Intelligent emergency call * BMW Remote Services I don't see anything in the service descriptions that indicate remote tracking... and I'm wondering if if this is part of one of the already included services. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-29-2024, 02:18 PM | #13 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
2520
Rep 1,844
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-29-2024, 04:33 PM | #14 |
Lieutenant Colonel
1082
Rep 1,826
Posts |
If you're serious about wanting to be able to track your car if stolen you're better off investing in a device with its own GPS signal (and battery?). Professional thieves know to disconnect your cellular module. BMW to my knowledge can't track it if that occurs and you're out of luck.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-30-2024, 01:13 PM | #15 |
Registered
0
Rep 2
Posts |
Vehicle tracking always allowed without subscription
Thanks for pointing out which service it's associated with. I just went into the myBMW app and saw the Vehicle Finder option. It was initially disabled since vehicle tracking was apparently off in my car settings. I just went and turned that on and it indeed shows the location of the vehicle now.
Time to call my insurance and see about getting that discount Regarding a better tracking system, I'm not hugely interested in one (this was mostly about the insurance discount for me), at least if it comes with service fees. If there's a one-time cost option, perhaps that's something I'd do. Honestly I'm more worried about accident fraud and am looking into a good dash cam and installer. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-30-2024, 02:52 PM | #16 | |
Major General
3005
Rep 6,065
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-03-2024, 07:28 AM | #17 | |
Brigadier General
1665
Rep 4,924
Posts |
Quote:
I'd assume any good car thief would have a GPS jammer nowadays which makes the about moot. The world sucks sometimes! |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|