Electronic Ignition Protection - BMW Forum

Skipjacks · 07-29-2004, 09:31 PM

Tell me about this electronic ignition protection that's apparently on my M3.

I took the key apart last night to see what was inside and I found the little microchip.

What I'm wondering is how well this works.

How hard does this make the car to start without it?

97alpineM3 · 07-31-2004, 12:16 AM

Its just like your key it self....(same principle) when you stick your key in the ignition.... a electronic signal is sent to that micro chip.. and then back... (to the sending unit... ecu) if it does not match... and complete the circuit for the ecu of your car... then the ignition will not be powered. Its like a matching game. Thats why when BMW first came out with that... (In mid 95 "I think" ) BMWs were so hard to steal. Now most companies do the same.

(I am no positive BMW came out with it first... just the thought)

Skipjacks · 07-31-2004, 10:09 AM

Does it work? I mean without the key can anyone but a professional theif get the car started?

97alpineM3 · 07-31-2004, 10:14 AM

Not that I know of... I know a few sneaky people..... I think they'd rather stay away from our cars... due to all of the protections of our computer... and tracking now a days. I'm not 100% sure if you can or not.. but I'd venture to say no... it would take a lot of work.

(kinda like the movie... cant remember the title.. but they had to have the exact keys for a Mercedes... because they were laser cut.... same principle for a BMW.. its not a easy steal. But I'm not sure.

Skipjacks · 07-31-2004, 11:29 AM

That would be Gone in 60 Seconds.

Suddenly I have the urge to drive a 1967 Shelby GT Cobra named Elanor.