BMW admits it has ‘no control’ over thieves who hack keyless car fobs using cheap devices available on eBay
In a series of private emails to a customer whose BMW 435 was stolen from a drive, they admitted the equipment is on sale on the 'open market'
CAR maker BMW has admitted its keyless fobs can be hacked using cheap devices anyone can buy on Amazon or eBay.
The German firm said they have “no control” over thieves who use cloning gadgets to get past vehicle security systems.
In a series of private emails to a customer whose BMW 435 was stolen from a drive, they admitted the equipment is on sale on the “open market”, the Daily Mail says.
Michael Stephens, a BMW customer services consultant, told Simon Burnett “criminal activity of all kinds is becoming increasingly sophisticated” and tackling it was “a constant battle”.
And Laura Bebbington, of BMW UK customer services, said in a leaked email: “Key-programming equipment is available for sale on the open market.”
The devices allow gangs to clone key fobs, while others relay a signal from a key inside someone’s home.
Steve Double MP, a member of the Commons transport committee, said: “If [carmakers] are aware of any vulnerabilities they need to address them as a matter of urgency.
"If they can’t show it is secure then they should put it on hold until they can provide a more secure system.”
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West Midlands crime commissioner David Jamieson said: “Car manufacturers are sacrificing security for the sake of convenience.”
BMW said: “Our specialist security teams work constantly to design and enhance the best possible vehicle security systems.”
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