LoJack/security...etc
- Thread starter salvo
- Start date
The LoJack is a pretty good piece of equipment. The problem lies with the human interface factor.
Whether the story was true or not, I have no idea, but I have read a rather detailed instance of a LoJack car not being recovered by the police until it had been completely stripped! It seems that a fellow was car jacked in N.Y. While the police took his story, at the site, he informed them that his auto was equipped with LoJack.
We he arrived home some time later, he phoned the police station and asked about his auto. It seems that the officers that took his report hadn't even reported in yet and the LoJack was still inactivated.
By the time it was activated and found, the car was stripped. And since it was discovered, the insurance would not replace the BMW, even though it was severely damaged.
Again, let me reiterate; Whether the story was true or not, I have no idea. But it does seem plausible!
Whether the story was true or not, I have no idea, but I have read a rather detailed instance of a LoJack car not being recovered by the police until it had been completely stripped! It seems that a fellow was car jacked in N.Y. While the police took his story, at the site, he informed them that his auto was equipped with LoJack.
We he arrived home some time later, he phoned the police station and asked about his auto. It seems that the officers that took his report hadn't even reported in yet and the LoJack was still inactivated.
By the time it was activated and found, the car was stripped. And since it was discovered, the insurance would not replace the BMW, even though it was severely damaged.
Again, let me reiterate; Whether the story was true or not, I have no idea. But it does seem plausible!
Hi Salvo,
My view is that Lojack is probably about the only thing that will come close to bringing you total security. But Lojack is very expensive. I also have the factory alarm and use a Club. I feel that it is true when people say that an alarm is of questionable value by itself ... how many times do you ignore a car alarm when it goes off? But put an alarm and a club together and AT LEAST it may act as a deterrent ... for a reasonable price. I have also been told that BMWs are one of the most difficult cars to steal and that most BMW thefts are the result of plain old towing the car away ... or some people experience vandalism.
One little tip I picked up on bimmerfest.com. The default way in which the keys/alarm is programmed allows the alarm to be disarmed by placing the key into the driver's side door and opening the door. This really doesn't make any sense ... as it means that if a thief tampers with the door cylinder in the right way, he/she can disarm the alarm and break in. Knowing this, I had the service dept. reprogram the alarm to have this disabled ... i.e. .... the only way to disarm the alarm now is either remotely from the key ... or by placing the key into the steering wheel. I actually had to speak to the shop foreman as my SA did not realize that this was a programmable option, nor that it could easily be exploited by a thief.
My view is that Lojack is probably about the only thing that will come close to bringing you total security. But Lojack is very expensive. I also have the factory alarm and use a Club. I feel that it is true when people say that an alarm is of questionable value by itself ... how many times do you ignore a car alarm when it goes off? But put an alarm and a club together and AT LEAST it may act as a deterrent ... for a reasonable price. I have also been told that BMWs are one of the most difficult cars to steal and that most BMW thefts are the result of plain old towing the car away ... or some people experience vandalism.
One little tip I picked up on bimmerfest.com. The default way in which the keys/alarm is programmed allows the alarm to be disarmed by placing the key into the driver's side door and opening the door. This really doesn't make any sense ... as it means that if a thief tampers with the door cylinder in the right way, he/she can disarm the alarm and break in. Knowing this, I had the service dept. reprogram the alarm to have this disabled ... i.e. .... the only way to disarm the alarm now is either remotely from the key ... or by placing the key into the steering wheel. I actually had to speak to the shop foreman as my SA did not realize that this was a programmable option, nor that it could easily be exploited by a thief.
Or you can remove the driver lock cylinder and replace that cover with the hole for the cylinder with a cover that has no hole. Yeah, you won't be able to unlock the door without the cylinder, but I believe that the trunk lock will also unlock the doors. (not sure if the truck lock has any triggers for the alarm)
Good point on the alarm setting for the door, I haven't heard of this before, but I will check it out! Thanks!![[thumb]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumb.gif "Thumbs Up [thumb]")
Good point on the alarm setting for the door, I haven't heard of this before, but I will check it out! Thanks!
I got the LoJack system when I bought the car & paid the $99 to have it transferred to my name. Apart from the insurance discount on the comprehensive, I have yet to realize its true value.....and really hope I don't have to. One advantage is that without the noise alarm my car is always silent....I hate the alarms when they sound in the neighborhood (3 AM!)!!! I guess the only option I'd like is to have the clown nose blink like an alarm system is activated (apart from the blinking stereo)....just as a deterrant.
cheers
cheers
We have lojack on the Mercedes but I doubt we'll ever use it. I seriously doubt a casual thief would go for something as difficult as a mercedes and a pro wouldn't choose ours after what my mom did to its looks. My family has never had a car stolen altho we have had cars broken into... but vandalism isn't what lojack is for.
In my opinion, a properly installed alarm system shouldn't go off at 3am unless someone actually tries to steal/vandalize the car ... or unless there is an earthquake. The motion sensor should never be set so sensitively that it goes off just by someone walking by. If this is happening to anyone's car, take it in and ask for it to be adjusted. Just my opinion.
Good point LarryE but sometimes a truck or a bus goes by the car fast and the flow of air shakes the car pretty good and that makes the sensor go off so you really can't be sure with those sensors. On the other topic, I think Lojack is pretty good and probably is the best theft recovery system I know of. The club on the other hand is just useless IMHO. The steering wheel can be cut in seconds and there goes the club. I don't use anything to protect the car except for the built in code feature. Never had a problem but I am thinking of adding something else, maybe a secret fuel cut off switch but with the code, I don't know if it's that necessary.
I have Intertrac on mine for the following reasons.
1. I call a phone number to unlock the car if I have locked myself out and vice versa if I forget to lock the car.
2. I can program from my laptop while on the road if the car moves during the night, it will call my cell phone.
3. It protects me more than an alarm from the valets.
4. It doesnt draw more mamps that BMW allows.
5. LoJack relies on police departments around the country while Intertrack relies on GPS.
6. Once reported, they are not getting very far.
There are other things, look at their compare list on www.trackmenow.net
Since I have had a car stolen by a valet, I want a system that allows the least amount of damage and a quicker recovery.
1. I call a phone number to unlock the car if I have locked myself out and vice versa if I forget to lock the car.
2. I can program from my laptop while on the road if the car moves during the night, it will call my cell phone.
3. It protects me more than an alarm from the valets.
4. It doesnt draw more mamps that BMW allows.
5. LoJack relies on police departments around the country while Intertrack relies on GPS.
6. Once reported, they are not getting very far.
There are other things, look at their compare list on www.trackmenow.net
Since I have had a car stolen by a valet, I want a system that allows the least amount of damage and a quicker recovery.
I'm sorry wrong website........that is for Intertrak registered users.......you need to look at
www.trackmenow.com
www.trackmenow.com
Ultimate in peace of mind.
![[mad]](/images/smilies/mad.png "Mad [mad]")
Ok, all I have is the OEM alarm system, plus a Sig Sauer Pro 2340, .40cal with hollow points and a AR15 in M4 configurantion. The pistol has surefire light attached and can be firtted with a Lasermax.
Then all I did was make a small sign with index cards say:" Its nice car, but its not worth DYING for!" with 2 big ol .40cal silver bullets tapped to both sides. Then I laminated it and leave it on the dash. [fake]
My car is parked 8 feet below my Bedroom window. I doubt I will ever need the AR15, but I got 4 Mags with 30 rounds packed aready to go, in case the Taliban comes for a visit.
4 months ago my neighbors Acura got stolen. It was summer time and i had left the window just a bit open. And the thief never even touched my car. F$ck lojack, I believe in deterrence!
Oh, after what you guys said about the alarm, I will have it changed too. And then I will take two .50cal round in place of the .40cals, cause they are just "Scarier".
The question has always been:
1) is it legal to shoot people from your window, as they are not intruders yet. (solution, drag his body into the house afterwards!![[;)]](/images/smilies/wink.png "Wink [;)]")
, LOL just kidding)
2) it would be tricky to shoot and not damage my car in the dark. But it would be fun just to see the fear in his eyes!
![[rofl]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_rofl.gif "ROFL [rofl]")
After the car theft, my down stair neighbor is ready to join in as well. And he has a Glock 19 with a 33rd Magazine.
Car: 2004 325Ci, Adaptive lights, Premium and sport package.
Ok, all I have is the OEM alarm system, plus a Sig Sauer Pro 2340, .40cal with hollow points and a AR15 in M4 configurantion. The pistol has surefire light attached and can be firtted with a Lasermax. Then all I did was make a small sign with index cards say:" Its nice car, but its not worth DYING for!" with 2 big ol .40cal silver bullets tapped to both sides. Then I laminated it and leave it on the dash. [fake]
My car is parked 8 feet below my Bedroom window. I doubt I will ever need the AR15, but I got 4 Mags with 30 rounds packed aready to go, in case the Taliban comes for a visit.
4 months ago my neighbors Acura got stolen. It was summer time and i had left the window just a bit open. And the thief never even touched my car. F$ck lojack, I believe in deterrence!
Oh, after what you guys said about the alarm, I will have it changed too. And then I will take two .50cal round in place of the .40cals, cause they are just "Scarier".
The question has always been:
1) is it legal to shoot people from your window, as they are not intruders yet. (solution, drag his body into the house afterwards!
, LOL just kidding)2) it would be tricky to shoot and not damage my car in the dark. But it would be fun just to see the fear in his eyes!
After the car theft, my down stair neighbor is ready to join in as well. And he has a Glock 19 with a 33rd Magazine.
Car: 2004 325Ci, Adaptive lights, Premium and sport package.
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![[:p]](/images/smilies/tongue.png "Stick Out Tongue [:p]")
I would not do much shooting in Seattle. Besides, after the shooting, are you ready to wander outside while it is raining? Also, I noticed a defnitie lack of BMWs in the SeaTac area along with few dealerships. I am comparing to the LA area where there are actually too many dealerships (of varying quality). so if the BMW gets stolen, it will be easy to find the car getting serviced (for door & window damage). case closed!
![[driving]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_driving.gif "Driving [driving]"){kind=icon}
![[wave]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_wave.gif "Wave [wave]"){kind=icon}
Re: Ultimate in peace of mind.
Ok, all I have is the OEM alarm system, plus a Sig Sauer Pro 2340, .40cal with hollow points and a AR15 in M4 configurantion. The pistol has surefire light attached and can be firtted with a Lasermax.
Then all I did was make a small sign with index cards say:" Its nice car, but its not worth DYING for!" with 2 big ol .40cal silver bullets tapped to both sides. Then I laminated it and leave it on the dash. [fake]
My car is parked 8 feet below my Bedroom window. I doubt I will ever need the AR15, but I got 4 Mags with 30 rounds packed aready to go, in case the Taliban comes for a visit.
4 months ago my neighbors Acura got stolen. It was summer time and i had left the window just a bit open. And the thief never even touched my car. F$ck lojack, I believe in deterrence!
Oh, after what you guys said about the alarm, I will have it changed too. And then I will take two .50cal round in place of the .40cals, cause they are just "Scarier".
The question has always been:
1) is it legal to shoot people from your window, as they are not intruders yet. (solution, drag his body into the house afterwards! , LOL just kidding)
2) it would be tricky to shoot and not damage my car in the dark. But it would be fun just to see the fear in his eyes!
After the car theft, my down stair neighbor is ready to join in as well. And he has a Glock 19 with a 33rd Magazine.
Car: 2004 325Ci, Adaptive lights, Premium and sport package.
Are you really that stupid to think you could shoot and kill someone stealing your car and not face a murder charge?
What you are boasting about doing is first degree murder in all 50 states!!!!
If you were to lay and wait in your window for someone to steal your car, then shoot them dead before, during or after, you would possibly get the death penalty if you live in a state that has that.
If you were to be carjacked or held at gunpoint while your car is stolen, then that is a different story.
Please tell me you are joking.
steel21 said:
Ok, all I have is the OEM alarm system, plus a Sig Sauer Pro 2340, .40cal with hollow points and a AR15 in M4 configurantion. The pistol has surefire light attached and can be firtted with a Lasermax. Then all I did was make a small sign with index cards say:" Its nice car, but its not worth DYING for!" with 2 big ol .40cal silver bullets tapped to both sides. Then I laminated it and leave it on the dash. [fake]
My car is parked 8 feet below my Bedroom window. I doubt I will ever need the AR15, but I got 4 Mags with 30 rounds packed aready to go, in case the Taliban comes for a visit.
4 months ago my neighbors Acura got stolen. It was summer time and i had left the window just a bit open. And the thief never even touched my car. F$ck lojack, I believe in deterrence!
Oh, after what you guys said about the alarm, I will have it changed too. And then I will take two .50cal round in place of the .40cals, cause they are just "Scarier".
The question has always been:
1) is it legal to shoot people from your window, as they are not intruders yet. (solution, drag his body into the house afterwards!
, LOL just kidding)2) it would be tricky to shoot and not damage my car in the dark. But it would be fun just to see the fear in his eyes!
After the car theft, my down stair neighbor is ready to join in as well. And he has a Glock 19 with a 33rd Magazine.
Car: 2004 325Ci, Adaptive lights, Premium and sport package.
What you are boasting about doing is first degree murder in all 50 states!!!!
If you were to lay and wait in your window for someone to steal your car, then shoot them dead before, during or after, you would possibly get the death penalty if you live in a state that has that.
If you were to be carjacked or held at gunpoint while your car is stolen, then that is a different story.
Please tell me you are joking.
Shoot first, don't bother to ask questions. Just empty the clip and let the good lord decide...
Clifford & Viper also offer GPS based tracking systems. They are both child companies to these folks: http://www.directed.com/.
Clifford & Viper also offer GPS based tracking systems. They are both child companies to these folks: http://www.directed.com/.
relax...
Relax, I was joking. But really, the laminated note do act as a deterrent.
And dont worry, Im very good and comfy with firearms, Im also well knowledge on the laws. MAtter of fact, i use them to make a living (legally)
But really, in the middle of the night, I cant garuantee i wont have "FLASHBACKS" and just.... "Dont give a sh1t".
![[hihi]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_hihi.gif "Hi Hi [hihi]")
Oh its not murder if I put a phoenix 22 in his hands and "sprinkle some crack on him", to qquote "David Chappel". AHahhaha, HAPPY NEW YEAR folks.
Relax, I was joking. But really, the laminated note do act as a deterrent.
And dont worry, Im very good and comfy with firearms, Im also well knowledge on the laws. MAtter of fact, i use them to make a living (legally)
But really, in the middle of the night, I cant garuantee i wont have "FLASHBACKS" and just.... "Dont give a sh1t".
Oh its not murder if I put a phoenix 22 in his hands and "sprinkle some crack on him", to qquote "David Chappel". AHahhaha, HAPPY NEW YEAR folks.
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