[GDLF.]

Hey Guys!

I want to buy a used car and this car has the Perfect spec for me - except the Comfort Access System! I am living in a Region where Cars & NBT Navs are Stolen often because of hacking the Comfort Access...

So now I am looking for a solution for disabling the Comfort Access and enjoying the car to the fullest!

Could anyone say smth to this topic? Does it work to edit the FA and remove the SA code 322 from the FA? Any Known issues After doing this?


Thank you all in advance!

[Darkfiber]

I think removing 322 from the VO and then coding it would suffice...

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by GDLF.

I am living in a Region where Cars & NBT Navs are Stolen often because of hacking the Comfort Access...

It's not 'hacked' per se, the thieves use a radio frequency repeater that makes the key seem to be within a few feet of the car when it's actually even hundreds of feet away. An RF shield like this is all you need to defeat those repeaters:
https://www.amazon.com/FobGuard-Fara.../dp/B010VK9ZLI

[jdr78569]

Originally Posted by GDLF.

Hey Guys!

I want to buy a used car and this car has the Perfect spec for me - except the Comfort Access System! I am living in a Region where Cars & NBT Navs are Stolen often because of hacking the Comfort Access...

So now I am looking for a solution for disabling the Comfort Access and enjoying the car to the fullest!

Could anyone say smth to this topic? Does it work to edit the FA and remove the SA code 322 from the FA? Any Known issues After doing this?


Thank you all in advance!

Dang! Sounds intense! I'm looking for a set of comfort access handles if u want to swap them. Problem fixed right there. Can't activate what's not there. I have a black sapphire metallic color.

[GDLF.]

Originally Posted by jdr78569

Dang! Sounds intense! I'm looking for a set of comfort access handles if u want to swap them. Problem fixed right there. Can't activate what's not there. I have a black sapphire metallic color.

Sorry, don't want to swap. Also the color will be Mineral grey metallic, so it won't fit w/o a paintjob :/

Back2topic: Contacted BMW Customer Service in Munich, they are discussing this topic with the responsible department and bring up a solution

[RoundelM3]

So here's something to think about: with comfort access, there's no place to insert the key - it just needs to be inside the passenger compartment. If you defeat comfort access, how will you start the car? The same would be true if you used the RF shield that was mentioned in this thread.

The thieves are using a device to capture the RF signal by getting close enough to you to pick up that signal with a device about the size of a laptop bag. And even in cars without comfort access, they can pick up the lock/unlock signal when pressing the appropriate button on the key fob. No really good solution here other than being aware of your surroundings and anyone walking around with a laptop-sized bag or briefcase.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by roundel335

If you defeat comfort access, how will you start the car? The same would be true if you used the RF shield that was mentioned in this thread.

Most thefts associated with RF repeaters are when the car is parked at home or at work. RF shields are intended as RF secure storage for the fob when it's not in use, not as carry cases.

[GDLF.]

Originally Posted by roundel335

So here's something to think about: with comfort access, there's no place to insert the key - it just needs to be inside the passenger compartment. If you defeat comfort access, how will you start the car? The same would be true if you used the RF shield that was mentioned in this thread.

No, no, no! You misunderstood something!

I want to disable Comfort Access which means opening the car with the door handles, without using the buttons on the key. Keyless Start is not disabled then!


Until I found a possible Solution, I will store the key in a shielded box or smth similar...

[Billfitz]

In order to open the car with the door handles you have to unlock it, which you need to do either with comfort access or the actual key, drivers door only. Once in the car you need comfort access activated to start the car.
If you're really concerned about theft have a hidden ignition kill switch installed. Then if they get in the car they won't be able to start it, or even tow it.

[GDLF.]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

In order to open the car with the door handles you have to unlock it, which you need to do either with comfort access or the actual key, drivers door only. Once in the car you need comfort access activated to start the car.
If you're really concerned about theft have a hidden ignition kill switch installed. Then if they get in the car they won't be able to start it, or even tow it.

Yes, the opening process is correct. But the Start process is not.

You don't need Comfort Access. The Comfort Access System is ONLY for opening the car. The Keyless Start is an other system within the car. If you order a F-Series car w/o Comfort Access you also got Keyless Start. So this are two different systems!

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by GDLF.

Yes, the opening process is correct. But the Start process is not.

You don't need Comfort Access. The Comfort Access System is ONLY for opening the car. The Keyless Start is an other system within the car. If you order a F-Series car w/o Comfort Access you also got Keyless Start. So this are two different systems!

They are two different systems, but they operate from the key fob. You have to be close enough to the door to lock or unlock it, and close enough to the steering column to start the car. My point is that if someone's "sniffing" the key fob RF emission, they can use that to both unlock and start the car.

[GDLF.]

Originally Posted by roundel335

They are two different systems, but they operate from the key fob. You have to be close enough to the door to lock or unlock it, and close enough to the steering column to start the car. My point is that if someone's "sniffing" the key fob RF emission, they can use that to both unlock and start the car.

Yeah, thats true - but if the Comfort Access does not work, they are not able to open the door and then start the car. My point is to disable the comfort entry, not the keyless start. I know how the Keyless Start System works and also how the Comfort Access System works. Driving F-Series since 2012

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by GDLF.

Yeah, thats true - but if the Comfort Access does not work, they are not able to open the door and then start the car. My point is to disable the comfort entry, not the keyless start. I know how the Keyless Start System works and also how the Comfort Access System works. Driving F-Series since 2012

Well, if you can find a way to disable the touch sensors on the doors without disabling the entire remote lock/unlock system, go for it. Just be aware that when you press the button on the remote, they can capture that RF emission and use it as though they have your key fob. It's been widely reported here in the US that this is becoming more and more prevalent for car owners who use remote key fobs to lock/unlock their doors in public parking lots.

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Well, if you can find a way to disable the touch sensors on the doors without disabling the entire remote lock/unlock system, go for it. Just be aware that when you press the button on the remote, they can capture that RF emission and use it as though they have your key fob. It's been widely reported here in the US that this is becoming more and more prevalent for car owners who use remote key fobs to lock/unlock their doors in public parking lots.

Did you ever find a solution for this? I am getting a new x3 m40i and will have the same problem

[atzebmw]

I think the first answer here in this thread is the best solution.

Originally Posted by Datake

I think removing 322 from the VO and then coding it would suffice...

[Billfitz]

My solution was to get insurance.

[lrklrk]

Hello,

did anyone actually perform the removal of VO 322 and can confirm that comfort access was disabled?

thanks, Andre

[fuzzybunny]

I thought modern comfort access keys where now coded so they turn off after so many minutes of not moving and only reactivate when picked up again, so leaving your key inside near the front door of the house cant be picked up by a coding thief outside your front door.

[Silverlining_m2]

I'm sure it can't just be this simple, but can't you just take the battery out of the key fob? Use the actual hidden key to unlock the car, and hold the key fob to the steering column to start the car? Isn't that system designed to work if your key fob battery is dead? I suppose you can't activate your alarm that way though.

[atzebmw]

Originally Posted by fuzzybunny

I thought modern comfort access keys where now coded so they turn off after so many minutes of not moving and only reactivate when picked up again, so leaving your key inside near the front door of the house cant be picked up by a coding thief outside your front door.

Yes, but only from around 2018 onwards.
And I'm not sure whether this was also introduced in the F-models.
I think it didn't.

[Billfitz]

Leave the fob inside a Faraday cage and its radio signal can't be detected. A tea or biscuit tin is a Faraday cage.