Turns out new BMWs are embarrassingly easy to steal

Dan Seitz Contributing Writer, Tech

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Car theft has dropped to insanely low levels over the last few years. In fact it’s currently at its lowest point since the 1960s. That’s largely due to advanced technology that makes stealing cars much harder.

Or it was supposed to, anyway. In BMW’s case… not so much.

Here’s a video of thieves heisting a supposedly unstealable car in minutes:

So, how do they pull this off? Isn’t there a chip in the key with a code you need? Isn’t the key encoded at the dealership or something?

Indeed there is and indeed it is. The problem is that thieves can also get a key encoder. From there, they just smash the window, hook the encoder up to a data port inside the car, program a new key fob, and they’re off to the races. Or rather the chop shop.

What about the fancy alarm system? Apparently it has a blind spot, right near the data port. Also the data port isn’t password-protected.

BMW’s response can be summed up as “Eh, whatevs.” So if you drive a Beamer…consider parking it somewhere with an attendant.

That Shiny New BMW of Yours Is Pretty Easy to Steal [OhGizmo]