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Thieves Steal BMW M3 Using OBD Key Cloning Method [Video]

It seems that the cloning of a BMW key, via the OBD port is still popular. In a very similar manner to what happened here, some thieves managed to steal a BMW M3, right from the owner’s doorstep.

They used a method of programming a blank key with the correct codes in order to gain access to the car, as well as start it and drive off as if nothing had happened. They first circle the car, in a sort of reconnaissance mission, then they make their move, casually unlocking the car, taking it out of gear and rolling it away from the driveway silently - they probably started it further down the block, so as not to alert the owner.

This sad event happened, despite the fact that BMW announced the release of a fix to the problem, for all X5s and X6s manufactured between 2007 and September 2011. Sadly, the fix never reached the M3, despite the fact that BMW said it would apply the fix to all affected cars, eventually.

It's not just Beamers. This is a rapidly growing problem. As consumer pressure makes the EU force manufacturers to standardise on-board diagnostics, and make the connectors more accessible, that's the price we pay. Maybe having "open-source" software for everything on a car isn't that good an idea after all!