Electronic vehicle immobilizer, Electronic vehicle, Immobilizer – BMW 01 41 0 155 307 User Manual

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Index

Data

Technology

Repairs

Car care

Controls

Overview

Electronic vehicle immobilizer

The key to security

Your BMW is equipped with a passive
anti-theft system. This electronic immo-
bilization system reduces the likelihood
of your vehicle being stolen by making
it impossible to start the engine using
any keys other than the ones furnished
with the vehicle. Your BMW center can
cancel the electronic system authoriza-
tion for individual keys (in the event of
loss, for instance). A deactivated key
can no longer be used to start the
engine.

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How the electronics work

At the heart of this system is an elec-
tronic chip that is integrated into the
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-
ally a dual-function device. While the
engine is running, the circuitry in the
ignition key and the vehicle's electronic
system constantly exchange variable,
vehicle-specific signals. The system will
not release the ignition, fuel injection
and starter unless it recognizes an
"authorized" key.

Force applied to the key can
damage the integrated electronic

circuitry. A damaged key can no longer
be used to start the engine.