I'm sure that no one is underestimating the issue, but the theft of BMW's is now at an epidemic level.
It is a BMW issue,across the board on cars using the can bus 'block' type key,across the range.I would suggest that the more 'mainstream' models and not M vehicles are a better target as the parts are easier to sell on as there is a bigger and ready market.Thats not to say that an M vehicle isnt a target,its just harder to move about before disposal,whether on false plates or not.
The risks of using V5 documents to get duplicate keys from a dealership,is a thing of the past.
They are being stolen as follows.
Thief targets your car and will either gain access via smashing the window or jamming the signal when you come to lock it.Jammers are cheap when compared with the profit on selling your car on as parts etc,so a thief may even leave one concealed near to where your car is normally parked-pre-emptying your and subsequently,their return.
Access is gained to your car and obd equipment is plugged into the port which reads the data that the key uses to 'communicate' with the car and vice versa.This takes seconds.
A blank BMW key (mostly manufactured in China and bought for a few pounds) is then programmed with this data.
Your car is driven away,all within minutes and stripped or exported.
Don't confuse any of this with the copying of the signal transmitted from the key,as used to happen pre-Thatcham.Random encryption solved that problem but this new wave seems to have created a new gap in the system.
Regarding jammers,they are also being used more commonly as the audible arm/disarm feature has been deactivated on bmw's.Unfortunately,too many owners just assume that their cars have been locked without checking.
As mentioned,Autologic software can re-enable the arm/disarm chirp in seconds(I have just had this done on my vehicle).
The same jammers will also work
To block any Tracker signals.
Comfort access has its own problems as on some systems,this tends to 'work' at quite a distance and this signal can easily be copied and retransmitted to allow access to your car.
The jury is still out as to whether this will allow your car to be driven away due to the different operating systems,but I believe that some manufacturers aren't pushing comfort access as an option.
Sorry for the waffle,but I thought that as it was being discussed,I would put a lengthy explanation.
BMW are well aware of the issue and it seems,are quite happy to fob off their customers.