A. The Most Common Ghost Immobiliser Car Debate Isn't As Black And White As You May Think

BMW Ghost Immobiliser

The Ghost uses CAN data bus for communication with your vehicle. This stops thieves adding an additional key or replacing the ECU to get around your security system because it requires a correct PIN code to start the engine.

The Ghost is unique to other immobilisers in that it doesn't use key fobs or LED indicators. Instead, it uses your vehicle's existing buttons to allow you to enter a unique disarm sequence that you only are aware of.

Stop & Start

If you've ever driven a brand new BMW or utilized the stop start feature, then you might have noticed that once stopped the engine will still be running for approximately 30 seconds after releasing the brake pedal. This is due to the BMW engine management system constantly monitoring your vehicle for signals from the ignition key, and once it is detected, it will continue to run. The Autowatch 2 Ghost immobiliser prevents this from happening by stopping the car every time you press a button.

Our BMW ghost immobiliser, which is a next-generation device, does not require you to cut OEM wires or to add key fobs or alarms from the aftermarket. It is connected to the BMW CAN data network, and is programmed with a unique PIN code that is accessible via buttons in your car. This allows you to enter key sequences that are not accessible in normal menus for media. For example, volume up/down or source controls, air conditioning, cruise control etc. The PIN can range between 4 and 20 digits which makes it extremely difficult for thieves to determine or break.

We can also add to the system a service/valet mode. This mode is activated when your vehicle is being serviced to ensure that the Ghost is hidden from the garage. This can be achieved by pressing the service button on your infotainment system five times (the system will flash to confirm this) and then when you return the Ghost will automatically re-arm.

With high-end vehicles being more prone to being targeted than ever before, we strongly recommend the Ghost immobiliser to be fitted. It's completely undetectable and does not require cutting any factory wiring and can disable your car's engine if a wrong pin code is entered. It is a simple but efficient method to prevent your car being stolen, even with keys that are cloned. It is all you need to do is look on social media to see how quickly brand new vehicles can be taken by equipment for cloning that is accessible to anyone online for less than PS80.

Service / Valet Mode

The Ghost is the most popular immobiliser on the market. It prevents your vehicle from being taken through key cloning or hacking. It utilizes the factory buttons on your vehicle to generate an unique push sequence that only you know. It is similar to the pin code security of your mobile phone. It's subtle, extremely effective and deterrence for even the most determined thieves!

If you're at home and in an event where you meet and greet, when you are at a meet and greet, the Ghost can be set to service mode which allows you to start the vehicle using your keys in the normal way, but prevents the engine from running again unless the correct code is entered. This is perfect for customers who have to hand over their cars to valet services, or trusted family members or friends. It also lets you take the car to the garage for servicing etc without having to worry about it being taken away or altered by a mechanic whilst you are waiting.

If the service/valet mode has been activated and enabled, your BMW is unable to drive once it is started.  ghost immobiliser problems  stops anyone else from driving it while you're away. When you return, it will revert back to normal, preventing your vehicle from being damaged or stolen again.

We can fit the Ghost to any BMW all you require is the correct keys as the device does not use the original remotes and can be used alongside them. We are TASSA registered, DBS security checked and fully system trained to ensure you are assured of the quality of our installation and that your new Ghost device will work according to the specifications. Your vehicle will also be registered on a database and you will receive a certificate that you can present to your insurance company. they will love these devices and you'll often receive substantial discounts as a result!

If you don't wish to use a smartphone, or aren't at ease with it, we can provide an optional Bluetooth tag that can be used to disable the Ghost. This is an extra cost and requires an additional Bluetooth pairing.

Anti-Hijack

Ghost created this subtle, unobtrusive device to combat the ever-increasing sophistication of high-tech thieves. It is designed to stop thieves from acquiring a new key or replacing the ECU to start your vehicle and drive away. Ghost links up to your CAN data network and utilizes the buttons on your vehicle (steering wheel and centre console, as well as door panels) to create an individual push sequence that must be completed before the engine can start.

This will activate the anti-hijack feature and, once it is activated any attempt to start the engine will be immediately blocked. The system will honk the horn and flash the indicators. It will also stall the vehicle if the code is not found. The Anti-Hijack feature can be cancelled by entering your push sequence or by entering service mode that allows your car to temporarily start and drive without having to enter your PIN.

If you have an GPS device that is connected to your BMW it could be used to disable the Anti-Hijack feature, allowing you to still use the navigation system inside your car when the vehicle is parked and unsupervised. If you own a smartphone, you can also connect it to your Ghost app to control the anti-hijack function and other functions.

This product is Tassa-certified and is recognized by a majority of insurance companies. It will reduce the risk of your joy and pride being stolen. It is completely invisible and will not interfere with the operation of your vehicle. It does not require any programming expertise to install or use. It is completely undetectable to the tools used by thieves to detect the device and is invulnerable to key cloning, as it connects to the vehicle's CAN data network.

Remote Control

We can connect the Ghost device with your mobile app to enable remote control of keyless start and go functionality. This is helpful if you have to go somewhere other than home and valet or mechanic need to start your vehicle. The system allows you to start your car, select drive and leave the service mode without having to use your key fobs. You can also track your vehicle's location on the map in real-time using your smartphone.

The Ghost can be positioned under the dashboard or within the center console. It is completely concealed and tamperproof and does not require extra wiring. The device is connected to CAN Data Network of the vehicle (similar to Ethernet cable) and a unique pin code is inserted into it. This pin code has to be entered prior to the engine starting. This stops thieves from using a cloned key or replacing the ECU in order to disable this system.

If the vehicle is stolen and the Ghost will go into a service mode and shut down all functions unless the PIN code is entered, or you can make use of the mobile app to disarm it. This is a feature that was created to safeguard your vehicle from high-tech thieves who are using relay boxes to steal your vehicle. It also prevents thieves from being able to use their mobile phone to turn on your sat nav system or MP3 player to locate your vehicle!

Ghost also stops "Relay Style Frequency Amplification". This is the most frequent method of stealing a car with a keyfob that's been copied, or stolen by hacking. Ghost allows you to prevent this kind of theft by installing a device known as Secure-A Key in your vehicle. The device is inserted into your vehicle's key-fob and will disconnect the battery after a few minutes of inactivity. This can be done on the majority of modern PKE key-fobs.

We are TASSA (Tracking and Aftermarket Security Systems Association) accredited, a recognized body which some insurance companies recognize and offer discounts when you purchase the device. We are also DBS security checked and fully trained to install the Ghost, ensuring that the installation is completed to the highest standards. You will receive a certificate which you can show to your insurance company as proof of installation. This will enable you to get the best deal on your car cover.