A Retrospective: What People Discussed About Ghost Immobiliser Car 20 Years Ago

· 6 min read
A Retrospective: What People Discussed About Ghost Immobiliser Car 20 Years Ago

BMW Ghost Immobiliser

The Ghost uses the CAN data bus to communicate with your vehicle.  cost of ghost immobiliser  stops thieves adding a new key or even replacing the ECU to bypass your security system as it requires a valid PIN code to start the engine.

In contrast to other immobilisers, unlike other immobilisers, the Ghost doesn't use LED indications or key-fobs. It relies on the buttons of your vehicle to allow you enter a unique disarming sequence that you can only remember.

Stop & Start

If you have ever driven a brand new BMW or used the stop start feature then you may have noticed that once stopped the engine will continue to continue to run for around 30 seconds after you release the brake pedal. This is due to the BMW engine management system constantly monitoring your vehicle for an ignition key, and when this signal is detected, it will continue to run. The Autowatch 2 Ghost is a device that can stop this by stopping the vehicle whenever you hit the button.

Our BMW ghost immobiliser, a new generation device, does not require cutting OEM wires or add aftermarket alarms and key fobs. It is hooked up to your BMW's CAN data network and is programmed with an encrypted, secure PIN code that is accessible via buttons that are installed in your car. This lets you enter a specific key push sequence that isn't found in the normal menus for media, like volume up/down, cruise control, source or turning on air conditioning, which prevents your car from starting unless it is entered. The PIN can be between 4 and 20 characters, making it hard for thieves to guess.

In addition to this we can also add a service or valet mode to the system, this is activated when your vehicle is in for servicing to ensure that the Ghost is hidden from the garage. This can be achieved by pressing the service button on your infotainment device 5 times (the system will flash to confirm this) and when you return the Ghost will automatically arm again.

High-end cars becoming more targeted than ever, we strongly recommend the Ghost immobiliser to be installed. It is completely unnoticeable and doesn't require cutting any factory wiring and can disable your car's engine if a wrong pin code is entered. It is a simple, but effective method to stop your car being stolen, even with keys that are cloned. It is all you need to do is browse social media to see how fast brand new vehicles are stolen using the cloning tools available to anyone who is online for less than PS80.

Service Mode / Valet Mode

The Ghost is the most popular immobiliser available. It protects your vehicle from being taken by hacking or key cloning. It utilizes the factory buttons of your vehicle to generate an individual sequence of pushes that only you can identify. It is similar to pin code security for your mobile phone. It's incredibly discreet and quiet, not to mention stopping even the most zealous thieves from ever trying!

When parked at your home or in a meeting and greet situation when you are at a meet and greet, the Ghost can be set to service mode. This lets you start the vehicle using your keys, but it stops the engine from starting until the correct code has been entered. This is great for those who need to give their vehicles to valet service companies, or trusted family members and friends. This allows you to take your car to the garage for maintenance, etc. without fearing that it might be modified by a mechanic while you wait.

Once the service / valet mode is activated it will stop your BMW from being able to drive once started, this prevents anyone from test driving while you are away. After you return, it will be back to normal, preventing your vehicle from being damaged or stolen again.

The Ghost can be installed on any BMW. All you need is the correct keys, since the device doesn't use the original remotes but can be used with them. We are TASSA registered, DBS security checked and fully system-trained so you can be assured of the quality of the installation and that your new Ghost device will function as intended. Your vehicle will also be registered on a database and you will receive documentation that you can show to your insurance company. they are awestruck by these devices and you'll often receive significant discounts!

We also have an optional Bluetooth tag which can be used to disarm the Ghost through an app for your smartphone (IOS and Android) or in the event that you don't own an iPhone or aren't happy with it just press the emergency card once. This is an additional cost and requires an additional Bluetooth pairing.

Anti-Hijack

With hi-tech thieves becoming more and more sophisticated, the technology in security systems has to improve, which is why Ghost has created this subtle and unobtrusive immobiliser. It is designed to stop thieves from adding an ignition key or replacing the ECU to start your vehicle and drive off. Ghost connects to your CAN data network, and utilizes the buttons on your vehicle (steering wheel and centre console, as well as door panels) to create a unique push sequence which requires to be entered before the engine can start.

This will activate the anti-hijack feature and, once activated any attempt to start the engine will be blocked. When the system determines that the vehicle has stopped moving it will honk the horn and flash the indicators, if it is not able to identify the correct code it will also stall the engine (where possible). The Anti-Hijack feature can be cancelled by entering your push sequence, or by entering service mode which allows your car to start and drive without needing to enter your PIN.

If you have an GPS device that is connected to your BMW it is possible to use it to disable the Anti-Hijack feature so you can still use the navigation system inside your car even when the vehicle is parked and unsupervised. If you have a smart-phone you can also hook it to your Ghost app to control the anti-hijack function and other functions.

This is a Tassa verified product and is recognised by most insurance companies and will help to reduce the chance of your prized possessions being stolen. It is completely discrete and will not affect the functionality of your vehicle. It does not require any special programming knowledge to install or use. It is totally undetectable by tools for detecting that thieves employ, and it is immune to key cloning as it connects directly to your vehicles CAN data network.

Remote Control

We can connect the Ghost device to your mobile application to allow remote control of keyless start and go functionality. This is useful when a valet or mechanic has to start your car and you have to be somewhere else. The system will allow you to turn the car on, select drive and quit service mode without needing your key fobs. You can also view your vehicle's location in real-time on a map on your smartphone, ideal to track your car while moving around.

The Ghost can be installed on the dashboard or in the center console. It is completely hidden and secure, and doesn't require any additional wiring. The device is connected to the CAN Data Network of the vehicle (similar to Ethernet cable) and a unique pin code is programmed in it. This pin code must be chosen before the vehicle is started. This stops thieves from using a copied key or replacing the ECU to disable this system.

If the vehicle is taken away, the Ghost will go into service mode and stop all functions unless you have the PIN number or use the mobile application to disable it. This feature was created to safeguard your vehicle from high-tech thieves who are now utilising relay boxes to steal your car. It also prevents thieves from using their mobile phone to activate your sat nav or MP3 player to locate your car!



Ghost can also prevent 'Relay-style Frequency Amplification'. This is the most common method of preventing a vehicle from being stolen using a key fob that was copied or stolen via hacking. Ghost can help you prevent this kind of theft by installing a device known as Secure-A Key in your vehicle. The device is inserted into the key fob of your car and shuts off its battery after a few inactive minutes. This can be accomplished with most modern PKE keys.

We are TASSA accredited (Tracking and Aftermarket Security Systems Association) an official body that a few insurance companies recognise and offer discounts when you install the device. We are also DBS security checked and fully system trained to install the Ghost to ensure that all work is done to the highest standards. You will receive a document that you can present to your insurance company to prove the installation. This will allow you to get the best deal on your car insurance.