Lock before you leap

The central locking and alarm system of my 2002 BMW 318i Touring has started to malfunction. Sometimes the system will operate normally, other times not unlocking any doors and on occasion, only releasing the driver’s door. An independent BMW service garage is unable to help as BMW will not release the computer codes required.
The BMW franchise garage from which I bought the car has diagnosed that the "general module" needs replacing. The total cost of the repair is £470.94.

Asked on 14 August 2010 by SA. Ormskirk,

Answered by Honest John

What is going to happen by virtue of a new EC Directive is that
manufacturers will be obliged to release all fault, re-set and security codings to all repair shops. The problem is that all cars will then become insecure because any garage will be able to get hold of the security codes and could pass them on to the criminal fraternity. The most vulnerable will be cars with keyless start (that are insecure anyway). Hopefully there will be safeguards, otherwise I predict a significant rise in the sale of lockable steering wheel covers.

Tags: locks technical issues dealers owning

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