Reading the post about the top 10 auto theft cities has me a little worried, especially since I live in #9.

My understanding of the S2K is that there is a microchip in the key and the motor won't start without receiving a signal from the key. How accurate is that, and is it easy to bypass and steal an S2K?

Since the S2K also doesn't have tow hooks/points and have to use the tow screws to tow it, how easily can an S2K be towed off without using the tow screws?

How theft proof is the S2k?

 

Anyone with a flat bed tow truck can steal any car at will. They can just wrap their winch cable around your axel and drag it onto the truck.

The chip-key will prevent all but the most diligent joy riders from stealing your car. In fact I've never heard of anyone hot-wiring an S2000.

 

the thieves that attempted to take my car 3 days after i bought it couldn't even get in the car fast enough so they gave up...so it's not as easy as it seems.

 

You've got to figure......where is there a market for parts stripped from an S2K? I'm sure most pros know that it's not worth towing this car for it's parts. It's more likely that you'll get kids who'll slash the top so they can get in to see what may be worth stealing. You might want to consider getting an interior alarm or a hardtop.

 

Can you elaborate on that? I thought that the chip inside the key was suppose to disable the immobilizer that prevents the car from ever getting started in the first place.

 

Too bad the key chip doesn't work in the other locks (doors, trunk) like BMWs.

 

I have always wondered if there is a microchip in the key. I know, stupid question, but can someone enlighten me? Thanks.

 

Remeber the class of most car thieves... He (or she) would have to find the little red button...

Maybe we should put an eject sticker on it

 

I was told by my dealership that the chip on the key is inside the black plastic covering. The immobilizer has to have a match with the chip before the engine will start.

 

Could you explain this better? our 01 325i has 2 master keys that have the remote and chip built in one. Its really neat actually because there is no dangling remote... its actually on the key. Also, the battery for the transmitter recharges while the key is in the ignition... pretty cool...

there is also a valet key that has no alarm transmitter on it (which the dealer said doesn't contain the chip either). And finally, there is a plastic key (totally plastic) which I will assume has NO chip at all in it either...

So, how does the chip work in other locks like the door/trunk?