Immobilser as standard?

[jacksdad63]

Hi, just bought a 2007 1200GS, when I insured it the broker says this bike hasn't got any security devices fitted. I thought it can a key sensor immobilisor type one, Theres an oblong black box in front of the ignition switch housing, what does it do?
Also I'm struggling to find a VIN decoder, its an 07 type 0307, thats all I now!
Cheers, Mike

 

[er-minio]

Yes. I've been declaring it as "with factory immobiliser" for more than 10 years.
No insurer complained. I think on the base that having or not having the immobiliser changes exactly nothing on the premium cost/risk.

An immobiliser or immobilizer is an electronic security device fitted to a motor vehicle that prevents the engine from being started unless the correct key is present.

They do have an immobiliser as there is a ring antenna (part no. 61357705247) in the ignition assembly (the one that failed a lot on early models).

 

[Watty100]

Theres an oblong black box in front of the ignition switch housing, what does it do?

It houses a microswitch. Turn the key, it turns a flat bit of metal, that turns the microswitch on, bike comes to life!

 

[Santa-2512]

It houses a microswitch. Turn the key, it turns a flat bit of metal, that turns the microswitch on, bike comes to life!

No, the microswitch is under the lock, at the very bottom, the oblong box on the back of the lock assy is where the ring antenna circuitry lives.

The ring antenna is the inbuilt security for the bike

If you have a factory fit alarm, its not recognised when you do insurance searches

 

[Smiffypr]

Ask the broker if it would reduce your premium if it had an immobilizer. If the answer is no, just forget about it. If the answer is yes, ask BMW to supply you with a document stating that it does have one.
When I got mine I did manage to find a VIN decoder and the options list does include "Anti-theft alarm". That would not satisfy anyone that it has an immobilizer thought.

 

[jacksdad63]

Ask the broker if it would reduce your premium if it had an immobilizer. If the answer is no, just forget about it. If the answer is yes, ask BMW to supply you with a document stating that it does have one.
When I got mine I did manage to find a VIN decoder and the options list does include "Anti-theft alarm". That would not satisfy anyone that it has an immobilizer thought.

I've rang the broker, they've added it to the policy. My other bikes' cover runs for another 3 months, they've added this on to the policy, cost me £15.50....plus £25 admin charge

 

[jacksdad63]

Thanks for the replies, next question is...how do I get a spare key? Only got one with the bike

 

[Pukmeister]

Thanks for the replies, next question is...how do I get a spare key? Only got one with the bike

You get new keys from your BMW dealer, who will need the bike and all keys held in order to match valid keys to the bikes ecu and delete any other keys from the ecu to prevent theft.

 

[GSite]

Been insuring my Twin Cam GSA for over 10 years and never found an insurance company who recognises the factory alarm, as Gemel does not appear on drop down menus under the relevant section.
I just state factory fitted security, but it does nit seem to make much if any difference.
Datatag and physical security seem to get some recognition though.

 

[dashfixer]

You get new keys from your BMW dealer, who will need the bike and all keys held in order to match valid keys to the bikes ecu and delete any other keys from the ecu to prevent theft.

Pukmeister is absolutely correct, but make sure that you're sitting down when they tell you how much it will cost.

 

[Santa-2512]

Pukmeister is absolutely correct, but make sure that you're sitting down when they tell you how much it will cost.

It wont be that bad, its only a transponder key, not a £200+ fob

 

[wessie]

It wont be that bad, its only a transponder key, not a £200+ fob

although likely to be a £200 workshop fee to activate the new key at a BMW dealer

there are 3rd party companies that can programme new RFID car keys so I would be ringing around to see if they can do the BMW bike.

 

[er-minio]

I suspect it could be done with Motoscan, haven't checked yet.

The dealer will, for sure, charge at least 1 hour labour + key cost.

I also think you need the original plastic key to get duplicates?

 

[Pukmeister]

A few years back (around 2012) I lost my wallet with the plastic bike key in it.

Bahnstormer Alton charged me £25 to disable this key in software, I think when my wallet got handed in they re-enabled it for free.

The new keys come from the Mothership in Germany based on your VIN and cut to your key ID, you will also need to show your logbook as proof of ownership due to their legal obligations when ordering new keys and recoding your bikes existing keys.

 

[er-minio]

Bahnstormer seems more flexible than the guys in London... reminds me I should book the HP2 service with them