Ghost Immobiliser Car: A Simple Definition

BMW Ghost Immobiliser

The Ghost uses the CAN data bus to communicate with your vehicle. This prevents thieves from replacing the ECU or putting in a new lock to bypass the security system.

Like other immobilisers, the ghost immobiliser car does not use LEDs or key-fobs. It relies on the buttons of your vehicle to allow you to access to a unique disarming sequence that only you know.

Stop & Start

If you have previously driven a brand new BMW or used the stop-start feature, then you might have noticed that after stopping 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 once this is found it will continue to run. The Autowatch 2 Ghost immobiliser prevents this from happening by stopping the car when you push a button sequence.

Our BMW ghost immobiliser, a new generation device, doesn't require you to cut OEM wires or install keys or alarms that are made by an aftermarket company. It is connected to the BMW CAN data network, and is programmed with an unique PIN code that can be accessed by buttons in your car. This allows you to enter the key sequences which aren't accessible in normal media menus. For example the volume up/down button, or source cruise control, air conditioning, etc. The PIN can be between 4 and 20 characters, making it very difficult for thieves to guess.

We can also add to the system the service/valet mode. This is activated while your vehicle is being maintained so that the Ghost is away from the garage. You can activate this mode by pressing the service button five times on your infotainment device (the system will flash with confirmation) and the Ghost will automatically arm itself when you return.

With luxury vehicles becoming more targeted than ever, we strongly recommend the Ghost immobiliser to be installed. It is completely undetectable, does not require the cutting of any original factory wires, and has the ability to disable your car's engine if an incorrect pin code is entered. It's a simple but effective method to stop your car being stolen, even with keys that are cloned. Take a look at social media accounts to see how quickly new vehicles can be stolen by using cloning tools that are available online for less than PS80.

Service / Valet Mode

The Ghost is a market-leading immobiliser designed to stop your vehicle from being stolen by key cloning and hacking. It works by utilizing the factory buttons of your vehicle to create an individual sequence of presses that only you know, much like the pin code security on your mobile phone. It's subtle, extremely effective and can deter even the most obstinate thieves!

If you're parked at your home or in a meet and greet situation in a meeting and greet situation, the Ghost can be set to service mode. This lets you start the car using your keys, but it stops the engine from starting again until the correct code has been entered. This is ideal for those who need to hand their vehicles over to valet companies or other trusted friends and family members. It also allows you to get the car into the garage for maintenance or repairs without having to worry about it getting tampered with or stolen by a mechanic whilst you wait.

Once the service/valet mode is enabled when the service/valet mode is enabled, your BMW will not be able to drive after it has been started. This stops anyone else from attempting to drive the vehicle while you are away. Once you return, the vehicle will revert to normal and prevent it from being tampered or stolen again.

We can mount the Ghost to any BMW All you need is the right keys as the device doesn't use the original remotes, and can be used alongside them. We are TASSA registered, DBS-security screened and fully trained in system installation. You can be sure that the installation will go correctly and that your Ghost device will work exactly as it was intended. Your car will also be registered in a database and you will receive documentation that you can present to your insurance company, they are awestruck by these devices and you will often receive substantial discounts!

We can also supply an optional Bluetooth tag which can be used to disarm the ghost immobiliser installer (find out this here) through an app for your smartphone (IOS & Android) or in the event that you don't own a smartphone or aren't familiar with it, just press the emergency card once. This is an additional expense and requires a new Bluetooth pairing.

Anti-Hijack

With high-tech thieves becoming more and more sophisticated, the security technology is continuing to change, that's why Ghost has created this discrete and non-obtrusive immobiliser. It is designed to stop thieves from acquiring a new key or replacing the ECU to start your vehicle and then drive it away. Ghost is connected to your CAN network, and uses buttons on your vehicle to generate a unique push-sequence that must be entered before your engine can be started.

If the anti-hijacking mode has been activated the attempt to restart the engine will be stopped. Once the system detects that the vehicle has stopped moving it will honk the horn and flash the indicators, in case it fails to locate the correct code, it will also stop the engine (where possible). The Anti-Hijack feature is cancelled by entering your push sequence or by entering service mode that allows your car to temporarily begin and drive, without having to enter your PIN.

If you have an GPS device linked up to your BMW it is possible to use it to turn off the Anti-Hijack feature so you can still use the navigation system in your car even when the vehicle is parked unsupervised. You can also use your smartphone to control the anti-theft feature as well as other functions.

This is a Tassa certified product that is recognized by a majority of insurance companies and will aid in reducing the risk of your pride and joy being stolen. It is discrete and unobtrusive, it will not affect the functioning of your vehicle or require any special programming skills to operate or install. It is completely undetectable by the tools that thieves use and it is totally immune to key cloning as it connects directly to your vehicles CAN data network.

Remote Control

We can connect the Ghost device with your mobile app to enable remote control of keyless start and go capabilities. This is useful if a valet or mechanic has to start your car but you have to be somewhere other where. The system allows you to turn the vehicle on, select drive and quit service mode without needing your key fobs. You can also track your vehicle's location on a map in real-time on your smartphone.

The Ghost can be placed in the dashboard area, or in the centre console. It is completely hidden, tamperproof, and doesn't require any additional wiring. The device is connected to the vehicle's CAN Data Network (similar to an Ethernet cable) and a unique PIN code is programmed into it. The pin code needs to be chosen prior to the engine's start. This prevents thieves from using a copied key or replacing the ECU to disable this system.

If the vehicle is being taken away, the Ghost will enter service mode and shut down all functions unless you have the PIN code or can use the mobile application to disarm it. This feature was designed to protect your vehicle from high-tech thieves who utilize relay boxes to take it. It will even stop the thieves from being able to use their mobile phones to activate your sat nav or MP3 player to locate your car!

Ghost also can stop "Relay Style Frequency Amplification". This is the most frequent method of stealing a car using a keyfob that's copied, or stolen by hacking. Ghost allows you to prevent this from happening by installing a device called Secure-A Key in your vehicle. The device is installed inside your vehicle's key-fob and disconnects the battery after a short period of inactivity. This can be done on the majority of modern PKE key-fobs.

We are TASSA accredited (Tracking and Aftermarket Security Systems Association) A recognized body that a few insurance companies acknowledge and provide discounts for fitting the device. We are DBS security screened, and have been trained to install Ghost. This ensures that all work is done to the highest standards. You will receive documentation which you can show to your insurance company to prove the installation. This will allow you to get the best deal on your car cover.