Stolen 'wallet' key - what would you do?
 

The other night someone 'snuck' into my X5 while it was in the garage in my condo building and stole a few items from my center console. (I say 'snuck' because there was no break-in, so I must have not have aimed my usual over-the-shoulder-hit-the-key-lock-button motion very well... :doh: ) The missing items were a leather card holder, about $10 in change, and a small metal card case with a credit card - and my spare 'wallet' key for the car!! :swear:
On one hand, I'm relieved that my V1, sitting right in plain view on the windshield, and a Bluetooth headset, also in the center console, were untouched. But on the other hand, the missing key is driving me crazy!
The credit card was used twice before I cancelled it - I filed a police report, and my bank is taking care of the 2 charges for me, but I'm concerned that the guy might come back for the car since he obviously knows where to find it!
So my question is:
1) Do I spring for a whole new lock kit ($426, plus about $250 to install)?
2) Or do I just opt for a keyless door handle cover (like on the passenger side) since that would leave no way for the wallet key to access the car? This is the way I'd rather go, but I can't seem to find the web site where I last saw them for sale...
Anyone know where I can buy the keyless driver's side door handle cover?

Try Bimmian: http://www.bimmian.com/X5

That stinks Aaron. :mad: I guess that particular crackhead didn't see the V1 or know what the BT headset was. The two things you could do short of buying the new lock kit is to set the security code feature on the OBC when you park at home. It's not a foolproof security measure but it should fool the fool who stole your key. The other thing is as you suggested. Change the driver's lock with the cover that is the same as the one on the driver's side passenger door. You can get it from your dealer but it will need to be painted. Cost is probably cheaper than from Bimmian.

Good luck!

bimmian.com always has those in stock.

I would opt for a keyless door handle cover, I have that on mine and love it...besides it's a cleaner look on the door

Aaron, I would also go to the dealer with all of the key's that you have, they can then ID the stolen key and disable it from starting the vehicle.

Rob_

Thanks guys - I found the part on the Bimmian site (pre-painted with the whole super-deluxe OEM paint/clearcoat process) for $65.
I guess the installation is pretty simple, right?

Kevin, I don't recall the OBC security code feature that you mention - I guess it's in the manual (?)

Also, does anyone know - in the event that my little crackhead comes back and finds no door locks, and decides to break the glass and try 'his' wallet key - will putting the wallet key into the ignition turn off the alarm? And if not, will the key not be able to start the car once the alarm is triggered?

I called the dealer and spoke to a (seemingly knowledgable) parts guy to inquire about that... he said that they could only do that with a remote key, not a wallet key. Was he wrong?

I believe so because each key has an internal coded chip that the vehicle recognizes to allow the starter to activate.

Rob_

The CODE feature in the OBC is where you turn off the ignitition but have the key in the "ACC" position and you cycle through the OBC features until you see "CODE". You press that button and you can program in a 4 digit code that you will have to re-enter when you try to start the vehicle later. When you do try to start the car, it will not start and the OBC MID will turn on for you to enter the code. There are ways around it, which I will not mention here ;), but it should stop some less determined thieves. I have used it just to make myself feel better.

Rob's suggestion is a good one too. That's some wild stuff that they can do these days. Combine the deletion of the keyhole, the code, and disabling that spare key and you should be golden.