Locks And Security Systems: Keys; Electronic Vehicle Immobilizer - BMW 318i Owner's Manual

Keys
30
1 2 3
M
M
M
1 Master key with battery-powered
lamp (switch on by pressing the BMW
symbol).
2 Master key without lamp.
3 Spare key to be kept in a safe place
e.g. in your wallet. This key is not
intended for continuous use.
4 Door and ignition key
This key does not operate the locks
for the glove compartment and the
luggage compartment. This is useful
e.g. at a hotel.

Electronic vehicle immobilizer

The electronic vehicle immobilization
4 unit increases the anti-theft protection
of your BMW – without additional
adjustment or activation of systems.
This electronic immobilization system is
M
designed to reduce the susceptibility of
the vehicle to theft by making it impos-
sible to start the engine using any
means other than the special keys fur-
nished with the vehicle.
The system features an electronic chip
integrated within the key as a supple-
ment to the conventional mechanical
locking system.
The lock mechanism itself is actually a
dual-function device, simultaneously
serving as a communications interface
designed to allow the car security sys-
tem to maintain a continuous stream of
variable, vehicle-specific signals with
the electronic circuitry in the key. The
ignition, the flow of fuel and the starter
are enabled only after the key has been
recognized as "authorized".
b
External force can damage the
electronic circuitry integrated in the key.
Such a key can no longer be used to
start the engine.c
Replacement of a key
Replacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your authorized BMW
Retailer, who is also under obligation to
request verification of vehicle owner-
ship before issuing a substitute key.
Your BMW Retailer can also cancel or
restore the electronic system authoriza-
tion for individual keys (e.g., if a key is
lost). A deactivated key can no longer
be used to start the engine.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units com-
ply with Part 15 of the FCC (Federal
Communication Commission) Regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the fol-
lowing:
FCC ID: LXBEWS
As defined in the regulations, such a
device is not to emit significant interfer-
ence and must also be shielded against
interference from external sources to
prevent unauthorized or inadvertent
activation.
a
Any unauthorized modifications
or changes to these devices could void
the user's authority to operate this
equipment.c
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG