What tracker to buy?

[kenniff]

My new f15 M50d is in the country and awaiting dispatch to the dealer..... and so I'm thinking I may well need to get a tracker fitted.

Its not that I want to, but early indications are that it will increase my choice of insurer if i do so, given that I live in London and park my car on the street..... No tracker required on my current 30d, but I recall many insurers wanted one when I got that.

Anyway, I probably WILL be getting one and wanted to ask:

1. whether people have generally gone with the dealer fitted options (Cat 6 or Cat 5); and
2. if not, what make(s) would you recommend?

I see that independent fitters appear to be a lot cheaper than the dealer fitted options....

Thanks in advance..

[cozycoupe]

Sorry, i have no experience of trackers and don't have one in my F15 30d.

To be honest, I don't understand why trackers are required.  If you have Connected Services is there not a SIM card in the car?  Can that not be tracked instead - subject to signal?  It would make sense to me in my simple view of the world.

[graemeX5]

Hi

I had a smart track protector pro fitted which is cat 6 system. It was ok and it had an independent fob which could be set to being pressed to disarm or auto disarm if in vicinity of the car.

So if car was stolen and the car key taken but not the tracker fob then the they could take the car but the next start would set the system off. I think it was a gps system.

The only downside is the annual renewal but piece of mind was good. I think system was approx £500 inc first years subs to it.

But there are several types out there so worth doing a bit of research on them, but worth checking on the the version which BMW offer for fitment.

Graeme

[BullyB]

many people think it is best not to have a tracker fitted.
If the car is stolen, thrashed about, damaged and repaired - would you want it back?

no experience of that but it is one of the arguments I have read on forums.

[kenniff]

Thanks for all replies.
I'm only going to go with a tracker if insurance requires it or it makes insurance cheaper by a significant margin.

My latest enquiries indicate that Direct Line currently cheapest and don't want a tracker - which is ironic, because they did want one when I got my current 30d!

Car set to arrive at dealers by the end of this week, which means delivery to me probably a week or so later as I want to get it detailed beforehand. Getting excited now!

[kenniff]

By way of an update, current insurer wants an extra £180 per annum for changing from a 3.5 year old 30d to a new m50d. No tracker required.

[BMPHIL]

I used these guys and they were very good.

Tracker plus immobiliser

http://www.trackingmycar.co.uk/

[bobgolden]

I just had the BMW Trackstar fitted by the dealer. I think it is £99 a year subscription. Not had any bother with it in terms of battery drain etc and the car regularly gets left for 5-6 weeks.

[silverbeemersurfer]

Hi, I purchased a 2015 F15 3.0D M Sport a couple of months ago then read that they are the most stolen car!! I did some research and came across this tracker on Ebay for about £36.00: (Car GPS Tracker Magnetic Vehicle Spy Mini Personal Tracking Device Locator XC325). Purchased and fitted it about 7 weeks ago and have been well impressed. Just recharged it as it is wireless and it sent a text message advising 20% charge left. It is very accurate and I just hid it under the bonnet. Setup was easy and I set it to sleep unless disturbed. Also as a precaution I had my local BMW Indy put a hidden flick switch in the main supply to the main fuel pump, cost £35.00. I don't use it every day but only if leaving the car in a car park or on the street in London etc. No way will the car start regardless of how anyone attempts to steal it  .