BMWs have long been symbols of prestige, power and performance. With sleek designs, luxurious interiors and finely tuned engines, it's no surprise that car enthusiasts take great pride in owning one.
Unfortunately, that same desirability makes them a prime target for criminals. As car thefts continue across the UK, it’s become clear that standard factory security is no longer enough. To truly protect your investment, exploring premium security upgrades is more essential than ever.
The rising threat of BMW thefts
According to the DVLA, seven cars are stolen every hour in the UK, a statistic that underscores just how critical advanced vehicle security has become. BMWs in particular are among the most targeted brands. Data from the first half of 2025 highlights a concerning trend: the BMW 3 Series leads the pack as the marque’s most stolen model.
A report from motor insurance website Confused.com revealed a total of 9,148 BMW 3 Series thefts had occurred in the UK since 2018. Not far behind is the BMW 1 Series, which is the second most commonly stolen BMW in the Confused.com report. In June 2025, Carwow reported 1,415 BMW 3 Series had been stolen in the year to date. With only an estimated 610,000 BMW 3 Series cars in Britain, the theft figures become more significant.
BMW stolen without key
While modern cars come equipped with a variety of built-in security features, the sad truth is these are often not enough to deter today’s high-tech criminals. With the use of keyless entry spoofing tools and relay attack devices, thieves are bypassing standard security systems with worrying ease. These keyless thefts involve intercepting the signal from your key fob, even when it’s inside your home, transmitting it to another device near the car and consequently gaining full access without even breaking a window or making a sound.
Older models are more at risk. Pre-2019 models make up almost 70% of the marque’s total number of stolen cars. The data covers both the saloon and touring estate body styles, as well as high-performance M3 variants.
Why are BMWs such a target?
There are several reasons BMWs remain high on a car thief’s wish list. First, they hold high resale value, both domestically and overseas, making them a lucrative target. Second, they’re widely respected as powerful, luxury vehicles. That prestige means that even older models, such as the 2012–2019 BMW 3 Series, are still in high demand on the second-hand market.
They also share a significant number of compatible parts across models and generations. This makes them easier to dismantle and sell as spares - a practice that’s nearly impossible to trace once the car is broken down. These factors combine to make them an attractive and profitable choice for professional thieves.
Tracker systems: a vital first step
Adding a BMW tracker is one of the most practical upgrades you can make. These devices allow you to pinpoint your vehicle’s location in real-time, often in partnership with law enforcement organisations. Premium BMW trackers offer additional features like remote immobilisation, movement alerts and geo-fencing. While a tracker won't necessarily prevent theft, it dramatically increases the chances of recovering your car if it's stolen.
Trackers are a crucial tool in the post-theft phase, but to stop the theft from happening in the first place, we need to look at proactive solutions, such as immobilisers.
Autowatch Ghost 2: the ultimate BMW security upgrade
When you’re serious about stopping thieves in their tracks, the Autowatch Ghost 2 immobiliser is one of the most advanced options available. It’s especially effective against the modern techniques used to steal a car without a key. This revolutionary device is the smallest automotive immobiliser ever designed, and it's compatible with a wide range of models including the X1, X2, X3, X5, X6, 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, and the Active Tourer.
What sets the Ghost 2 apart is how seamlessly it integrates into your BMW’s existing systems, making it completely invisible to anyone who doesn't know it's there. It requires the driver to input a unique PIN code using the vehicle’s own buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard before the engine can start. Without the correct code, the car simply won’t respond - even if the thief has cloned your key.
Even better, the BMW Autowatch Ghost’s stealth installation is not detectable via diagnostics or standard wiring checks, and it doesn’t emit any signals, which means thieves can’t locate it using scanning devices. This is a huge leap forward in comparison to traditional immobilisers and one of the most effective tools available for preventing keyless thefts.
Autologics: going the extra mile with BMW security
Autowatch Ghost 2 is available through Autologics, a trusted name in automotive security. What makes us stand out isn’t just the quality of our products, but also our customer-first approach.
We offer free installation nationwide, meaning you don’t have to go out of your way to have the system professionally fitted. Our experienced technicians install the system discreetly and efficiently, usually within just a few hours. Additionally, every Autowatch Ghost 2 immobiliser from Autologics comes with a three-year warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is well protected. This level of service and attention to detail is exactly what car owners expect and deserve when upgrading their vehicle’s security.
Combining layers of protection
The best security setup combines multiple layers. A tracker gives you post-theft recovery capabilities, while the Autowatch Ghost 2 prevents the theft from happening in the first place. Adding further deterrents like steering wheel locks, signal-blocking faraday pouches for your keys and CCTV systems at home can make your BMW even less appealing to potential criminals.
The most effective and seamless solutions are those that integrate with your BMW’s electronics without altering its appearance or daily usability - and this is exactly where the Ghost 2 excels. Don’t wait until it’s too late: as BMW thefts continue, it’s clear that relying solely on factory security is a gamble. It’s essential for owners to stay one step ahead. Whether you own a performance-tuned M Sport or a reliable 3 Series daily driver, your car deserves the best protection available.
