Controls and features -> Electronic vehicle immobilizer for your BMW 7 Series 2001-2007

Electronic vehicle immobilizer  
33n  
How the electronics work  
At the heart of this system is an elec-  
tronic chip which is integrated into the  
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-  
ally a dual-function device, simulta-  
neously serving as a communications  
interface designed to allow the security  
system to maintain a continuous stream  
of variable, vehicle-specific signals with  
the electronic circuitry in the key. The  
system will not release the ignition, fuel  
injection and starter unless it recog-  
nizes an "authorized" key.  
The key to security  
Your BMW is equipped with a passive  
anti-theft system. This electronic immo-  
bilization system is designed to reduce  
the susceptibility of your vehicle to theft  
by making it impossible to start the en-  
gine using any means other than the  
special keys furnished with the vehicle.  
Your BMW center can cancel the elec-  
tronic system authorization for individ-  
ual keys (for instance, in the event of  
loss). A deactivated key can no longer  
be used to start the engine.  
Force applied to the key can dam-  
age the integrated electronic cir-  
cuitry. A damaged key can no longer be  
used to start the engine.<  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group