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Autowatch Ghost 2

9.8K views 65 replies 15 participants last post by  M135i20  
#1 ·
New member & soon to be a new M135i owner... looking at getting the Autowatch Ghost 2 installed on the car. It's going to live on the street not directly outside my address so just wanted the extra peace of mind. Not got comfort access so hopefully eliminated the key relay problem method anyway.

Those with it fitted to the F40... have you had any issues with it? I've seen other forums have discount codes for supply & fit, just wondered if there are there any for this forum?

Thanks in advance for any experiences with the system, any other recommendations appreciated!
 
#2 ·
I use the Stoplock Pro it's a great visual deterrent and locks around a steering wheels spoke, removal without the key requires at least 2 cuts and destroying the steering wheel, the other benefit is it covers the steering wheel airbag protecting it against ever increasing airbag theft as cars become more difficult to steal. I can fit mine in seconds.....
 
#3 ·
Thanks... considered this & I know it sounds mad but don't want it rattling round a footwell once off! Also discounted as any thieves targeting the house would simply demand both keys. As the ghost is undetectable if the keys were taken by force at least would give time to call 999 etc prior to them potentially coming back for a code when they can't get it going.
 
#4 ·
If thieves are that desperate that they break into your house to get the keys and you're in the house they are going to get the code off you one way or the other and if you think the police are going to get you quick enough think again. The key here is deterrent, they don't know a ghost is fitted until they've found the car won't start, with the Stoplock Pro it stands out and they have to decide whether it's worth the hassle. I parked my cars at airports for years for 2 weeks at a time and in all that time whilst other cars were either stolen or interfered with during attempted theft my Audi's and mercs were never touched with the Stoplock Pro fitted. Getting one off with a battery grinder involves so much noise and damage it's easier to move to another car, it's still awkward getting one off even after using large bolt croppers to cut the steering wheel both sides of the spoke. I store mine in a rear footwell, it doesn't rattle and it's easily accessible for fitting. My background is Electrical Engineering and I spoke to the designer of Ghost and asked what happens if it fails especially if doing 70 on a motorway, their response was you are stuck, god only knows what would happen at 70mph. I appreciate the car is full of electronics that could fail but question the merit of fitting more. Given the way it works I asked if they considered adding a secure bypass for that eventuality, the answer was no. I don't see why they don't include a second button sequence as a failure protection. Anyway the doubt persuaded me to stick with the Stoplock Pro and the visual deterrent, who wants to find their car damaged as a consequence of a failed theft attempt when a suitable visual deterrent would likely put them off.
 
#5 ·
Another stoplock user. Anything to put them off trying in the first place. Ultimately if they are stealing to order and want your car, its going one way or another unfortunately.
 
#6 ·
I agree with the stoplock pro idea, visual deterants will stop opportunity/casual theft, nothing will stop pro's. For me it's gap insurance. Steal my car and I get a new one to replace it, assuming it's not recoverable.
 
#7 ·
Appreciate what you're saying... I fully appreciate the risks & that's why I'm seeking owners who have experience using the system. My point remains being if thieves break into the house they won't know the car is fitted with the ghost 2. So when they run off happy with getting the key the police can be called & help summonsed. If they know the stop lock is on the car they will demand the key for it whilst in your house. I get the visual deterrent for key cloning type thefts & those not intent on a confrontational theft. As for the police I full faith in getting a decent response to home intruders.
 
#8 ·
I think Ghost works best for car jacking, not just parked at home, as it's sadly becoming a lot more common, especially in the West Midlands.

That said, I have a Stoplock Pro on my car and have always thought about the Ghost, but never bit the bullet.

I also usually have "GPS Tracker" stickers (lol), in the corner of my front windows for added visual deterrents, regardless of any of my cars have it or not, it might further put thieves off.

So far so good...
 
#9 ·
In answer to the post, it works brilliantly.

It can be programmed to use most of the buttons, really straightforward and as my wife frequently proves, it works as it should.
:cool2:

If you're in Yorkshire PM me for details of the fitter I used.
 
#10 ·
Olly T said:
In answer to the post, it works brilliantly.

It can be programmed to use most of the buttons, really straightforward and as my wife frequently proves, it works as it should.
:cool2:

If you're in Yorkshire PM me for details of the fitter I used.
Thanks, that's great to hear. I'm in the south but collecting from Leeds so could be an option.
 
#11 ·
Totally personal preference and as you're parking on the street there's reduced chance of them breaking into your home to steal the keys but in my situation we park on the drive. My M135i is being delivered on Friday and my current security measures are anti snap locks, a post on the drive, steering lock and cctv that notifies me of any motion and tells me if it's a person, animal or vehicle (the cctv saved my current Audi about 2 months ago as at 3:45am one morning there were 3 lads in my garden and the notification woke me up) anyway I'll get to my point. My wife and I spoke about a ghost immobiliser and we both agreed that the money would be better used on vehicle replacement gap insurance as we don't potentially want thieves coming upstairs to get the code. I'd rather never see the car again and be able to replace it with the gap but that's just my preference.
 
#12 ·
I got in touch with a firm in the North East to do mine. Had to wait a couple of weeks until he had enough work in the area to make it worth his while coming down. Absolute faultless and professional service, no trim damaged or scratched and everything was installed so it looked OEM.
Make sure whoever you get us accredited by Ghost as there's quite a few installers who do shoddy work.
The Ghost to me is peace of mind. I know if they want the car they can load it or tow it away as with any security device, there's always a way past them.
 
#13 ·
Sounds like you're well set up! I also have gap insurance in place but know an insurance claim would effect the affordability of replacing like for like. The system looks very effective & I'm guessing all but the most determined would come back to ask why the car isn't starting. With a visible device I'd worry they'd be grabbing every set of keys they could find in the house. Whilst I am parked on the street it wouldn't be difficult to identify where I lived with a bit of effort so it is still a risk I want to try & negate.

Hope you enjoy your new car!
 
#14 ·
Octavius said:
I got in touch with a firm in the North East to do mine. Had to wait a couple of weeks until he had enough work in the area to make it worth his while coming down. Absolute faultless and professional service, no trim damaged or scratched and everything was installed so it looked OEM.
Make sure whoever you get us accredited by Ghost as there's quite a few installers who do shoddy work.
The Ghost to me is peace of mind. I know if they want the car they can load it or tow it away as with any security device, there's always a way past them.
Thanks... appreciate your feedback! I assume it's given you no issues?
 
#19 ·
Ajm said:
Invisiblename said:
Ghost II fitted since new, no problems whatsoever
Nice one... good to hear of positive experiences. What area of the UK are you? Ideally want to use someone who's done this model before!
East Midlands. I booked the install via 999 Vehicle Security Ltd (based in Halifax). They coordinate instals all over the country.
 
#23 ·
I've seen plenty of damage caused by theft when no deterrent can be seen and whilst my vehicle is fitted with the ghost system I still use my big yellow disclock over the steering wheel, when not in use I just took it away in the boot, I prefer a visual deterrent, to at least try and put em off.
 
#24 ·
I have had AWG since I got the car 18 months ago
Mine is out on the street so it gives me peace of mind
has always worked perfectly
If you are close enough to NW London I thoroughy recommend the guy who did mine - he was brilliant
PM me if you want the details
 
#25 ·
CABLE-TIE said:
I've seen plenty of damage caused by theft when no deterrent can be seen and whilst my vehicle is fitted with the ghost system I still use my big yellow disclock over the steering wheel, when not in use I just took it away in the boot, I prefer a visual deterrent, to at least try and put em off.
Thanks... I know it's illogical but I really don't like the thought of putting an old school mechanical security device on the wheel. I fear it'll damage the wheel & I've seen people attaching foam to them to prevent them causing marks. I also can't stand loose items in a car moving around... illogical I know!
 
#26 ·
I do the get the point of a visible deterrent but I would forget/get bored of using disklok
Having said that my view might bedifferent if I lived in a high crime area
AWG is not cheap but once fitted (just think of it as being a cost of buying the car) it just works and despite naysayers on this forum, and makes your car safe