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YOUR CAR
CAN BE STOLEN
in under 60 seconds with no alarm triggered
Ghost immobiliser alternative — why relay wins
Ghost uses your car’s CAN bus. LockCar uses a physical relay. Same result — engine won’t start — but completely different risk profile, price, and usability.
Ghost is the UK’s best-known aftermarket immobiliser — and it works. But it connects to your car’s ECU network, requires a PIN sequence to disarm, has voided warranties on BMW and Volvo vehicles, and costs more to install than relay alternatives. Here is why a growing number of UK car owners are choosing differently.
| Feature | Ghost (CAN bus) | LockCar IC3ST / IS357 (relay) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | CAN bus ECU signal | Physical 20A relay circuit cut |
| ECU contact | Yes — connects to CAN bus | Zero — no ECU contact |
| BMW warranty | Explicitly voided by BMW | Not affected — relay only |
| Volvo warranty | Installer reports: voided | Not affected |
| Disarming method | PIN sequence on dash buttons | Proximity tag hands-free |
| Lockout risk | Yes — forgotten PIN | No — backup methods included |
| GPS tracking | No — separate product | Available in ONE Plus (£259) |
| App features | No app | Full app — alerts, status, remote |
| Fitted price | £450–600 | From £300 |
BMW owners specifically: BMW has confirmed in writing that Ghost-fitted vehicles are not covered under manufacturer warranty. If your BMW is in warranty, the IS357 is the relay alternative — zero CAN bus contact, manufacturer warranty unaffected.
What Ghost does better
To be fair: Ghost has a significantly larger installer network, greater brand recognition among insurers, and a well-established product history. If your insurer specifically requires a Thatcham-approved device by name, Ghost may satisfy that requirement where LockCar products do not. Check your insurer’s specific requirements before choosing.
LockCar IC3ST — £139 | IS357 — £149
Better warranty safety. Hands-free disarming. Full app control. Lower installed price. Zero ECU contact.
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