GPS tracker vs factory installed tracking systems, why aftermarket beats connected car services

Most modern vehicles include some form of factory-installed connected car service, whether BMW ConnectedDrive, Land Rover InControl, Ford Pass, or Mercedes Me Connect. Owners sometimes assume these services provide the same protection as a dedicated aftermarket GPS tracker. They do not. LockCar explains the key differences and why aftermarket GPS tracking provides meaningfully better theft protection.

What factory connected car services provide

Factory connected car services such as BMW ConnectedDrive, Land Rover InControl Remote, and Mercedes Me Connect provide a range of features including remote locking, cabin preconditioning, service scheduling, and in some cases vehicle location tracking. The location tracking component uses the vehicle’s factory-installed telematics unit and the manufacturer’s cloud platform.

For theft recovery purposes, factory tracking is typically activated by the owner reporting the vehicle stolen to both police and the manufacturer’s stolen vehicle response team. The manufacturer then provides live GPS data to police to assist recovery. This process works for some thefts, but has several limitations compared to dedicated aftermarket trackers.

Key limitations of factory tracking

Factory tracking requires an active subscription in most cases. BMW ConnectedDrive and similar services are often included for three years then require paid renewal. Many vehicle owners do not renew, leaving the vehicle without tracking protection after the initial period. A stolen vehicle with an expired connected car subscription has no GPS tracking.

Organised theft gangs that specifically target premium vehicles are aware of factory tracking systems. Thieves with the appropriate tools can disable the factory telematics unit before moving the vehicle. An aftermarket tracker fitted in a different, concealed location provides a secondary tracking capability that is unknown to the thief.

Factory connected car services do not include a relay immobiliser. InControl Remote can pre-condition the cabin but cannot prevent engine start via relay attack. LockCar’s relay immobiliser operates independently of InControl and every other factory system.

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