A4 Remote-lock transmitter security?

[quk@sievers.com (Phil Payne)]

In message <32D655AD.446B9B3D@fmrco.com> John Legelis writes:

> I am the owner of a '97 A4Q  (w/ factory remote locking) and saw the
> following posting on another list.  I was wondering if anyone had any
> comments on the security of the scheme used for the remote locking
> system (i.e. should I stop using the remote in areas where it's security
> might be compromised?)
  
>> Here in England the radio transmitters are totally discredited. Car
>> thieves commonly have "grabbers" which sample your radio keyfob when you
>> lock the car.

I've seen this trick demonstrated - the hardware is fairly readily available 
over the counter if you know where to ask.  I would _never_ use a remote 
control - you're just broadcasting what your key looks like.

OTOH - when I got back to Heathrow Airport from a business trip a month or so 
back, I'd lost the immobiliser key.  So I deinstalled the immobiliser - it took 
three hours, and no one even asked if it was my car.  

--
 Phil Payne
 phil@sievers.com
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club