[abstruse1]

I just took delivery of an '18 718S Boxster. Apparently it doesn't have the Entry and Drive feature, to my disappointment.

My past several cars have had this feature -- Miata, Jag, Caddy -- and it seems odd that this high end car doesn't come standard with this feature.

Does anyone know if this feature can be retrofitted?

 

[RussellHodgson]

I'm not sure if it can be retrofitted.

But I think it is a good idea that the car doesn't come standard with that feature. I, for one, would not want it, and did not include it with my car. So by making it an option those who want it can get it, and those who don't, don't have to have it.

 

[Viffermike]

I'm not sure if it can be retrofitted.

But I think it is a good idea that the car doesn't come standard with that feature. I, for one, would not want it, and did not include it with my car. So by making it an option those who want it can get it, and those who don't, don't have to have it.

This. In SPADES.
@abstruse1 , a little primer for you:
- Entry and Drive's generic term is 'passive keyless entry' because the operator doesn't have to press a button to enter the car. The standard fob is 'active keyless entry' because the operator must press a button to enter the car.
- Passive keyless entry fobs are always emitting a very faint NFS signal. Active keyless entry system fobs only emit its (somewhat stronger) signal when a button is pressed.
- Some thieves have access to a transponder device that can capture, descramble, amplify, and relay the NFS signal of a passive keyless entry fob from up to 300 feet away. Basically that means if the thief is within that range of both your fob and your car, he can break in with no signs of forced entry.
- I live in a condo building that has has several car burglaries in the past two years using such a transponder. Basically, thieves opened cars while passive keyless entry fobs were sitting in the owners' condos, then quickly ransacked the interior.
- I've purposefully ordered my last two cars (My current 718 and a BMW 2 Series) without passive keyless entry because of the security risk it represents. My car has not been broken into in my condo, or anywhere else.

Bottom line: Passive keyless entry is not secure. Yeah, it's convenient, but I'm quite happy to press a button and insert/turn the fob in exchange for the security of my car's interior, at the very least -- and in Europe, thieves have been known to steal whole cars using versions of this device.

 

[ArchiProf]

I too opted out of Entry and Drive when I ordered my Cayman.

 

[GregW]

Viffermike's comment matches what my dealer told me when I purchased my Boxster. He also said that Porsche doesn't really like the Entry and Drive and only put it in as an option because of requests for it.

The additional issue I've seen mentioned is that with the key in your pocket the boot lid can pop open when washing the car!

 

[ExTTer]

I’m from UK and can concur with Viffermike, it is pretty easy & cheap nowadays to purchase the equipment needed and I’ve heard of many cars being broken into in as Viffermike suggests. The thieves usually work in pairs, one stands near to your house with one device which relays the signals from your house/key to the other thief who opens the car door (which can be 100m away).

If anyone has one of these keys, I’d strongly suggest you keep it in a emission proof box / container whilst in your house (foiled lined would work) to prevent this type of theft.

 

[4802]

I’m from UK and can concur with Viffermike, it is pretty easy & cheap nowadays to purchase the equipment needed and I’ve heard of many cars being broken into in as Viffermike suggests. The thieves usually work in pairs, one stands near to your house with one device which relays the signals from your house/key to the other thief who opens the car door (which can be 100m away).

If anyone has one of these keys, I’d strongly suggest you keep it in a emission proof box / container whilst in your house (foiled lined would work) to prevent this type of theft.

Or one of these, such is the problem that numerous pouches are now made just for that very purpose.https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_s...ch&sprefix=car+key,aps,151&crid=196W8DMX0XYMA

 

[GregW]

I'm not sure what the advantage of the auto-open is--you still have to have the key in your pocket, pull the door handle and turn the switch. How much harder is it to push a button and then insert the key?

 

[Fliz]

I'm not sure what the advantage of the auto-open is--you still have to have the key in your pocket, pull the door handle and turn the switch. How much harder is it to push a button and then insert the key?

It works really well for me as I keep my key in my man-purse (aka backpack ) which I have with me for my daily commute always. Different story on the weekends of course.

I did not realize what a problem this was though and am now considering getting a Faraday key pouch.

 

[TEST DRyVer]

I really don't see how it could be retrofitted. I'm going to say no, because I believe the door handles on a car that has Entry and Drive are different than a car that does not. Maybe someone here can correct me if I'm wrong, but the little indentation in your door handle that would allow you to touch it, in order to lock your doors doesn't exist on non Entry and Drive cars..? Personally, I didn't want it on my sports car. If I were buying a Macan or Cayenne, I'd like to have that option. In a sports car, I do like the idea of inserting a key fob in its home and turning to start the car. It's kind of like a little celebration you'd miss out on if you had that feature... But if your rant is what Mazda has standard and Porsche considers an option, that is a topic that can take up several pages! Porsche is notorious for not giving you options others brands give as standard equipment on their economy cars...

 

[Porsche2018]

Love keyless entry and drive and never had an issue over the past 6 month when washing my car (12 washes to date). I just keep the car fob in the garage while washing it and not in my pocket. Although, I read about the security risk and questioned my SA.....I think the risk is low. Unfortunately, not an option on the GT3 or I definitely would have specced it.

 

[ExTTer]

I read about the security risk and questioned my SA.....I think the risk is low. Unfortunately, not an option on the GT3 or I definitely would have specced it.

Since I last googled this it seems there’s new devices out, the transmitter range has now increased to 300m / 1000 ft and the devices can be purchased for $11 each! Here’s a video showing how quick/easy it is! -

 

[Guaji]

Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems car theft is (possibly) a bigger problem in the UK than here in the USA. I read alot on a UK forum for the Focus RS about owners having their RS’s stolen. In the US, I’ve never read on the forum about thefts.

The UK forum had a thread devoted to car theft issues. Seems like in the UK the thiefs have better tastes maybe.

 

[Porsche2018]

Since I last googled this it seems there’s new devices out, the transmitter range has now increased to 300m / 1000 ft and the devices can be purchased for $11 each! Here’s a video showing how quick/easy it is!

I am not that concerned but I see Chilli posted an amazon UK link for a key fob blocking bag, and here is one for the US on amazon is $9.99 USD (Naviurway Key Fob Signal Blocking Bag). Easy fix......

Real inexpensive solution to secure the keys at night:

 

[ExTTer]

Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems car theft is (possibly) a bigger problem in the UK than here in the USA. I read alot on a UK forum for the Focus RS about owners having their RS’s stolen. In the US, I’ve never read on the forum about thefts.

The UK forum had a thread devoted to car theft issues. Seems like in the UK the thiefs have better tastes maybe.

It maybe the difference in gun laws has an impact!? - Whilst travelling many times in the USA it was surprising to see how things are left in the back of trucks!

 

[Porsche2018]

It maybe the difference in gun laws has an impact!? - Whilst travelling many times in the USA it was surprising to see how things are left in the back of trucks!

Hope so, both my wife and I have an LTC (license to carry).

To be unambiguous, I am speaking as a consumer/Porsche owner and not as a "moderator".

 

[GregW]

Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems car theft is (possibly) a bigger problem in the UK than here in the USA.<snip>

That's a possibility.

I prefer to stay out of political threads, they are generally about belief systems and rarely come to any conclusion, however:

Given the large number of murders in the US vs the rest of the civilised nations, I suspect that car thefts don't rate.

 

[GTS Daddy]

It can be retrofitted but at a very high cost. Lots of reprograming with control modules, new door handles, etc. I would be surprised if you found a dealership that would "want" to take the job on. It's like adding in a PCM to a GT4. Sure, sounds like you simply buy the PCM, speakers, wires, amps, and you're good to go, right? Nope. There is so much reprogramming and module tinkering that never once when the job has been quoted has anyone ever accepted install of the PCM in a GT4.

Accept that its not in this one and believe that you made a good choice in hindsight after learning that your car can be broken into with new-fangled tech toys if you did have it.

Does that feel better now?

 

[Porsche2018]

Simple solution found this unused Coffee can and worked perfectly. Though, never park my car outside and there are security cameras on the inside of the garage with motion detectors......I guess this added security is like a belt and suspenders. Still love my Porsche Entry and Drive.

 

[Guaji]

That's a possibility.

I prefer to stay out of political threads, they are generally about belief systems and rarely come to any conclusion, however:

Given the large number of murders in the US vs the rest of the civilised nations, I suspect that car thefts don't rate.

I agree with you, but I was just refering to car thefts. I think the Honda Accord is still #1 for the most stolen car in the US. Top ten list has mostly Japanese and American brands.