illamint: the feature is sold as "comfort access keyless entry," and it allows the driver to start the engine without inserting the electronic key. (Without this feature, the default setup for BMWs is that the driver must insert the electronic key before starting the engine -- a form of two-step authentication that isn't susceptible to the attack described in the article.)
FWIW, I know about this firsthand because I bought a new BMW last year and I was adamant about not having the "keyless entry" feature -- for security reasons. The BMW salesperson acted like I was a bit crazy.
Having the comfort access feature, and having a car stolen
many years ago, there's no way I would trade one of my most
enjoyed features for a lower risk of car theft.
The reality is that if someone wants your car they're going
to get it.
Why get rid of an awesome convenience feature for the
risk of something that is a) unlikely and b) won't cost you
anything (absent a small deductible) if it does happen?
FWIW, I know about this firsthand because I bought a new BMW last year and I was adamant about not having the "keyless entry" feature -- for security reasons. The BMW salesperson acted like I was a bit crazy.