What is the unmarked black box in my front bumper?

[nanotech9]

after swapping out the intake cam position sensor on the '99 528i, i turned my attention to the lower bumper damage... (which by the way, i repaired about 80% with a heat gun and a pair of sheet metal pliers)

anyway - this was just dangling around inside the front bumper cover visible from in front of the car. Right in front of the radiator, and not attached to anything.

No markings.

looked like it had double-sided foam tape holding it somewhere.

one cable that routes back up under the airbox, and into the firewall (or the area under the driver cabin filter i think?)

I can't believe it hasn't flown out the front on aggressive braking...!





- Nano
'91 318is
'99 528i
'05 BMW R1200GS
'98 Jeep Cherokee lifted
'07 Titan SE 4x4 Offroad

[fritracer]

Could be a GPS transmitter for a Lowjack system or a remote radar detector? I did not have anything like that on my 528i.Fritracer
Cincinnati, OH
2000 540ia Sport Package 9/99 Silver/ Black

[unclewiggly]

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/10/fbi-tracking-device/

haha all jokes aside, problably a lo jack device or something similar.. not sure just teasing

[JKRIT]

'03 525i Sapphire Blu/Grey, SP, Nav
'02 325it Orient Blu./Grey, SP, Nav
'98 323is Arctic Sil./Blk, SP
'95 M3 Cosmos Blk./Blk

[nanotech9]

- Nano
'91 318is
'99 528i
'05 BMW R1200GS
'98 Jeep Cherokee lifted
'07 Titan SE 4x4 Offroad

[JimLev]

Is it ticking???? Present from ex? j/k

[Bmw540san]

I use to have it on my 91 Nissan 300ZX TT.



1998 BMW 540i 6 speed
Arctic silver, M sport suspension (euro delivery), prod. date 05/98, non VANOS
Staggered 18" style 32 OEM wheels
3.15 open differential
Remus exhaust
AFE CAI with improved heat shield
Z3 shifter
VDO oil pressure and temperature gauges in place of headlight/fog switches
Powder coated valve covers-satin black
CDV delete
Debadged
AEA DRL module (aftermarket daytime running lights)

1997 BMW 528iA
Alpine white, premium package, prod. date 04/97, single VANOS
Staggered 17" style 32 OEM wheels
Debadged
AEA DRL module
Custom made sun blinds for rear seating area

2000 Nissan Frontier Desert Runner, AKA "The Work Horse"

Garage aids:
Direct Lift Pro Park 8
Campbell Hausfeld 28 gallon oil lubricated air compressor
Newair ACP-1400H portable air conditioner and heater
Auto Enginuity scan tool with BMW enhanced option
Actron 9135 scan tool-for quick readouts

[nanotech9]

- Nano
'91 318is
'99 528i
'05 BMW R1200GS
'98 Jeep Cherokee lifted
'07 Titan SE 4x4 Offroad

[nanotech9]

- Nano
'91 318is
'99 528i
'05 BMW R1200GS
'98 Jeep Cherokee lifted
'07 Titan SE 4x4 Offroad

[Dave S.]

LoJack in my car and don't know where the installer mounted it. I'm also long overdue to have the LoJack unit tested as it's been 10 years since it's been installed.

jet black 2000 528iA
sport premium package
MB Quart speakers
two Alpine amps
MTX subwoofer
AudioControl equalizer
Dice interface for iPod
BMW CCA member

[JimLev]

I was beginning to think that the dealer scammed me as I have had my car apart many times for all kinds of mods and never found it.
Last year when I was fixing my hood cable I pulled off the left side dead pedal, under the carpet was the transmitter box and antenna for it. I was talking to one of our local state troopers last week about LoJack, he thought that he heard some talk about it being discontinued in the future and a system like On Star replacing it.

[Dave S.]

co-workers and he has heard nothing about a discontinuation of LoJack, at least in our state. LoJack has spent a huge amount of money installing their receivers in thousands of squad cars, aircraft, and helicopters. Any squad car that has four little antennas mounted in a square pattern on the roof is equipped with a LoJack receiver. I don't think they will give it up easily, but considering that technology is progressing so rapidly I'm sure that one day they will become obsolete and replaced with On-Star type tech.

jet black 2000 528iA
sport premium package
MB Quart speakers
two Alpine amps
MTX subwoofer
AudioControl equalizer
Dice interface for iPod
BMW CCA member

[JimLev]

Some of our local town squad cars and maybe 10% of the SP cars have it installed.
Have you ever gone into your local LoJack office to have them trigger the unit? I was told there is a battery in it so it will function even if the car battery is disconnected.
IIRC the LoJack test costs ~$35.

[Dave S.]

jet black 2000 528iA
sport premium package
MB Quart speakers
two Alpine amps
MTX subwoofer
AudioControl equalizer
Dice interface for iPod
BMW CCA member

[Dave S.]

is what sort of worries me. I'm hoping that it's hardwired into the car so that battery failure won't mean the unit won't work. One day I'm going to contact LoJack and have them test it out for me. I know they charge a few bucks for this service but it will be peace of mind.

jet black 2000 528iA
sport premium package
MB Quart speakers
two Alpine amps
MTX subwoofer
AudioControl equalizer
Dice interface for iPod
BMW CCA member

[rgol]

I think it sits under the car near the bumper.