advice: How to secure xenons from theft?

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by Chris F.

Well did they take the time to unbolt the headlights from the car or just rip them out? How about some one way bolts to bolt 'em in? That'll give them a REAL hard time....

They took the entire assemblies. They knew what they were doing, they were hamfisted getting into the car, but careful getting the lights out. The wiring harness will need to be replaced because they slammed the hood shut on it.

I'm thinking locktite on the bolts?

[diogenes!]

I'm new to the X5 and haven't even looked at how the headlights are secured - but how 'bout something like this security bolt from McMaster-Carr:


I didn't see it listed in a metric thread. If the OEM fastener screws into a "pim" nut, you could swap it out for one in SAE threads.

If you can just slow the thieves down a bit, they'll usually go on to easier pickings. Altho' you'd still have the damage from their attempt to get at the lights...

Patrick

[spydrz]

They tore the front bumper off in broad daylight? I'm surprised nobody saw/heard anything.

[Thunder22]

It was sometime between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by gresch

They took the entire assemblies. They knew what they were doing, they were hamfisted getting into the car, but careful getting the lights out. The wiring harness will need to be replaced because they slammed the hood shut on it.

I'm thinking locktite on the bolts?

Well if you do locktite than you will have a heck of a time trying to get them out (if you ever have to). I would suggest that security bolt or the one-way bolt. I think the one-ways you could get at Lowes or depot (its a slotted screw that only allows you to turn it in but not out. To get it out you have to drill it out.).

I agree, do everything you can to give the little bastards trouble.

[bimmerfan]

Lock tite won't help you. I use it on my mountain bikes and you can still get bolts off with some muscle...

That security bolt looks like a cool way to go through

[Thunder22]

drum rolll please.......


and the grand total: $5,624 to repair the car. Over $3,000 in parts.


People suck.

[plazaman]

i once read a thread on e46fanatics how someone glued razor blades on/around his xenon assembly

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by plazaman

i once read a thread on e46fanatics how someone glued razor blades on/around his xenon assembly

Bad idea - "booby traps" are generally frowned upon by the US legal system...

Patrick

[matt1mike1]

Originally Posted by gresch

I won't be getting my X back for another week or so, and I'm trying to think of ways to secure the car better so that the headlights won't be stolen again.

I asked the dealer to re-program the car so that only the remote will turn off the alarm. While i'm having the door lock replaced, I'm also having the door lock capped, at least it will slow them down.

I am considering installing a hood lock (chapman lock) so that the hood can't be opened.

Does anyone have any other ideas? I really don't want ot have to worry about the damn headlights being stolen every time I park the car for more than a 1/2 hour.

I had a Chapman lock on another car of mine. They tried to steal it and they did manage to pry the hood open. The weak link with that lock are the bolts which mounts the lock. It's the best option, I believe.