BMW NA Customer Service is clueless

[dsheli]

Originally Posted by gresch

So I called BMW Customer Service to ask if BMW has any plans to retrofit cars with Xenons or if they could suggest a way to secure the headlights.

their response?

"i'm sorry sir, but this is the first i've heard of this occurring"

No where in that post do you mention anything about headlights getting stolen. When you start the post off with a topic about retrofitting something and then you post something in there about securing them. From what I gather that mint securing a retrofit kit order.

Just my .02

BTW: I do it to sometimes

[LeMansX5]

You can also consider investing in shock sensing and talking loud alarm systems like these... can also put a window decal cautioning about the secured headlights...may be discouraging.
http://www.direct-car-alarms.co.uk/microscan.htm
http://www.drdetailshop.com/705t.htm

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by Chris F.

Why not the security bolts? Its a very simple solution to the problem.

because according to the BMW service manager the headlights are held in with plastic brackets... the security bolts would slow them down about another 3 seconds. I was going down that road until the service manager told me that the brackets are another weak point.

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by dsheli

No where in that post do you mention anything about headlights getting stolen. When you start the post off with a topic about retrofitting something and then you post something in there about securing them. From what I gather that mint securing a retrofit kit order.

Just my .02

BTW: I do it to sometimes

the thread about my headlights being stolen has been at the top of the page for almost 2 days, i incorrectly assumed that you had seen it, my bad....

here's the sad story...

http://www.xoutpost.com/showthread.php?t=1369

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

You can also consider investing in shock sensing and talking loud alarm systems like these... can also put a window decal cautioning about the secured headlights...may be discouraging.
http://www.direct-car-alarms.co.uk/microscan.htm
http://www.drdetailshop.com/705t.htm

thanks, i'm actually considering buying a viper 1020gps alarm system that will page/email me through the closest cellular tower if the alarm is tripped. The local police station is about 1/2 a mile up the road from the train station so i could always give them a call if the alarm gets tripped. unfortunately, i've been told by many people that the theives are good enough to get the lights out so damn fast that it might be a waste of money, theyld be gone before i could get the police there....

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by gresch

because according to the BMW service manager the headlights are held in with plastic brackets... the security bolts would slow them down about another 3 seconds. I was going down that road until the service manager told me that the brackets are another weak point.

Ummmm I wouldn't be so sure....Yea they could rip them out of the brackets but that would damage the headlight assembly.

You could also drill some holes into the brackets and take some security cable and wrap it around the headlight assembly and bracket....and then take the other end and secure it to the car...

You won't stop a good thief. The goal is to slow them down enough that they get frustrated and say "FORGET IT!" and move on.....

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by Chris F.

You won't stop a good thief. The goal is to slow them down enough that they get frustrated and say "FORGET IT!" and move on.....

Exactly - these are not "professionals"; a professional would steal the entire car. Most likely kids or gangs that have figured out a way to get some quick cash. Sounds like they've learned to "specialize" in Acuras and BMWs. Throwing them a bit of a curve might be all it would take. If they're after the entire assembly, not just ballasts and capsules, then they're not gonna' damage the headlights - unless they take out their frustration upon meeting the obstacle. If they go there, then any method that you use will have the same result...

Patrick

[Thunder22]

actually, they are pros. Headlight theft is a major problem in NY/NJ/CT/LI, they knew exactly how to get in and how to get the lights out.

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by gresch

actually, they are pros. Headlight theft is a major problem in NY/NJ/CT/LI, they knew exactly how to get in and how to get the lights out.

The fact that they're stealing items which have a relatively low black market value indicates that these are not "professional" thieves. Professionals don't steal pieces of cars - they take the entire car. Pro's don't look for a $300 - $400 payoff. A completely chopped X5 would likely bring upwards of $20,000.

The fact that they know exactly what they're doing is irrelevant - kids are smart too. They've just refined their technique.

None of this is to minimize your problems. Just don't give these a**es more credit than they deserve.

Patrick

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by diogenes!

The fact that they're stealing items which have a relatively low black market value indicates that these are not "professional" thieves. Professionals don't steal pieces of cars - they take the entire car. Pro's don't look for a $300 - $400 payoff. A completely chopped X5 would likely bring upwards of $20,000.

The fact that they know exactly what they're doing is irrelevant - kids are smart too. They've just refined their technique.

None of this is to minimize your problems. Just don't give these a**es more credit than they deserve.

Patrick

You know what? I really don't care either way, the bottom line is that they're too easily stolen, I've been majorly inconvenienced both in time and money and I'm determined to figure out a way to minimize this happening again.