BMW NA Customer Service is clueless

Thunder22 · #1 04-26-2005, 11:55 AM

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"

dsheli · #2 04-26-2005, 12:17 PM

Quote:

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"

Secure the headlights???? That makes no since. I would not blame them.

Thunder22 · #3 04-26-2005, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsheli

Secure the headlights???? That makes no since. I would not blame them.

it makes perfect sense when xenon headlight assemblies cost over $1200 a side not including the bulbs and the northeast is experiencing a serious problem of them being stolen, and not only on BMW's but on other high end cars as well. They can be stolen without the hood being opened. Also, the dealers that i spoke to about getting my x fixed all said that it's a HUGE problem right now and getting worse.

maybe where you live it's not a problem, unfortunately in NY, NJ, CT and LI it's a major problem. one of my co-workers has had the lights in his acura stolen 3 times and another friend has also had them stolen 3x from his lexus.

all i asked customer service was is there a way to bolt them in so that they're more difficult to remove and/or the hood needing to be popped and thus the alarm going off.

Bavarian · #4 04-27-2005, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gresch

it makes perfect sense when xenon headlight assemblies cost over $1200 a side not including the bulbs and the northeast is experiencing a serious problem of them being stolen, and not only on BMW's but on other high end cars as well. They can be stolen without the hood being opened. Also, the dealers that i spoke to about getting my x fixed all said that it's a HUGE problem right now and getting worse.

maybe where you live it's not a problem, unfortunately in NY, NJ, CT and LI it's a major problem. one of my co-workers has had the lights in his acura stolen 3 times and another friend has also had them stolen 3x from his lexus.

all i asked customer service was is there a way to bolt them in so that they're more difficult to remove and/or the hood needing to be popped and thus the alarm going off.

I know what problem you speak of - I lived in NJ for a few months in 2002. And even back then lots of Acuras were losing their xenons. However, BMW has no reason to prevent theft of headlights.

In fact, it's financially smart to make sure components are stealable, so that new ones may be purchased, as Jess said.

bimmerfan · #5 04-26-2005, 01:15 PM

People who are paid to sit in a cubicle to answer the phone are not rocket scientists... You'd be better off asking your stealer...

Or call the company who manufactures the headlights... I dunno if it is bosch or whoever...

Also keep in mind that even if you do somehow manage to secure the headlights to the chassis, some dumba$$ is still going to tear your car up trying to steal them. In the end I am not sure there is really anything you can do about it.

UCrewX5 · #6 04-26-2005, 01:16 PM

You are correct that it is a problem, and not just with BMW's. Economics 101 - thieves have discovered that there is an aftermarket demand for the Xenon light assemblies and are simply supplying it - unfortunately its with parts stolen from others.

BMWNA's reaction to the problem is also not a surprise - their head is buried in the sand on a host different issues, this being just one of many

Thunder22 · #7 04-26-2005, 01:27 PM

i agree that i might be fighting a losing battle, but i'ld rather come to that conclusion after doing some homework and getting as much info as i can... maybe i'll come up with a way to do it myself and sell it and make a billion dollars and buy out buffet and gates!

Chris F. · #8 04-26-2005, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gresch

i agree that i might be fighting a losing battle, but i'ld rather come to that conclusion after doing some homework and getting as much info as i can... maybe i'll come up with a way to do it myself and sell it and make a billion dollars and buy out buffet and gates!

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

LeMansX5 · #9 04-26-2005, 10:18 PM

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 · #10 04-26-2005, 10:50 PM

Quote:

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....