Vehicle Id Number car thieves

[dsheli]

Well if my car got stolen because of a key issue then they would be liable. And they would buy me a new one.

[motordavid]

Interesting, but not new story. Anything can happen, but I really doubt some jaqoff thug can wander into the local BeamerStlr and cop a new key w/a sob story and VIN# written on a matchbook.

Life's full of wonderments and worries; this is not one of them, for me, lol! BR,md

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by dsheli

Well if my car got stolen because of a key issue then they would be liable. And they would buy me a new one.

But how would one know that they stole your car with the key they got from dealer or just broken in. Unless of course you call the dealer to check his records if they issued a key, which I don't think most people do.

As regards the other thread on BF talking about stealing on a flatbed, I tried jacking my X5 with the alarm on and as I raised it 2" off the ground the alarm went off.

I believe its only 3 times you can ask for a replacement key after which all cylinders have to be changed.

[Echoi17]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

But how would one know that they stole your car with the key they got from dealer or just broken in. Unless of course you call the dealer to check his records if they issued a key, which I don't think most people do.

As regards the other thread on BF talking about stealing on a flatbed, I tried jacking my X5 with the alarm on and as I raised it 2" off the ground the alarm went off.

I believe its only 3 times you can ask for a replacement key after which all cylinders have to be changed.

It's funny imagining someone trying to jack their own car with a flat bed.

[The Big Easy]

Does anyone use the CODE function on the SAT NAV module?
I also have a cellular phone enabled sat recovery system, just in case.

Cheers, M

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by Echoi17

It's funny imagining someone trying to jack their own car with a flat bed.

This was when I was taking off the snow wheel set, with a regular sears 6 ton jack, not on flatbed.

[Xcelllent_X5]

When I had to have one of my keys replaced for my E-39 I had to show copies of registration and drivers license even though I ordered the key through the same dealer where I bought the car. I seriously doubt that you can walk into any BMW dealership and get a key with just the VIN.

[crete]

Originally Posted by The Big Easy

Does anyone use the CODE function on the SAT NAV module?
I also have a cellular phone enabled sat recovery system, just in case.

Cheers, M

I was thinking about that too... If you set your 4-digit code and try to start the car doesn't it ask you to enter your code, otherwise the engine won't turn over? Or are they ways around this too.

[Curious Joel]

Originally Posted by crete

I was thinking about that too... If you set your 4-digit code and try to start the car doesn't it ask you to enter your code, otherwise the engine won't turn over? Or are they ways around this too.

As far as I know, the only way to get around the code is to disconnect the battery for 10 minutes, re-connecting it, and re-starting the car... As with anything, there is probably some complicated way around it, but it's probably enough to deter all but the most serious thieves.

[Jeremy]

When I bought my X one of my keys was broken. Dealer replaced it for free, but I had to show ID and purchase paperwork to the parts department to get the key.