Our BMW was broken into last night, no idea how?
Discussion
Wasn't quite sure where to post this.
Our BMW was broken into last night and a few contents stolen. It is a 2006 model 535D
What is really strange is it appears to have been opened remotely or through some other way of unlocking, there is nothing broken and the car was locked up afterwards!
The ONLY thing that is damaged is that the tow hook cover on the bumper has been removed, and a bit of paint scratched in the process, why would they remove this unless they planned on towing away?
We had the police forensics around tonight and they say this is becoming more common, I also called a local BMW main dealer who said there are no security issues and this is not possible, well someone is telling porkies!
What we are now concerned about is someone coming back and getting in again!
By the way the only remote's were locked away and have not been touched.
Our BMW was broken into last night and a few contents stolen. It is a 2006 model 535D
What is really strange is it appears to have been opened remotely or through some other way of unlocking, there is nothing broken and the car was locked up afterwards!
The ONLY thing that is damaged is that the tow hook cover on the bumper has been removed, and a bit of paint scratched in the process, why would they remove this unless they planned on towing away?
We had the police forensics around tonight and they say this is becoming more common, I also called a local BMW main dealer who said there are no security issues and this is not possible, well someone is telling porkies!
What we are now concerned about is someone coming back and getting in again!
By the way the only remote's were locked away and have not been touched.
Do these cars unlock in the event of an impact? Maybe the tow hook was removed to facilitate the administering of a short, sharp shock via a part of the structure that would be solid enough to cause the whole vehicle to 'shudder', thus triggering the unlocking. Wouldn't explain how it came to be locked again though!
MitchT said:
Do these cars unlock in the event of an impact? Maybe the tow hook was removed to facilitate the administering of a short, sharp shock via a part of the structure that would be solid enough to cause the whole vehicle to 'shudder', thus triggering the unlocking. Wouldn't explain how it came to be locked again though!
This sounds logical, someone did also mention the air-bag sensors, on an impact supposedly all locks open?Agreed about the locking part though, its baffling!
Baffling, but perhaps a diagnostic check might reveal more. If as suggested a sharp short shock was applied to the front ( not enough to set off air bags, but enough to set off the crash sensors, which unlock the central lock system in event of an accident- ) ,then this event might be recorded in the data log.
bigandclever said:
Do the thieves ship the stolen cars abroad? Maybe to RHD markets with relatively weak law enforcement like South Africa, Pakistan, etc.? Or is a stolen RHD import perfectly acceptable to some local potentate in a LHD former Soviet republic?
I wouldn't think that it's possible to re-sell the car in the UK. Databases, etched VINs and so on. Or is this all about stripping parts?
GroundEffect said:
So the car is locked again with no visible marks or signs of entry.
Are you sure stuff was stolen and you just aren't forgetful?
Does the BMW have an automatic locking system, i.e. locks itself if the cars been left for a certain amount of time with no keys inside?Are you sure stuff was stolen and you just aren't forgetful?
I found my A45 AMG unlocked a couple of months ago with both front seats moved all the way back and the glovebox open. Didn't bother reporting it though as I'm not sure what the police could've / would've done as nothing had been taken. No sign of damage or anything to indicate anything suspicious, the keys were secure so no idea how they got in. Had a few nights waking up to every rustle and sound outside but nothing else has happened so I forgot all about it.
unsprung said:
Or is a stolen RHD import perfectly acceptable to some local potentate in a LHD former Soviet republic?
Very much so. Plenty high end RHD cars in eastern european countries like bulgaria, slovakia, bosnia and albania...... basically countries in that area ending with "ia". No reason for so many to be there other than they were ill gotten. 
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