Stolen BMW 320 Msport - Woodford/Chigwell Area last week.

[Edaedes]

Hi, I am posting re; my Stolen BMW 320 Msport last week from the Chigwell Road area, Woodford Green West Essex.

Its only since its gone I've been hearing its apparently quite easy to steal pre-2011 models.

It had no tracker, and I had only had a few weeks and left it parked on a quiet residential road overnight.

Is there any tips n how I could possibly find out anything - so far the Police haven't had any leads yet and I just feel so angry and upset, just wondered if there is any advice of info anyone could give me.

Also any tips of securing my next car to the max

Anything that could lead toits recovery would happily pay reward as I heard its happening a lot and there are groups targeting the area so thought someone may know something #chigwell #Essex #Woodford #bmw #stolenbmw
Thanks Guys.

[bimmerman]

Hi - sorry to hear about your loss. Its obviously happening a lot as there is a massive post on this on pistonheads. I am from the area too, where about on Chigwell Road this this happen? You mention people targeting this area so is this happening frequently in our area?

Regarding securing our cars i have disabled the OBD port on my car for a year or two now. How did they take your car? any broken glass? anyone see anything? did anyone have any keys?

[Edaedes]

Well a few local people have told me, so its hear say but apparently yes, groups are coming from outside the area to target Chigwell/West Essex.

It was parked near the 3 Jolley Wheelers where I left it as went for a drink and went in a friends car as was have a couple and stayed over while I was there, and went back to the car to collect it and it was gone - I 100% locked it, I checked as knew I was leaving it but was just off the Chigwell Road on a quiet residential bit. I don't live here but know the area as friends do and come here often, thought it was safe.

No Glass, nothing... I am told they can get blank fob keys and can even drive away using an ipad, sadly only found this out since getting it.

Just gutted

[Edaedes]

I asked a friend in the trade what usually happens and he said it will probably be stripped, in parts and long gone by now as that's what these thieves do, or shipped out the next day but obviously holding a tiny bit of hope in case there are any leads. Loved it so much, took me ages of searching the South West, London, and finally got it in the Midlands and then 2 weeks later it was taken... Wishing I'd stuck with the Astra I had before as its really upset me. Sounds silly but worked hard to get that, and someone just taking it really has upset me. Insurance hopefully will move along quickly but it put you off buying another a bit, but next time Ill make sure I get a tracker installed and what ever else is out there.

[bimmerman]

3 Jolly Wheelers pub - I have been there numerous times

Those residential streets are very posh and very expensive streets, howver i am not suprised cars go missing there. A lot of high end vehicles go missing in Chigwell,i have friends who live there and they tell me.

what year was your car? mine is a 2008 and i have had the security update applied which is supposed to stop OBD theft. Was this update applied to your car? It is also wise to fit a new alarm as the existing BMW has a black spot near the OBD port and also re-locating or disabling the ODB port helps for security. I know this advice is no good now but if you buy another BMW at least you know.

[Edaedes]

It 'WAS' a 59 Plate White 320 M Sport Now a pile of meaningless parts sold for f all probably!

[Billyray911]

Sorry to hear about your car.Unfortunately,most marques are susceptible to keyless thefts.This also covers up to the latest models.
A combination of methods is advised to secure your car ie aftermarket alarm,moving your obd if possible on whatever you intend to buy next,disclock,tracker(although these tend to be jammed or removed within the first 10 minutes of theft).
You can also buy obd port cases ie a locking metal box that covers the obd.
This won't prevent all types of vehicle theft,but it may help in future...

[Edaedes]

Thanks Billy, Ill look into all those things - appreciate the advice.

[Billyray911]

It's up to you,but as it's now gone,you may want to post up the registration number.As you've mentioned,it is probably in bits now.
However,there is always the odd chance that it has been parked up somewhere and is on its original plates.Slim chance but you never know...

[Edaedes]

Good thought, though Im sure that plate came off half way down the road.

Is it worth putting Chassey Numbers?

BN59 YSL

Thanks again for the advice

[Billyray911]

Plate only should be fine,just so that any members on here can keep an eye out-many eyes and all that...
There is a stolen car database on PH too-worthwhile putting the details in there.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by Billyray911 on Tuesday 22 July 16:06

[Edaedes]

Thanks so much

[stuart-b]

... And my mate thought I was weird for renting a garage for the night when I took my E92 up to his place at Crystal Palace!!!

Now it lives 1050 miles away in a Garage

Sorry to hear about your loss - but don't let it stop you. Get another one, get the OBD disabled and get a tracker fitted.