Tracing a Car

[Stevie750iL]

I'm trying to trace an old 1996 E38 BMW 750iL I used to have (M7 GSV)with view to get the car back. Can someone please advise the best way to do this?

[aka_kerrly]

What you need is a large bit of tracing paper and a steady hand.

On a serious note, you can enquire with the DVLA to see if it is still taxed/road registered and you could try writing to them and ask for current owners details but i believe you need a good reason for them to disclose owners details eg they crashed into you.

[Stevie750iL]

Will try and contact DVLA. Thanks.

[littleredrooster]

Stevie750iL said:

Will try and contact DVLA. Thanks.

You're wasting your time. They won't give individuals any details without extremely good reason.

[beeblebrox]

taxdisc.direct.gov.uk said:

Date of Liability: 01 12 2013

So it's still out there and taxed.

[GC8]

There was a time when theyd forward a letter for you, as a bank would, but I suspect that those are long-since passed.

Beyond that there is no lawful way. One of the reasons is to prevent people from being mithered to sell cars/registered numbers, which is what you want to do...

[aka_kerrly]

GC8 said:

One of the reasons is to prevent people from being mithered to sell cars/registered numbers, which is what you want to do...

Thing is there must be plenty of number plates belonging to people who have no interest in them. If they received a letter in the post from the DVLA explaining there is a potential buyer plus their valuation of your plate the DVLA generate extra cash as do the people prepared to sell their plate.

That said if the DVLA could successfully sell the plates they already have in their inventory that are in demand (I have two waiting for auction) that would be a good starting point.

[Slow]

aka_kerrly said:

Thing is there must be plenty of number plates belonging to people who have no interest in them. If they received a letter in the post from the DVLA explaining there is a potential buyer plus their valuation of your plate the DVLA generate extra cash as do the people prepared to sell their plate.

That said if the DVLA could successfully sell the plates they already have in their inventory that are in demand (I have two waiting for auction) that would be a good starting point.

Op wanted the car not the plate?

[aka_kerrly]

Slow said:

aka_kerrly said:

Thing is there must be plenty of number plates belonging to people who have no interest in them. If they received a letter in the post from the DVLA explaining there is a potential buyer plus their valuation of your plate the DVLA generate extra cash as do the people prepared to sell their plate.

That said if the DVLA could successfully sell the plates they already have in their inventory that are in demand (I have two waiting for auction) that would be a good starting point.

Op wanted the car not the plate?

I realise that, I was merely extrapolating GC8's point about the DVLA acting like a messenger service to make it some money and help those of us after specific cars and plates. I'd consider buying a car just for it's plate in order to transfer it but you still have to know where the car is to start!

[Nick1point9]

aka_kerrly said:

Thing is there must be plenty of number plates belonging to people who have no interest in them. If they received a letter in the post from the DVLA explaining there is a potential buyer plus their valuation of your plate the DVLA generate extra cash as do the people prepared to sell their plate.

That said if the DVLA could successfully sell the plates they already have in their inventory that are in demand (I have two waiting for auction) that would be a good starting point.

Do you not think the DVLA are busy enough as it is? It's not as if they run a slick operation...

[talksthetalk]

I've just been cut up at a roundabout and want to go and put a baseball bat through the stupid old lady's face. Can I contact the DVLA for her details?

[LarJammer]

talksthetalk said:

I've just been cut up at a roundabout and want to go and put a baseball bat through the stupid old lady's face. Can I contact the DVLA for her details?

unfortunately no. what you should have done is follow her home and murder her cat. or something like that.

[Greengecko]

Stevie750iL said:

I'm trying to trace an old 1996 E38 BMW 750iL I used to have (M7 GSV)with view to get the car back. Can someone please advise the best way to do this?

As previously suggested it would be to attempt the DVLA route.

If you wanted it quick and had some money then a private investigator would be able to pass on the details to you in a couple of days at most.

[Stevie750iL]

Thanks for the info. I just want the car and not the registration number (Unless BMW plan to make an M7!!)

I have found the original phone number so may try that? It worked when I sold the car.

I think you're all spot on regarding the DVLA. But I'll try anyway. I may just forward my details with prepaid envelope.