Touring 340 or 335d theft risk?
Discussion
Hi, just had the unfortunate experience of having my S3 stolen and written off. So looking for something that will be less of a target and will debadge both options. Id like the 340 but you cant hide this from being a 340 because of the exhausts whereas a 335d looks just the same as a 320. So what is the opinion on the theft risk of a debadged 340 touring? Its a sad place when i have to buy based on this but not an experience i want to go through again. Thanks.
That’s not been updated for a while so I have now done so. The S3 is a notorious theft risk but one I thought worth taking, 8 weeks after buying it it was stolen. I want to replace it with something I still like but conscious of the theft risk. From what I’ve researched a bmw touring is not high on the theft agenda and 335d looks the same as a 320d but I’d like a 340, hence the question?
I would imagine a touring is a lot less desireable for thieves in the first instance? They are not traditionally 'cool' now are they. (I have an older touring FWIW).
But will they really base a theft on the number of exhausts? Surely most people dont have a clue what the number of exhausts means if its de-badged?
Id get the 340i. I doubt it will make a difference to anyone out to nick a nice car if its that or a 335d.
But will they really base a theft on the number of exhausts? Surely most people dont have a clue what the number of exhausts means if its de-badged?
Id get the 340i. I doubt it will make a difference to anyone out to nick a nice car if its that or a 335d.
No I think you will be fine.
The Audi S and RS models are the most stolen cars in the UK apparently.
That said I guess it depends on the area you live in too as some people will have a nibble at anything
Whatever you get then I'd avoid keyless start if possible and also fit a visible theft deterrent.
The Audi S and RS models are the most stolen cars in the UK apparently.
That said I guess it depends on the area you live in too as some people will have a nibble at anything
Whatever you get then I'd avoid keyless start if possible and also fit a visible theft deterrent.
lord trumpton said:
No I think you will be fine.
The Audi S and RS models are the most stolen cars in the UK apparently.
That said I guess it depends on the area you live in too as some people will have a nibble at anything
Whatever you get then I'd avoid keyless start if possible and also fit a visible theft deterrent.
Golf R too apparently. The Audi S and RS models are the most stolen cars in the UK apparently.
That said I guess it depends on the area you live in too as some people will have a nibble at anything
Whatever you get then I'd avoid keyless start if possible and also fit a visible theft deterrent.
Yes Golf R and S3 are high because they are 4wd and so fast. Some good deals on factory orders at the moment which I wouldn’t normally entertain but if you can buy new at the same price as 6 months old then why not. Also really like the merino leather seats which I think are a good upgrade. Most other stuff I’m happy with standard msport spec.
Hamperman said:
That’s not been updated for a while so I have now done so. The S3 is a notorious theft risk but one I thought worth taking, 8 weeks after buying it it was stolen. I want to replace it with something I still like but conscious of the theft risk. From what I’ve researched a bmw touring is not high on the theft agenda and 335d looks the same as a 320d but I’d like a 340, hence the question?
You ve cleared all your car history now only 1 car ever owned a Mini GP. The true reality of the matter is it all depends on your area and making your car/home where the car will be in reality the target the majority of the time less of a target than another potential victim.
Additionally, depending on the theft method if at home then you may sadly be a potential target again in some manner. However, I think some of it is down to your previous car (looking around anything Audi S/RS (anything really 4WD and high power but looks "normal").
Personally honestly I would focus on upgrading your home security (upgraded locks, glass changed to laminate on large panels, CCTV (as much as some now ignore it, alarms etc.). For the car if you can garage it it may help if you regularly put it in there.
If you cannot then (or in addition to) then disklock, tracker (CAT 5 ideally with additional starting security) and if you want something the Blackjax Alarm (the only issue with this could be warranty as BMW could get funny). You may want to consider additional measure like security posts as well.
In regards to the relay attack consider a faraday bag to block the signal, test regularly as they do degrade.
Additionally, depending on the theft method if at home then you may sadly be a potential target again in some manner. However, I think some of it is down to your previous car (looking around anything Audi S/RS (anything really 4WD and high power but looks "normal").
Personally honestly I would focus on upgrading your home security (upgraded locks, glass changed to laminate on large panels, CCTV (as much as some now ignore it, alarms etc.). For the car if you can garage it it may help if you regularly put it in there.
If you cannot then (or in addition to) then disklock, tracker (CAT 5 ideally with additional starting security) and if you want something the Blackjax Alarm (the only issue with this could be warranty as BMW could get funny). You may want to consider additional measure like security posts as well.
In regards to the relay attack consider a faraday bag to block the signal, test regularly as they do degrade.
Edited by Ninja59 on Friday 25th May 07:59
p1stonhead said:
I would imagine a touring is a lot less desireable for thieves in the first instance?
I wouldn’t be so sure, my first 5 series went from a leafy part of Surrey, when according to the local CID, Bmw were the target for those weeks, I know of two others done the same night - they evidently rotate brands to help not being caught.The replacement 535d has the addition of a disclok and relocated obd port. No trouble with this one.
S3 was the #1 stolen car in 2016 and yes, that by absolute numbers. Which, given the relatively few on the road makes them almost a 1 in 8 chance of theft. Which is way, way above anything else, even in the Top Ten stolen cars. (This is from Police stats for 2015/16 which unfortunately are now privatised so you have to pay to see them). The #1 theft rate is about twice that of the rest of the Top Ten and the Top Ten are similarly a multiple of the rest. The 3 Series isn't in the Top Ten at all.
Most of the Top Ten stolen cars are the big SUVs (BMW X5, Audi Q7, Range Rover, Discovery etc.) and performance 5 Series. And in 2016 anyway, the S3/RS3. And the Ford Escort (go figure - although the theory is this is the one model that's an opportunist theft, where the rest are stolen 'to order' by professional gangs).
So basically, in looking at a 3 Series you're considering something many, many times less likely to be a target for theft and pretty average probability, along with most other models of car.
Police analysis concludes that performance/luxury cars parked on your drive are 3x more likely to be stolen than if in your garage and 2x more likely to be taken than if parked on the road. Which is not surprising, since drive parking identifies where the keys are kept. And that most thefts in this category are by professional gangs with a 'shopping list' of orders, who will cruise 'round looking for targets parked on someone's drive. They'll then sub-contract the break-in to get the keys to someone willing to take the risk of confrontation and CCTV recording. They may try electronic key cloning but if that isn't an option, then they'll just break in for the keys, Krooklok/tracker notwithstanding.
Most of the Top Ten stolen cars are the big SUVs (BMW X5, Audi Q7, Range Rover, Discovery etc.) and performance 5 Series. And in 2016 anyway, the S3/RS3. And the Ford Escort (go figure - although the theory is this is the one model that's an opportunist theft, where the rest are stolen 'to order' by professional gangs).
So basically, in looking at a 3 Series you're considering something many, many times less likely to be a target for theft and pretty average probability, along with most other models of car.
Police analysis concludes that performance/luxury cars parked on your drive are 3x more likely to be stolen than if in your garage and 2x more likely to be taken than if parked on the road. Which is not surprising, since drive parking identifies where the keys are kept. And that most thefts in this category are by professional gangs with a 'shopping list' of orders, who will cruise 'round looking for targets parked on someone's drive. They'll then sub-contract the break-in to get the keys to someone willing to take the risk of confrontation and CCTV recording. They may try electronic key cloning but if that isn't an option, then they'll just break in for the keys, Krooklok/tracker notwithstanding.
Edited by msej449 on Friday 25th May 09:26
They'll reg check anything first & I'd say the 335d and 340i are as desirable as each other to the thieves so I'd really just go for the one you rather more. Get a steering lock, upgrade door locks and all the stuff that I'm sure was suggested to you after the last one going missing.
It's a very sad thing that we have to consider s
t like this when we decide what car we want.
It's a very sad thing that we have to consider s
t like this when we decide what car we want. Mr Whippy said:
I guess there are cars nicked for a joy ride then ones nicked for parts?
Who’d nick a 340i or 335d for fun? If I were risking the criminal record I’d be going for an M3/4.
So it must be for parts with these kinda cars?
Because they are very fast and loads of fun? Because there are far more 3 series than M3? Because many thefts for joy riding are opportunitistic?Who’d nick a 340i or 335d for fun? If I were risking the criminal record I’d be going for an M3/4.
So it must be for parts with these kinda cars?
Why are so many S3s stolen, why not got for an RS3?
Mr Whippy said:
I guess there are cars nicked for a joy ride then ones nicked for parts?
Who’d nick a 340i or 335d for fun? If I were risking the criminal record I’d be going for an M3/4.
So it must be for parts with these kinda cars?
Fast 4 door with a rear hatch , they nick them for burglaries and the like . Quick and discreet with easy access to the passenger cell for quick loading and getaways , I've seen it on the telly ! Who’d nick a 340i or 335d for fun? If I were risking the criminal record I’d be going for an M3/4.
So it must be for parts with these kinda cars?
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