Theft from my 2008 535i
12-22-2009, 03:02 PM
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Hello All,
Just wanted to let you guys know to be careful leaving an ipod inside the car or anything for that matter. A thief broke into my car and stole my Ipod, a flip camera and a few other things. But what I wanted to warn everyone about was the lacking design of the hood lock. The drivers side side of my hood was popped open very easily. Under the hood there are two hinged locks one on the drivers side and one on the passengers side. The locking mechanism could be easily defeated by pulling on the cable attached (it runs above the wheel well under the hood black color). Basically they pry up the hood a little bit and pull on the cable and wala your hood pops open and no alarm is activated. Once open they can disable the alarm and get your doors open and steal everything without you even knowing.
Just wanted to let you guys know to be careful leaving an ipod inside the car or anything for that matter. A thief broke into my car and stole my Ipod, a flip camera and a few other things. But what I wanted to warn everyone about was the lacking design of the hood lock. The drivers side side of my hood was popped open very easily. Under the hood there are two hinged locks one on the drivers side and one on the passengers side. The locking mechanism could be easily defeated by pulling on the cable attached (it runs above the wheel well under the hood black color). Basically they pry up the hood a little bit and pull on the cable and wala your hood pops open and no alarm is activated. Once open they can disable the alarm and get your doors open and steal everything without you even knowing.
12-22-2009, 04:17 PM
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My Ride: 2000 540i/6: Silver
Model Year: 2000
Originally Posted by 08white' post='1078532' date='Dec 22 2009, 08:07 PM
maybe you need the hood hinged locks replace, i just had my driver side replaced by BMW dealer
12-22-2009, 04:31 PM
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That exact method is used on many cars. Not just BMW. I remember some Honda thieves back in the day told me that trick. They get into your hood and from there can diconnect your alarm from the battery. Thats why they have seperate battery backup systems for alarms nowdays. So it doesnt need juice from the car battery to work... But I swear for just this reason I love to have dark tint. For one thieves cant see whats inside your car to steal, and also for all they know, you may still be in the car.
Sorry about your loss.
Sorry about your loss.
12-22-2009, 04:52 PM
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That sucks man. Was your iPod in the open, or did they break in, dig around, and then find it in a glove compartment or something? I always leave mine in my car, but that's under the armrest, plugged into the USB port, and my arm rest always closed. I guess it still could get taken, but it won't be something a thief would see right away and break in to get it.
iPods are like..60 bucks these days. The hell is wrong with going out and buying one? eBay is a gift and a curse, I guess.
iPods are like..60 bucks these days. The hell is wrong with going out and buying one? eBay is a gift and a curse, I guess.
12-22-2009, 06:13 PM
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Most thieves are opportunist. It is pretty simple to let them steal from another car and bypass yours. First, lock you car always. That means even if you run into 7-Eleven for a minute. Second, never leave anything visible in your car if you are out of it for more than a few minutes. Put everything in the glove box or the trunk - everything. My niece's car was broken into just because they saw her navigation mount (she had the nav with her).
12-22-2009, 09:54 PM
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My Ride: 545i Sport Package, Black/Grey. Got it July 09.
Model Year: 2004
that's pretty messed up... ya i would be careful leaving ANYTHING in the car, especially visible... sometimes when i leave my laptop in there i always feel like its the last time i'm ever gonna see it, same with my wallet... which is worth more than the money i keep in it 
12-23-2009, 05:45 AM
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My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
Originally Posted by danzanchy' post='1078742' date='Dec 23 2009, 01:54 AM
that's pretty messed up... ya i would be careful leaving ANYTHING in the car, especially visible... sometimes when i leave my laptop in there i always feel like its the last time i'm ever gonna see it, same with my wallet... which is worth more than the money i keep in it
12-23-2009, 02:39 PM
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My Ride: 2007 Sapphire Black Metallic 525i. Beige Dakota Leather, Premium package, bluetooth, BMW Assist, Xenon adaptive lights, Sirius radio
Originally Posted by porsche911targa' post='1078841' date='Dec 23 2009, 08:45 AM
Yeah, I get the same feeling when I leave my Rolex and Armani suits in there, too.
