Z4 stolen

D

Doctor Jeff

Member
I am no longer a member of the Z4 club. My lovely black 2004 3.0 was stolen from my driveway in Omaha (USA) a few days ago. Long story short--it was a momentary lapse in being security-minded--I started the car to defrost the window, ran inside to get a bag and lock the door, and a thief made off with it. I called police within minutes of the crime. It turns out car theft is big business in Omaha, and theft rings will case neighborhoods regularly looking for easy grabs, especially when the weather is cold. They were obviously watching my driveway on an ongoing basis for quite some time, which is a scary thought in and of itself. (I am wondering if someone living in apartments nearby is involved, but this remains to be seen.)

No info from the police yet, but they tell me there is a 50% chance of recovery.

As many potential buyers read forums like this, it is a sapphire black Z4 with tan interior and black cloth roof, ~90,000 miles, only minor blemish is small scratch along left back bumper area. It has standard business CD radio with accessory input in ashtray installed. The license is Nebraska SIT 371, VIN 4usbt*******27376. There is a reward involved if you can help me get it back in good condition.

I called BMW and they said they were unable to trace the vehicle using BMW Assist for that model year. I feel really bad about it but am trying to be positive. I have already looked at some other cars, including a couple of 2009 Z4's, so maybe I will upgrade?
 
That's awful :( Hope you get it back :driving: Not sure I like the idea of your drive being cased out like that...

On a related note are you sure you want to display the entire VIN on a public forum? Makes cloning a little easier with the help of Google.
 
Wow - that's very, very bad luck, and a lesson to us all, unfortunately at your expense :(

I really hope that you luck out on the good side of the 50% chance of recovery. We have a few Stateside members - WLH is very involved in a local chapter of a national car club over there, so hopefully he can put some sort of word out... Not sure, but he'll be along soon I'm sure :thumbsup:
 
I removed part of VIN number as you suggested. Not sure why anyone would want to clone the VIN of a stolen vehicle though, wouldn't have any impact on me since I no longer have car in my possession...
 
Doctor Jeff said:
I removed part of VIN number as you suggested. Not sure why anyone would want to clone the VIN of a stolen vehicle though, wouldn't have any impact on me since I no longer have car in my possession...
Click to expand...

But you could get it back - think positive :D
 
Sorry to hear your news :thumbsdown:

I'm sure it's something we've all done at sometime, my wife laughs at me when I stand at the window with a coffee watching the cars defrost, I do hers too so it's nice and warm :D
 
I live in one of the nicer neighborhoods in Omaha, near Warren Buffett's childhood home. I think it gave me a false sense of security, especially since the mornings are particular quiet and that morning I did not see a single soul on the street even when I walked my dog.

The thieves of course are very crafty and are able to monitor what you do without your knowledge. Based on this experience I will never purchase another car without an alarm and the ability to track it in case of theft, and I will never leave a key in the car unless I am in it.
 
Here is a pic btw:

attachment.php
 
Those thieves would have a field day in my area, lots of people leave their cars idling. I better not give any more details, might give them an idea!

While I disapprove of the practice on principle, Jeff, I am truly saddened by your loss. Good luck for a quick and easy recovery.

FWIW, the last 7 digits of the VIN uniquely identify the car to BMW. That's all the BMW diagnostic system asks for. Only a non-BMW could have the same last 7 digits.
 
Darren Slone said:
Sorry to hear your news :thumbsdown:

I'm sure it's something we've all done at sometime, my wife laughs at me when I stand at the window with a coffee watching the cars defrost, I do hers too so it's nice and warm :D
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Sorry to hear and sorry OP for hijacking but why don't you get this:

http://www.parkingheater.co.uk/

Keys stays at home with you and doors locked. Here's a picture of my Webasto when fitted:

IMG_1155.jpg


Cheers

Dice
 
My Z4 was found about a mile from my home. Obviously a young kid joyriding scenario.

Virtually no damage, but my car cover and OEM key were taken.

I have invested in a Viper antitheft system, so hopefully I can continue roadstering for a long time without fear of thieves.

:driving:
 
Doctor Jeff said:
My Z4 was found about a mile from my home. Obviously a young kid joyriding scenario.

Virtually no damage, but my car cover and OEM key were taken.

I have invested in a Viper antitheft system, so hopefully I can continue roadstering for a long time without fear of thieves.

:driving:
Click to expand...


Great news Jeff!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :driving:
 
Doctor Jeff said:
My Z4 was found about a mile from my home. Obviously a young kid joyriding scenario.

Virtually no damage, but my car cover and OEM key were taken.

I have invested in a Viper antitheft system, so hopefully I can continue roadstering for a long time without fear of thieves.

:driving:
Click to expand...

Jeff, really, really pleased for you. What a relief that must be :thumbsup:

Are you going to get the locks changed, or does the viper system deal with that ?
 
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