[tscdennab]

The only thing they stole was my beloved 3-VIN BT cable (I had nothing else valuable in the car). The interior is clean, but I still feel like somebody raped my car.

When I started the car, the electrical stuff was reset, the language was German, air con off, radio reset, etc. And I had a "steering wheel lock malfunction" which then disappeared.

Did they try to steal de car and forced the steering wheel ? Who knows...
Did they disable my OEM alarm some way ? Who knows...

Any damage estimate ? Will all the locks need to be changed ? I have insurance but I have about $200 deductible.

[Hound Passer]

Hey sorry to hear. I can sympathize. I've been broken into twice myself, though it was a long time ago. (They took my stereo both times -- so yeah, I'm dating myself b/c no one steals stereos now.) It's a horrible feeling.

I too was told I was "lucky" b/c they broken in by smashing a window vs. ripping my top open (soft top vert) like a dead fish. But it's true. As bad as things are they can be worst. In your case they could have stolen your airbag. Dumb A thief to think he could jack the entire car.

Your car should be a poster boy though for how utterly useless alarms are though. Thieves either are good enough to know how to deactivate them or looped out on booze or drugs to the point they don't care.

[amullo]

Looks like they didnt do too much damage, but still..

Alarms are bloody useless.. No one even looks anymore.
I´m thinking about putting in a normal horn instead of an sirén, since if you see/hear anyone leaning on the horn, you look to see who tha @sshat is.

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by amullo

Alarms are bloody useless.. No one even looks anymore.

In fact, I talked to some people and it is likely that the alarm's immobilization system may have stopped the theft.

[RobNH]

Sorry to hear about this.

Out of curiosity, what is a 3-VIN BT cable?

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by RobNH

Sorry to hear about this.

Out of curiosity, what is a 3-VIN BT cable?

Bavarian technic cable, enthusiast version....limited to 3 vins.

[MusclezMarinara]

sorry bout the break in
now go get the key hole delete

[amullo]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

In fact, I talked to some people and it is likely that the alarm's immobilization system may have stopped the theft.

Most probably!
- The standard antitheft systems of today are almost 100% fullproof. and there is little to no risk of having your car stolen unless the thiefs are 100% proffesionals since movin the car under its own power without you key is close to impossible.
This is one of the reasons that most modern carthefts are restricted to either older cars without transponder keys or the thief has access to a flatbed truck, used a diffrent ECU (some cars) or stole your key (most common).

In Sweden one insurance company refuses to cover cars stolen that have modern transponder keys unless the key is also missing or you can prove its been stolen on a flatbed.. They still charge the insurance though.. go figure.

I digress..
Its nice your car wasnt gone and the insurance should cover the damage alright..
Just dont leave anything in view next time! Its what they see that they steel these days.

//A

[EYE4SPEED]

How do you know that your BT is only 3-vin capable? I got a used one and wonder if it will work?

Sorry to hear about your car's invasion of privacy.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by amullo

Most probably!
- The standard antitheft systems of today are almost 100% fullproof. and there is little to no risk of having your car stolen unless the thiefs are 100% proffesionals since movin the car under its own power without you key is close to impossible.
This is one of the reasons that most modern carthefts are restricted to either older cars without transponder keys or the thief has access to a flatbed truck, used a diffrent ECU (some cars) or stole your key (most common).

In Sweden one insurance company refuses to cover cars stolen that have modern transponder keys unless the key is also missing or you can prove its been stolen on a flatbed.. They still charge the insurance though.. go figure.

I digress..
Its nice your car wasnt gone and the insurance should cover the damage alright..
Just dont leave anything in view next time! Its what they see that they steel these days.

//A

When I was in Stockholm I was amazed how bicycles were everywhere unlocked. Has that changed?

[Tortfeasor 335xi]

Sounds like amateurs looking for a smash and grab. If they really wanted your car they would have just flat bedded it. I know that's what they did to my old STI when it got stolen.

[mmmmm235i]

Not sure if I completely follow the story, (whether they got in through the lock or smashing a window) but either way I would consider myself lucky. Obviously it would have been better if it had not happen, but the fact that it looks like they got in through the lock and also reset many systems there may have been much worse intent. Put it this way if you were smashing windows for the purpose of stealing iPod, GPS, Radar, Stereos haha, etc. would you stick around to change radio presets and the menu language. Don't think so?