Hi Everyone,


Two of my friends own a fairly new BMW 325i. One car was broken into but the thieves took non-car related items -- couldn't take the radio or start the car. On the other car, the thief couldn't open the car but did damage to the key cylinder. Both incidents cost between $200-$300 bucks to replace parts and fascia. No damage was done to paint or door panel.


I'm planning to get a C320 next year. Current owners of C320 who have experienced above incidents, what kind of damage was done to your car and cost to repair? Are thieves likely to damage paint and/or dent door panels in the process?


Thanks for your responses.

 

I have never had a car broken into but I keep a fairly low (for AZ) $250 deductable for comprehensive just in case. By the way, comp will not cover cds and other items not attached to the car. Also most companies only cover custom parts for $1000, anything over that requires additional coverage.

 

When I had a Mazda Miata, I got into the habit of never locking my car. Even when I visited NYC. I just left nothing of value in it. My theory was simple, replacing the softop ($500-800) was something I didn't want to deal with. A couple times I noticed that someone must have sat in it, but in 7 years I never had a problem. My Clifford immobilizer did the trick in making sure no one stole it.

No, I don't advocate not locking your C, but I do strongly recommend not keeping anything of value visible. Put your sunglasses, radar detector, CDs, etc. in the glove box or other non-visible storage. With no temptation, you will find people have no real reason to break into the car.

Rick

 

excellent advice, and some I should heed myself. I live in Nebraska and can afford to keep a $50 deductible on my cars... but this is cost-prohibitive in many states. the other thing to do is not to draw attention to yourself. if/when you take it somewhere, turn down the stereo and drive conservatively for the last mile or so before your destination. typically MBs are much more difficult to steal than BMWs.

 

gotta give credit for BMW's double-locking feature. If the car's been locked from the outside, there's no way you can open that door short of pulling it off its hinges.

 

too bad it all goes out the window when you stow the steel roof in the garage for the summer.