My E60 was stolen by person or persons unknown from the forecourt of BMW dealer Douglas Park on Kyle Street Glasgow at approximately 16.30 on Saturday afternoon.  The thieves were in possession of the keys.

Can you all be on the look out for Titanium Silver E60 545i SE Auto registration number BK53OZG?  Car has a black leather interior.

Pics of the car can be seen http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=38926&PN=7 - here .

Thanks as always,

Andrew

Ironically the car was in the dealer because it wouldn't start for me on Saturday morning, but someone got it started.

Full reason as to why it was in the http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=39917&PN=1 - dealer .

Thanks for your support.

Webdunk wrote: OMG! Hope you get to keep the courtesy car!

The courtesy car is not a BMW hire car it is Enterprise hire car so it needs to go back to them today.  The dealer is going to contact me regarding a replacement courtesy car this morning.

Andrew

Hope she turns back up....... I take it the dealer has taken full responsibility. 

@Rossi.... someone probably left the keys on the service counter/desk.

Just read your entire tale of woe, Andrew.  Bad luck with the theft.

Hope all gets sorted out right.

Latest

Dealers hands are tied with offering me a hire car.

I have spoken to their service manager, who unfortunately was not very helpful nor did he seem particularly interested.

I have also spoken to the Dealer Principal on on the other hand was very apologetic, pleasant and helpful.  He is looking into options for a car.

We are trying to resolve a set of wheels, alternative from my insurance company might be a Yaris.  If I do end up in one if it takes too long to resolve, where can I get a brown paper bag to put over my head when I'm driving it?

Andrew

What a nightmare!

After all the hassle with the battery it gets nicked!

Andrew Rolland wrote: I have spoken to their service manager, who unfortunately was not very helpful nor did he seem particularly interested.

 Service managers.... don't you just love them.

I have had to get my insurance company involved regardless.  They will be communicating with the Dealers insurance.

The Dealer Principal, has arranged that I pick up an E60 520d MSport this afternoon.  Helpful enough chap.

I have had to insure this vehicle at my cost.

My solicitor says leave it to my insurance company.

The CID are involved as it is deemed to be of significant importance due to the circumstances surrounding the theft and the value of the vehicle.  The dealer told the police that the car was worth £20k.

We all know deep down that we will not see my beast again.  Given the fact that it was not reported until Monday 13.00 hrs when the theft was 16.30 hrs on Saturday.

...been looking on t'interweb, seen a nice E60 545i SE A in Preston, bit more cash though than mine. 

Andrew

Flaming heck !!!

I really hope you get it sorted, echoing everyones thoughts, I'd be looking at the dealer to provide a replacement vehicle for your use or at least throught their insurance. Other options may be BMW themselves and also consumer direct.

That apart, I'm gutted for you !!!

When Tiko had his small bump in the M3, he got a corsa as a courtesy car, but another company also got involved and he got an M3, It was costing the other guys insurance a crazy amount, but they got it fixed quicker because of it.  might be worth getting hold of tiko and finding out if they will supply an e60 and charge dealers insurance accordingly.

bummer news Andrew

hope it show's up somewhere, hopefully it has just been parked in a multi-car park and used as a get home car .. thing is, no matter what the scum that stole it have used it for you really need the car to be found to get this whole matter sorted soon.

good luck and i'll keep my fingers crossed for a quick end to this bad news.

PS, would you mind if i posted the details on my local car forum?

this is something that would be at the top of my questions list ... "was this an inside job?"

why did they not tell you as soon as they noticed it was gone?

Bleeping bumsticks sorry to here about the news andrew heres hoping you get it sorted out quick smart.

Ian

I'm really touched with everyones remarks. Nearly brought a tear to my eye.

Thanks guys 'n' gals.

Ian, Alun. Go ahead post where you like, but please use the facts as we know from here, if you know where I'm coming from.  If your posts can also include "If seen please contact.... or if you see anything suspicious please contact...."

Dealer has provided me with an E60 520d MSport. 

Having to get used to driving a manual, the wee oil burner doesn't have any grunt at 50-60 mph in 6th, after planting right foot I need to remember to change down. D'uh.

I my V8 it was a case of plant the foot into the carpet and hold on and brace your neck against the whiplash effect of the V8 doing what it does best - taking off!  god I'm missing it soo much, and not having to make gear changes, don't even need to use sport mode to make it go.

The dealer principal was very pleasant to deal with and wants to resolve quick as, but it is now in the hands of our respective insurance companies.

Once I got thru the junior management blockade and spoke to higher powers that be, I began to get somewhere.  The Dealer Principal is upset and embarrassed and he is worried incase it is an inside job and he has a rather untrustworthy employee.

He has promised to do a deal with me if it comes to a replacement vehicle, i.e. after me receiving a largish cheque from my insurance company.

I suspect it was stolen to order or it is in bits or in a container on a boat.

Going to meet DC Dimberline at Stewart St Police Station today at 1pm.  CID are now investigating the theft, not (with all due respect) the ordinary cops due to the potential value of the vehicle and the nature in which it was taken.

Next car will be fitted with a tracker, £349 fitted by BMW + subscription.  I would get the subscription back from insurance company reduced premium.

Will keep you updated.

Once again thanks for all your support.

Andrew

Sorry to hear about this Andrew.  I posted on my local forum, but as of yet I have recieved no word.

That was a pretty shocking way for it to be taken.  Pretty shocked and angered about it myself.  Incompetent doesnt describe them. From someone who has put thier car into their care on many occcasions before, I thought that your car would be safe, but with my own Experience of Douglas Park recently I wouldnt expect any less now.  I had no problems at all when it was Henry Brothers.

Hope your not put out too much by all this and your car is returned safe and well.

Allan

Sorry to hear this Andrew.

Hope get all sorted to your satisfaction.

What a fekkin disgrace.

Just back from some biz in Belfast and expected a follow up from your original post. This is right out of left field.

I hope you can get BMW UK involved too, after all these "dealers" are franchisees and they're almost certainly gonna find it very difficult to prove that they are operating a good business model if circa £20k of a clients property walks off the premises during broad day light.

There's almost nothing a business likes less than claiming on their employers liability insurance, they'll do anything to absorb the loss themselves.

Drew

Dunno what else to say Andrew...other than thats pants......

If you need cheering up at work, give us a shout and I'll pop up for a coffee at Starbucks or something.

Cheers Ewan.

My director has given me a ticket to the Rugby on Sunday at Murrayfield as a cheer up.  We are having a corporate bash for clients etc.

What is the craic with rugby, that's the game with the pointy ball innit?

Andrew

OMG Andrew... Just saw this post now...

Really really sorry to hear that ...

There is nothing to be said that will make you feel better...

I hope you get everything sorted quickly...

BB

Rugby, would be good, I was supposed to be going with a supplier....but they somehow managed to c*ck the order up and they don't actually have the tickets!

Needless to say, they aren't my favourite supplier just now anyway.

Off to Aviemore instead (assuming the A9 is still open)

Andrew Rolland wrote: My director has given me a ticket to the Rugby on Sunday at Murrayfield as a cheer up.

Don't bank on it

thepits wrote: Andrew Rolland wrote: My director has given me a ticket to the Rugby on Sunday at Murrayfield as a cheer up.  Don't bank on it

Indeedely Hurrumph! 

At least the New Zealend Ref will get his French passport application through a lot faster now!

Andrew

Update

Phoned insurance company yesterday to tell them that I have posted off the V5, MOT Cert, Insurance Cert, Service History, Pics, spare key etc etc.  I sent that special delivery, wasn't taking a chance.  They said that they were pursuing BMW to admit liability in order to make a payout. 

Certainly not going to settle if they try and blame me or offer a 50-50! 

Also sent a letter to BMW GB (Special delivery so I know they will get it!) to tell them of what happened the last time I visited one of their dealers!

All I can do is sit an wait! 

So frustrating.

Andrew

The insurance company got me worried when they said things like, 'if they don't admit liability'.

I'll agrue that it has nothing to do with me, don't worry.

Andrew

A quick heads up re your contact to BMW UK . . . send a pdf version of the correspondence by email and request a read receipt too.

Things like this are more likely to be passed around quicker than a hard copy letter, plus you'll definitely know that they've received it!

Best of luck, keep us posted.

Drew

Might just do that Drew.

Andrew

Just seen this post Andrew.

Sorry to hear about your loss. Having a car nicked sucks. I just hope that it is resolved as quickly and as painlessly as possible.

Just e-mail a pdf copy of my letter to customerservices at BMW.  Got a delivery receipt and a read receipt, no reply yet.  Also got an automated reply stating

"Thank you for contacting BMW Customer Services.

sorted . . . the freephone number for BMW UK is

0800 777 113 (I hate these 0845, 0870 numbers!!!)

Hopefully you'll get some sort of response quicker by being able to refer to the email that was delivered.

Cheers again!

Where did you get that number from Drew?

0800 777 111 is the BMW assist no. 

I phone Customer Services last Monday when it all kicked off but I have never had anything back from them.

Andrew

Got the number from

http://www.saynoto0870.com - www.saynoto0870.com

It's proved to be a very good resource for bypassing call centres, getting direct dial landlines, mostly from people challenging companies with the FOI legislation. Don't go telling everyone . . .

There is another number there too, 0113 prefix, Leeds I think, although it's unverified on their database.

Regardless of that I would have thought you'd have heard at least some of the right noises coming from their HQ by now? There are so many aspects to this that I find completely infuriating, from the time taken to report the crime, right through to the problems you'll most likely encounter with uninsured losses.

Cheers again

Drew

kbannon wrote: Without wanting to prejudice a claim or a potential trial, was any explanation given as to how your keys and car were removed from the dealers?

Yip but I'd rather not say at this present moment, just in case.

kbannon wrote: Any word back from the polis?

Nah, nothing.  I tried to phone the CID officer but he wasn't in.  I dare say he will be in touch if he hears anything.

Insurance company are still proccessing.  They are taking the stance that BMW are liable though.  But that is still to be confirmed.  "It is still in the early stages" Hmm...

Andrew

Blimey Andrew, I must have been asleep lately, I didn't read this until I clicked on the link from the other post (BMW address)

That sucks, I'd be gutted if my car was stolen so I can almost imagine how you must feel.

We had a brand new, unregistered Mercedes Sprinter stolen off our forecourt a few months back. The keys were left of the salesmans desk after it was delivered. Two young traveller lads came in asking to speak to a salesman and no-one thought nothing of it. When the salesman came back from lunch, he noticed only one key on the key ring but thought it had just been missing at the delivery. It was only 3 days later when he went to check over the vehicle he noticed it wasn't there!

It can happen anywhere! suffice to say keys are now locked away and are in the workshop in full view of all the workshop staff.

We also have a metal drop box which a customer left his keys in once when we were closed (it's only meant for post, not keys!) He says he left the keys in there but come Monday, his van was also gone though no-one could have known they keys were there so that was a bit fishy (not connecting your story with that one, don't worry!)

And we had a ringer in our place the other day too. The chassis number is always stamped on the chassis leg but this one was stanmped into a bit of tin and pressed over the original. We only knew because we had to fit a new rear axle and when we did the warranty claim, Mercedes said the old axle number didn't match the chassis number for the vehicle so that's when we checked it. The poor owner lost a 55 reg Sprinter which he'd paid 15k for only a few months ago and he has not a single comeback at all what-so-ever.

Just goes to show it's rife unfortunatley. The only thing which is probably the best in a bad situation is the fact you cannot be held at all responsible. The dealer has to accept full responsibility and I'd expect nothing less than the full co-operation of the dealer as well as the biggest sorry from BMW GB too.

I really really hope you get the result you want, or something as near as.

Finger crossed and keep us posted.

Mike

Thanks Mike, like yourself and Peter, this thread has been missed by a few people on here, but it is only when you actually read it that you can't actually take in what has happened.  And no I still can't really believe it either until I look out to my driveway and see a slightly different 5 series sitting there.

I put my car into a flagship city centre dealer to get fixed and the car drives off from their forecourt without them knowing.  I only found out by checking the dealers web site that they were actually open on the Sunday, still no one noticed on the Sunday, only when they went looking for it on the Monday the horrible truth was realised.

In the case of the story you told about keys being lifted off a desk, who paid out on the vehicle?  Was it the dealers insurance company?

No response from BMW UK yet but still early I suppose.

Andrew

The story about the keys being lifted, from what I can gather it was taken at a loss because the keys weren't secured and the vehicle wasn't even registered so I don't think any claim was put through. Obviously no customer lost out because it was still on our stock and therefore our property so the company lost the cost completely!        A valuable lesson learned.

I did also hear of another Mercedes dealer where two brand new vans were stolen, again no trace though I don't know the situation but it was some dealer up north somewhere.

I hear about it quite a lot in my job and I still can't believe people aren't more careful.

As long as people have holes in their butts there will be idiots who are careless with vehicle keys!

I imagine BMW GB will want to get the story straight with the dealer first before contacting you so perhaps thats where some delay will come from.

I look forward to hearing some good news anytime soon, fingers crossed.

Mike

Update from BMW (GB) Ltd - Friday

Got a phone call on Friday afternoon from the helpful Dealer Principal at Douglas Park.  He told me that BMW (GB) Ltd has sent him a copy of my letter.

Bottom line is he has been told by BMW (GB) Ltd to 'sort it', I think this is likely to be the only response I'll get on my letter.  Anyway, he was once again apologetic and told me he would reimburse me for the cost of insuring the replacement 520d that the dealer has supplied, which is good.  He also told me that CID have discovered that it was only one person involved in taking my car and not three people as previously thought.

He again told me that he is hopeful that my car will be found (Aye in Dubai mibbie!) but that he would help me with a deal on a replacement 545i if it came to it.

Insurance company Update - Saturday

Phone my insurance company to extend the cover on the 520d. Blah blah blah, they told me the car is insured for market value.  I asked how they define market value and was advised that it was based on numerous things and Glass Guide Price.

I was also told that this claim will go down as a black mark against me until it is resolved with the BMW insurance company.  That is if they decide to counter claim the BMW insurance company.  I told them that there was no way that I was going to settle for this and that they (my insurance company) must do everything in their power to claim back from the BMW insurance company as this is no way my fault or my insurance company fault.

Insurance Company Update - Sunday

Insurance Company have e-mailed to tell me that an assessor will shortly be in contact to discuss my claim.  Aye Bring it on!

CID Update - Monday

Some thieving person has been lifted on a different matter and confessed to pinching my car.  This happened last night.  This person has been charged with the theft of my car. He sold the car on within an hour of stealing it as he thought it had a tracker in it.  CID said that this other place was across the country which I am assuming Edinburgh.  They think it is in a lock up somewhere.   They said they still might not find the car.

All good fun really.

Andrew

Jeezo, glad they found the git. Probably get away with it lightly no doubt

Looks like things are moving on reasonably well now Andrew. There's a lot to be said for emailing the organ grinder as opposed to the monkey.

As I said in an earlier post the main thing to watch out for will be the dealers unwillingness to claim on their insurance, they'll try their best to absorb the loss whilst trying to assure BMW UK that you're a happy camper!

Cheers again

Drew

Andrew Rolland wrote: CID Update - Monday He sold the car on within an hour of stealing it as he thought it had a tracker in it.

I am guessing that the car will have this as soon as it comes back?

BB

BeemaBoy wrote: Andrew Rolland wrote: CID Update - Monday He sold the car on within an hour of stealing it as he thought it had a tracker in it. I am guessing that the car will have this as soon as it comes back? BB

Oh yes, and I'll try and get the dealer to pay for it as compensation if I do get the beast back.  Not sure if I want it back if you know what I mean.

Andrew

Andrew Rolland wrote: Not sure if I want it back if you know what I mean.

yeah, i'm not sure i'd want a car that had been stolen back, never know how it's been treated - if i had to have one i'd choose stolen to order as opposed to joyriders, i'd like to think that the professional thieves would be quite gentle with the cars because any damage would affect the money they'd get for pinching it

that said, i suppose you could say similar for for buying secondhand, never know how the previous owners have used/abused the car

just one of those things i suppose

I hate to say this, but is there any fear that anything said in this thread could upset your claim, be it from BMW, the dealer, or your insurance.

I know it may sound daft, but you never know...

I don't think so Fey.

I have not said how they actually got the keys which is a real stonker.  There is nothing on here that I have made up.  there is nothing I have said here that I have been told by anyone not to say. 

If it comes to a trial, you would still have to prove that the individual was at the place at the time etc.

My comments about the dealer have gone to BMW GB and I have now received a formal reply.

They have told me that as the Dealer is an independent business, they are responsible for any issues that arise at the dealership not BMW GB.  But as I have said on here and in my letter to BMW GB, the dealer principal was and is being helpful and apologetic from the first moment that I spoke to him, it was the problems with the (with all due respect) lower tier management in the dealer.  Once I spoke to the Dealer Principal, things did start to happen.

Will keep you updated.

Andrew

fingers crossed

dave

Still no word from the Insurance company or Insurance assessor.  I think some phone calls are in order.

Andrew

Right!

Phoned Insurance company.  Vented a bit of displeasure in their direction for not getting the assessor out to me sooner.  I then phoned the assessor who then came out to the house last night.

He took a statement from me and now has to get a statement from the dealer.  This wont happen until next week as the dealer principal is away on business this week.  So the assessor can't tell my insurance company anything till probably the end of next week.

...Back to a waiting game....

Andrew

kbannon wrote: At least you are driving a relatively decent car - it could have been a Micra!

Yes, but I had a horrendous time driving on the B846 on Wednesday having to change gear all the time on a very twisty road which I have never been on before.  Still I got 47 mpg on a round trip of 277 miles.  Would have probably got about 27 mpg out of the V8.

Spot who has been driving autos for the last 7.5 years!

The Insurance Company wanted to put me in a 1.0 litre Yaris.  I complained that I had a 4.4 litre V8 beast but I don't think the girl on the other end of the phone knew what I meant by a 4.4 litre V8

Yaris would need to come with a brown paper bag to put over your head while driving it.

Andrew

Andrew Rolland wrote: Yaris would need to come with a brown paper bag to put over your head while driving it.

The neighbours would have thought you'd sold the v8 cause you were short of cash!

The neighbours don't know what has happened, they think I am BMW test driver.

There was my blue E39, then the E60 V8, an X5 3.0d for a week when the V8 broke the first time, then my E60 V8 back for a week, then a black 520d SE for 4 days (while mine was getting pinched) and now the silver 520d MSport.

...wonder what the next set of wheels will be?

Andrew

Andrew Rolland wrote: The neighbours don't know what has happened, they think I am BMW test driver. There was my blue E39, then the E60 V8, an X5 3.0d for a week when the V8 broke the first time, then my E60 V8 back for a week, then a black 520d SE for 4 days (while mine was getting pinched) and now the silver 520d MSport. ...wonder what the next set of wheels will be? Andrew

This could be an opportunity to make some extra cash! Write into a car review magazine and inform them that you have, and are driving THE BMW RANGE and that you would like to be employed to write a few reviews...from the customer perspective...

BB

Glad things are moving forwards. Look on the bright side, the dealer principal could be just like the 'lower management' the police may not have found the theif and I have heard of much worse insurance companies.

Keep fighting mate, you always have the option of throwing all your toys of of the pram if you are still not getting what you want and you could use the "I'm going to the papers unless I get what I want" clause!

As this whole scenario is not your fault, you should be entitled to compensation for ANY extra outlay due to this incident be it additional insurance or whatever. (though you won't be able to claim fuel costs becuase I think you may have saved on that one! lol)

Lets hope when the insurance do settle, you will get a deal from the dealer which at the very least means you break even (though you deserve to make a bit)

Another thing too, I know it's bad whats happened and you may not want to deal with that dealer again but I bet when you do go in there you get treated like royalty, especially if the dealer principal has anything to do with it!

Anyway, hope it all turns out good.

Mike

Mike

Thanks for that, rest assured I'm still fighting.

If I do get another BM and take it back into the dealer for what ever reason, and I wasn't getting help from a snooty member of staff, all I would need to do would be to say in a slightly loud voice, "...and you will be looking after my car this time as last time it was stolen from here, with the keys!" 

I'm sure the situation would be quickly resolved.

Will keep the updates coming.

Andrew

ewan.c wrote: Andrew, I'd hope that the DP will be coming to collect your car for you from now on.

Hmmm that would be assuming that I would still let them look after a future car.  I am still slightly nervous at the thought of handing over a set of keys ever again.

Andrew

Latest Update

I phoned the Dealer Principal last night, again very pleasant to deal with, to tell him that my insurance assessor would be coming to visit him.  the DP already had spoken to the assessor and told me that he had told him that the Dealer would co-operate fully with him and will let him look around, take pictures and speak to everyone and anyone connected to my car from the Saturday. 

I was glad that the DP is being so helpful as this can only speed things up after the assessor has been.

This visit will not happen till Thursday, so I can't do anything at all until after Thursday!  That is what is killing me.

Andrew

....another update.

Insurance company will receive the report from the independent assessor tomorrow.  This then joins a queue for review and after this they will then probably pay out.  So at the end of this week I hopefully will be arguing the toss on how much I want them to pay out by.

They have told me that they are going to claim against the dealer/dealers insurance.  Which at last is the news I was wanting to hear.  Again made more noises that there is no way that I am going to accept any liability and will fight a decision that in anyway holds me responsible and that my insurance company must seek to counter claim.

I think it is getting thru to them.

I have seen a car that I want but I am powerless to do anything until I know that I am going to get some cash.

Andrew

Paul_540i wrote: Bah... go all out and demand a 550i 6-speed, next best thing to an M5 without the sky high price tag

I couldn't afford a 550i.  They are only about 30 brake more than my 545i, would you notice the difference?  Possibly not.  The 550 is a 4.8 V8, my 545 is (was) a 4.4 V8 so not much in it really.

Todays 540 is a 4.0 V8 with about 300 bhp i.e. 30 brake less that my 545i.  The old V8 4398 cc lump has been done away with in todays E60 line up.

Andrew 

Finally the insurance company has now said that they will be counter claiming the garage and have told me that it is not my fault!

Wahey, best news I've heard this week apart from my Mrs passing her GP exam.

Only problem is that the Dealer is being slightly difficult in providing their insurance company details.  It is the same member of staff who was not particularly helpful to me on the first instance.

Andrew

Andrew Rolland wrote: Finally the insurance company has now said that they will be counter claiming the garage and have told me that it is not my fault! Wahey, best news I've heard this week apart from my Mrs passing her GP exam. Only problem is that the Dealer is being slightly difficult in providing their insurance company details.  It is the same member of staff who was not particularly helpful to me on the first instance. Andrew

Go in and ask them what the f'ing hold up is

Big Stuff wrote: Go in and ask them what the f'ing hold up is

Basically did that, told the Dealer Principal that once again his staff were being rather unhelpful and he was unaware of the situation as that was not what he was told.  He sounded fairly pee'd off at having to be told that once again his staff were as much use as a chocolate teapot and had basically told him a few wee fibs.

He sad "I'll sort this right now" and sure enough got a fone call back saying the information will be provided tomorrow (today). 

I think a member of that dealership will have a size 10 foot print on the seat of his pants today.  Good!

Andrew

kbannon wrote: What was the logic of the staff member holding things up and telling fibs if the DP wanted it all resolved?

..er that will because he is a Pillock!

kbannon wrote: Has the dealership offered you any motors?

No. But there is a few for sale that I have my eye on and will ask the DP to get one for me.

I only want to deal with the DP who every time I have spoken to him, he has been really pleasant and helpful. 

As I said to him last night, I don't want to deal with these people if I ever come into the dealership again.  These are what we call client facing people and they are useless and unhelpful.  The lad who isn't client facing on the other hand is very client orientated.

Andrew

Andrew Rolland wrote: Finally the insurance company has now said that they will be counter claiming the garage and have told me that it is not my fault!

Correct me if I'am wrong, will this not show up on your insurance policy as an outstanding claim until your insurance company has been reimburse in full.