HID theft on the RX330
10-07-04, 08:35 AM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
HID theft on the RX330
So it started with the Audi A4's, and moved onto the Maximas....
now the RX330 is next on the list...
my neighbor's 04 RX 330 just had it's HIDs taken in Queens, NY...right in their driveway--clean rip out as well-very little damage
I assume then that the RX HIDs are held in by two bolts or something up top, with nothing holding it from the bumper. (just like the maximas-takes 5 seconds to pop out)
Anyone else had theirs taken? I'm somewhat worried as I got an RX 330 loaner while my GS400 is at Lexus getting serviced. I also think I want to trade my 99 Pathfinder in for one, but also afraid about the headlights.
now the RX330 is next on the list...
my neighbor's 04 RX 330 just had it's HIDs taken in Queens, NY...right in their driveway--clean rip out as well-very little damage
I assume then that the RX HIDs are held in by two bolts or something up top, with nothing holding it from the bumper. (just like the maximas-takes 5 seconds to pop out)
Anyone else had theirs taken? I'm somewhat worried as I got an RX 330 loaner while my GS400 is at Lexus getting serviced. I also think I want to trade my 99 Pathfinder in for one, but also afraid about the headlights.
Last edited by NT2SHBBY; 10-07-04 at 08:37 AM.
10-07-04, 11:34 AM
#2
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I recently received a letter from the Anti Theft Crime Prevention Unit of the local police precint. The letter states that there is a high number of reported HID thefts of Lexus vehicles. They are doing everything they can to curtail the high theft rates.
Just great...
Just great...
Last edited by Nept_Mica; 10-07-04 at 11:35 AM.
10-07-04, 11:42 AM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Originally posted by Nept_Mica
I recently received a letter from the Anti Theft Crime Prevention Unit of the local police precint. The letter states that there is a high number of reported HID thefts of Lexus vehicles. They are doing everything they can to curtail the high theft rates.
Just great...
I recently received a letter from the Anti Theft Crime Prevention Unit of the local police precint. The letter states that there is a high number of reported HID thefts of Lexus vehicles. They are doing everything they can to curtail the high theft rates.
Just great...
damn thieves, get a job!
10-07-04, 03:45 PM
#4
Lexus Champion
Not sure about Audis. Old Acura HIDs were the most popular because they fit perfectly on the previous generation Accords. My friend also had his HID stolen from his Maxima in Queens.
Brush/grille guard won't protect the headlights because it can be removed in one minute. The upper part is usually secured by just 4 or 6 sets of bolts and nuts.
Don't worry about things you can't control. If your HID gets stolen, file a claim with the insurance company and get it fixed. Then move on with life.
Those thieves just might have jobs with local tuner shops that sell HID upgrades.
Brush/grille guard won't protect the headlights because it can be removed in one minute. The upper part is usually secured by just 4 or 6 sets of bolts and nuts.
Don't worry about things you can't control. If your HID gets stolen, file a claim with the insurance company and get it fixed. Then move on with life.
Those thieves just might have jobs with local tuner shops that sell HID upgrades.
10-07-04, 06:31 PM
#5
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What a coincident I happen to see a RX without HID head lights.
I was on my to work on 6th of Oct, when I noticed Silver RX330 parked on street in Flushing New York.
On Roosevelt Ave, Flushing NY, HID light were gone. I was shocked seeing a car as nice, luxury as Lexus RX, light was stolen. It just hurts to look at the car. I wonder how the owner feels.
Also, it's gonna cost to get a new pair of HID head lights.
I was on my to work on 6th of Oct, when I noticed Silver RX330 parked on street in Flushing New York.
On Roosevelt Ave, Flushing NY, HID light were gone. I was shocked seeing a car as nice, luxury as Lexus RX, light was stolen. It just hurts to look at the car. I wonder how the owner feels.
Also, it's gonna cost to get a new pair of HID head lights.
10-08-04, 04:11 AM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Originally posted by HarrierAWD
Not sure about Audis. Old Acura HIDs were the most popular because they fit perfectly on the previous generation Accords. My friend also had his HID stolen from his Maxima in Queens.
Brush/grille guard won't protect the headlights because it can be removed in one minute. The upper part is usually secured by just 4 or 6 sets of bolts and nuts.
Don't worry about things you can't control. If your HID gets stolen, file a claim with the insurance company and get it fixed. Then move on with life.
Those thieves just might have jobs with local tuner shops that sell HID upgrades.
Not sure about Audis. Old Acura HIDs were the most popular because they fit perfectly on the previous generation Accords. My friend also had his HID stolen from his Maxima in Queens.
Brush/grille guard won't protect the headlights because it can be removed in one minute. The upper part is usually secured by just 4 or 6 sets of bolts and nuts.
Don't worry about things you can't control. If your HID gets stolen, file a claim with the insurance company and get it fixed. Then move on with life.
Those thieves just might have jobs with local tuner shops that sell HID upgrades.
Now how many times can they be taken before your insurance co drops you for all the claims. If you lease it, you can't turn it in early and if you bought it then you lose on depreciation.
It sux that you can't enjoy somethin nice in this world without the fear of some other jealous bastard wanting to take it from you.
sorry..end of rant guys
10-08-04, 07:01 AM
#7
So are there any obvious ways to deter this theft? I don't mean by keeping your car locked in a garage. Can the mounting screws or bolts be replaced with different ones that only can be removed with a special tool or a square or star head driver? Alarm system to detect this specific method of tampering with the headlights?
Lexus... Any help from the Lexus engineers?
Where are these HID units winding up? What is the market for them that encourages their theft? What are the thieves doing to get them out? What is damaged in the process?
Lexus... Any help from the Lexus engineers?
Where are these HID units winding up? What is the market for them that encourages their theft? What are the thieves doing to get them out? What is damaged in the process?
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10-08-04, 09:40 AM
#8
Lexus Champion
The stolen HIDs usually end up being resold by rough tuner shops that sell HID upgrades. If a customer walks in and wants HID, they'll say it's temporarily out of stock and ask the customer to come back in 3 days. By then they'll have an HID "special ordered" and "in stock."
If you worry about it, you can try VIN etching. Probably won't keep it from being stolen in the dark, but you can keep it from being resold and deter future "re-visits" to your driveway.
You can buy VIN etching kit at most auto stores.
Damage can vary. A pro thief will do little damage, an amateur will cut wires left and right and leave a mess behind. (According to the cop, my friend's Maxima was done by an amateur - total damage $2,800!)
If you worry about it, you can try VIN etching. Probably won't keep it from being stolen in the dark, but you can keep it from being resold and deter future "re-visits" to your driveway.
You can buy VIN etching kit at most auto stores. Damage can vary. A pro thief will do little damage, an amateur will cut wires left and right and leave a mess behind. (According to the cop, my friend's Maxima was done by an amateur - total damage $2,800!)
Last edited by HarrierAWD; 10-08-04 at 09:51 AM.
10-08-04, 10:39 AM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Originally posted by jfelbab
So are there any obvious ways to deter this theft? I don't mean by keeping your car locked in a garage. Can the mounting screws or bolts be replaced with different ones that only can be removed with a special tool or a square or star head driver? Alarm system to detect this specific method of tampering with the headlights?
Lexus... Any help from the Lexus engineers?
Where are these HID units winding up? What is the market for them that encourages their theft? What are the thieves doing to get them out? What is damaged in the process?
So are there any obvious ways to deter this theft? I don't mean by keeping your car locked in a garage. Can the mounting screws or bolts be replaced with different ones that only can be removed with a special tool or a square or star head driver? Alarm system to detect this specific method of tampering with the headlights?
Lexus... Any help from the Lexus engineers?
Where are these HID units winding up? What is the market for them that encourages their theft? What are the thieves doing to get them out? What is damaged in the process?
total bull**** if u ask me
at least on my GS the headlights are secured below the bumper as well
10-12-04, 01:34 PM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Well the reason they were also so easily stolen out of ACuras and the Maximas were
1. Cheap. Their HIDs are cheap
2. Cheaply built. The whole unit is held together by 2 bolts.
3. Standard. They are easy to pick out and steal since they were standard. So thieves know EVERY CL/TL and Maxima had HIDs.
With Lexus, the headlights are held together by many more bolts. I think 5 or more. Not to mention, they are not STANDARD on the RX. So a theif would have to get lucky or follow a HID equipped RX to know it's the one to steal.
And with Lexus, ALL HIDs have the auto-self leveling system and the new LS and RX have the swiveling HIDs. Useless to most theives.
HID theft can occur but not anywhere as common as the ACuras or MAxima.
1. Cheap. Their HIDs are cheap
2. Cheaply built. The whole unit is held together by 2 bolts.
3. Standard. They are easy to pick out and steal since they were standard. So thieves know EVERY CL/TL and Maxima had HIDs.
With Lexus, the headlights are held together by many more bolts. I think 5 or more. Not to mention, they are not STANDARD on the RX. So a theif would have to get lucky or follow a HID equipped RX to know it's the one to steal.
And with Lexus, ALL HIDs have the auto-self leveling system and the new LS and RX have the swiveling HIDs. Useless to most theives.
HID theft can occur but not anywhere as common as the ACuras or MAxima.
10-12-04, 02:04 PM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Well the reason they were also so easily stolen out of ACuras and the Maximas were
1. Cheap. Their HIDs are cheap
2. Cheaply built. The whole unit is held together by 2 bolts.
3. Standard. They are easy to pick out and steal since they were standard. So thieves know EVERY CL/TL and Maxima had HIDs.
With Lexus, the headlights are held together by many more bolts. I think 5 or more. Not to mention, they are not STANDARD on the RX. So a theif would have to get lucky or follow a HID equipped RX to know it's the one to steal.
And with Lexus, ALL HIDs have the auto-self leveling system and the new LS and RX have the swiveling HIDs. Useless to most theives.
HID theft can occur but not anywhere as common as the ACuras or MAxima.
Well the reason they were also so easily stolen out of ACuras and the Maximas were
1. Cheap. Their HIDs are cheap
2. Cheaply built. The whole unit is held together by 2 bolts.
3. Standard. They are easy to pick out and steal since they were standard. So thieves know EVERY CL/TL and Maxima had HIDs.
With Lexus, the headlights are held together by many more bolts. I think 5 or more. Not to mention, they are not STANDARD on the RX. So a theif would have to get lucky or follow a HID equipped RX to know it's the one to steal.
And with Lexus, ALL HIDs have the auto-self leveling system and the new LS and RX have the swiveling HIDs. Useless to most theives.
HID theft can occur but not anywhere as common as the ACuras or MAxima.
went to go looka these yesterday to replace my 4runner
and after reading about the trans problems and now this kinda thinking something else
10-13-04, 05:52 AM
#15
There are two different reasons why thieves want HID headlights. First reason is for OEM replacement. When someone gets into an accident or has their HIDs stolen, they see the price of replacement parts and see you can get a reaplcement on ebay for $150. Which part do you think they will buy? The other reason is for HID retrofits. They don't care about the actual headlight. They want the HID projector, and also the OEM D2S/D2R HID bulbs and ballast to either retrofit in their own cars or sell to others who want to retrofit them in their cars. In many cases the reflector style D2R HID found on many Lexus cars and even Acura cars are not that popular. You will find that cars that have the projector HIDs like the newer RX330, S2000, BMWs, Audis, and such are much more popular amongst theives. Theives don't care what car it comes from. They are looking for what parts sell. Right now projector D2S sells. Since all headlight mounting points on the cars are plastic, they know it doesn't matter how it is mounted as a crowbar will remove it in a matter of seconds. Just stick the crowbar in, pry our and the mounts will all break. The reason why the Acura CL/TL and Maxima's has lots of press is because generally many of those cars were parked on the street or in peoples driveways. Maximas especially since their are a lot of them and not all of them are in covered garages since many younger buyers own them. Also, the Acur CL/TL headlights have mounting points on the bottom as well. Just looking at pictures on ebay you can clearly see 2 on top and a couple on the bottom.
It is easy to tell if a car has HIDs simply by looking at the headlight. Especially in the RX330 where the HIDs are projectors and the non HIDs are still refelctor style headlights.
It is easy to tell if a car has HIDs simply by looking at the headlight. Especially in the RX330 where the HIDs are projectors and the non HIDs are still refelctor style headlights.
Last edited by CK6Speed; 10-13-04 at 06:01 AM.