BMWNA monitoring BMW forums

Long story short, I posted something on E46Fanatics about the fact that I still haven't received the reimbursement for the subframe repair that I had to do and the lawyer/claim admin has been very non-responsive. Lo and behold I got a PM from an account called BMW NA Customer Relations offering assistance and ask for the VIN # and my contact information so that they can help check the status of my claim. They actually also posted something on my forum posting (here's the link to their posting: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=11131323&highlight=#post11131323).

Since I didn't expect to get a response from BMW NA on an internet forum, do you guys think this is legit? Is it safe to share my VIN #? I just want to know what the risks are in case this turns out to be someone using BMW NA name. I am too paranoid . Thanks guys.

It's just a VIN - on most cars you can read it through the windshield. Then again, if you gave me your social security number, I'd have no idea what to do with it even if I were so inclined.

Can't you just call their Customer Service your and check the status yourself? I'm sure it's legit, the email address he/she posted is a legit BMWNA domain name but still...it's something you should be able to do yourself.

Why is everyone so scared of posting vin#s and license plates and stuff online. I can get that info by walking up to your car at the mall or something.

tuna55 wrote: It's just a VIN - on most cars you can read it through the windshield. Then again, if you gave me your social security number, I'd have no idea what to do with it even if I were so inclined.

I know what to do with SSNs. Well it is my employment that has given me the knowledge.

(I have a CISSP and work as a Data Security Analyst for the University of Illinois)

It is no big deal to give the VIN, if you want to be extra cafefull call BMW and ask if they have people watching internet forums.

EricM wrote: ...if you want to be extra cafefull call BMW and ask if they have people watching internet forums.

And if they don't tell them that you will for them for $500.00 per month (hey it will make a car payment for you right?)

It's old news that BMWNA monitors E46Fanatics and other forums - they've posted there for years. I'd either call BMWNA or check with the site admin to see that the user name really is BMW customer service, but I also wouldn't think twice about giving my VIN to them if it'd get me my money faster...

The real question is: why are you wasting any of your precious time and brain cells at E46fanatics?

Fixed!!

Duke wrote: The real question is: why are you wasting any of your precious time and brain cells WITH AN E46?

I keeed, i keeed.

Duke wrote: The real question is: why are you wasting any of your precious time and brain cells at E46fanatics?

Cause that's where all the racerzzz are...LOL...I don't usually go there too often, I was there specifically to see whether anybody has received any reimbursements in relation to the subframe debacle.

I guess I'll go ahead and send my VIN #, I just wasn't sure if there's any risk in sending it via email or PM.

PM them back and ask for a number to reach him/her.

skruffy wrote: Why is everyone so scared of posting vin#s and license plates and stuff online. I can get that info by walking up to your car at the mall or something.

LEOs, insurance companies, manufacturers, and thieves have been known to lurk car forums. Arrests have been made, insurance policies have been canceled, warranties have been voided, and cars with unobtanium parts have been stolen.

JFX001 wrote: PM them back and ask for a number to reach him/her.

Or at least a return email to make sure it's coming from a legitimate domain.

skruffy wrote: Why is everyone so scared of posting vin#s and license plates and stuff online. I can get that info by walking up to your car at the mall or something.

I never post pics of my cars with plates on them or I blur them out. It is really easy to get an address from a license plate these days and the last thing I want is somebody looking at my mod list and deciding they are going to "go shopping" at my house! haha

I got the reimbursement check from BMWNA...yayyy...