Ashland Man Charged After Vandalism Claim Raised Questions About Pre-Existing BMW Engine Issues

Complaints were issued against an Ashland man on charges of motor vehicle insurance fraud and two counts of false report to an officer.  The Ashland man is alleged to have reported to Progressive Casualty Insurance Company that on October 31, 2023, his 2015 BMW X5 was vandalized when paint was poured onto the vehicle causing damage to the interior from paint, along with key marks to the exterior, and broken windows.  He stated that on October 31, 2023. he drove the BMW and parked it while he met with a friend.  The Ashland man stated that he later went to a concert.  The Ashland man stated that the BMW was parked in Salem for two days.  He reported that the BMW was in perfect running condition and there were no mechanical issues with the BMW prior to this incident.  Investigation revealed that on September 20, 2023 the BMW was at a BMW car dealership where the Service Advisor discovered an engine timing chain issue and that the engine would need to be rebuilt.  In addition, the BMW Service Advisor stated that the BMW’s mileage was 122,249, which was just a one-mile difference from when the vehicle was found vandalized.  The Service Advisor stated that they discovered an engine timing chain issue and the engine would need to be rebuilt.  The Ashland man had declined the engine rebuild service at the time.