[wagonmaster]

Have many people here added the BMW alarm upgrade to the keyless entry system on their new vehicles? Debating if it's worth it. Thanks!

[matt_435xi]

i did! but still waiting to take delivery

[STE92VE]

I'm considering it, if the price is right. This is something that probably should be standard factory equipment, but I guess BMW feels that their anti-theft devices prohibit the vehicle from being driven off. The alarm would only deter the nuisance smash and runs (hope their hands fall off) because no one pays attention to alarm sirens.

What it comes down to, is how much is a false sense of security worth to you?

[matt_435xi]

slightly lowers my insurance so over time the 400-500 it costs justifies it to me. guess its more peace of mind.

but i agree with you scuba steve, audible alarms are standard on sub-20k cars?

[Haris]

I got it from my dealer - it was around $600 - I think its definetely worth it since I don't have a garage yet. I like that red flashing light right below the rear-view mirror.
Someone broke into my brother's G35 Coupe and no one knew about it until the next day and this happened twice with 2 months. They broke his door look and the car didn't even squeak. Samething happened to my friend's 330Ci in his apartment complex's parking lot -- not kool.

[matt_435xi]

Originally Posted by Haris

I got it from my dealer - it was around $600 - I think its definetely worth it since I don't have a garage yet. I like that red flashing light right below the rear-view mirror.
Someone broke into my brother's G35 Coupe and no one knew about it until the next day and this happened twice with 2 months. They broke his door look and the car didn't even squeak. Samething happened to my friend's 330Ci in his apartment complex's parking lot -- not kool.

i have a G35 coupe, it comes with an audible alarm standard?

[Haris]

Originally Posted by matt_335Ci

i have a G35 coupe, it comes with an audible alarm standard?

My brother got it when it first came out -- maybe it wasn't standard then?

[matt_435xi]

Originally Posted by Haris

My brother got it when it first came out -- maybe it wasn't standard then?

no it was standard.

[wagonmaster]

Thanks for all the replies! Still might be add one later. Called Owners Circle to see if mine would arrive prewired, and they said that you have to order it prewired,which I find doubtful. Thought they all came prewired.

[matt_435xi]

Originally Posted by wagonmaster

Thanks for all the replies! Still might be add one later. Called Owners Circle to see if mine would arrive prewired, and they said that you have to order it prewired,which I find doubtful. Thought they all came prewired.

they all come pre-wired, its in the brochure.

[dkbimmer]

Originally Posted by wagonmaster

Thanks for all the replies! Still might be add one later. Called Owners Circle to see if mine would arrive prewired, and they said that you have to order it prewired,which I find doubtful. Thought they all came prewired.

I think it does come prewired...at least that's what my CA told me when I asked him about installing an alarm. My 2004 325xi came prewired for alarm and CD changer.

[RiXst3r]

I got mine for $450 installed

[Sim Simma]

If you do decide to get it save yourself some cash and do the DIY if you can. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...+alarm+install It took me all of 25 minutes to complete. Picked up the alarm for about $220, then had it activated for about $50 or so, sometimes they will do it for free. I saved myself about $300. It’s not going to stop someone from taking your car if they want it, but possible savings on ins, audible confirmation when locking and keeping the local kids far enough away was worth it for me.

[Hound Passer]

Originally Posted by Haris

I like that red flashing light right below the rear-view mirror.

You don't have to have the alarm to get the red flashing light. When I took delivery of my Z4 I had the dealer program mine to start flashing when I lock the car. I don't have an alarm. It is a programming option but most dealers don't tell customers about it.

[STE92VE]

Originally Posted by Hound Passer

You don't have to have the alarm to get the red flashing light. When I took delivery of my Z4 I had the dealer program mine to start flashing when I lock the car. I don't have an alarm. It is a programming option but most dealers don't tell customers about it.

I can see why they wouldn't! Why buy an alarm if the flashing red light accomplishes the same goal..... it's a deterrent. I wonder if any of the techs on the forum can confirm this.

[STE92VE]

Did some searching and found this:
The Clown Nose Controversy

The "Clown Nose" flashes after you purchase, install and activate your BMW alarm. Did you know that you can have the Nose programmed to flash, and the amber lights blink off/on when you open/close the doors even though the alarm is NOT installed? Here's how:
1) Have your dealer hook up the shop computer to the car.
2) Go to the "Anit-Theft" activation section.
3) Activate the alarm, but uncheck the "DWA" option.

This was tested by at least a dozen people so far, who swear that it works. The shop work order the job was written as: "Program car memory to visual acknowledge when locking/unlocking"

NOTE OF WARNING:

The following is a quote from a very reputable dealer passing along a comment from his tech guys on the above procedure. Take this as you want, I'm passing it along so that you do know there might be problems with this procedure. The last thing I want is for you to screw up your car.

"I feel that it is my civic duty to warn everyone who is having this done of the 'irreversible consequences' of this procedure (when activated sans alarm). In plain English, activating the light is tricking the car's computer into thinking that the car has had an alarm installed. Consequently, fault codes are generated because the computer is searching for alarm data and can't find any... This will not affect the functionality of the vehicle until the car has some other electrical problem. When the car is hooked up to the diagnostic equipment at the BMW Center, the technician is going to pull up string after string of fault codes, and be unable diagnose whatever the problem is. At that point, the only solution will be to replace the car's computer -or- add an alarm in order to isolate the real fault codes... Sounds like a big headache just to have a blinking clown-nose thingy... "
Sales Manager, Reputable Dealer, Fall 1999

The person making this statement has been correct 95% of the time in his statements about technical matters and is known to be a real BMW fanatic, always ready to help fellow bimmer lovers, no matter if they buy from him or not. It was therefore assumed this was the case and the Clown Nose hubub died down.

HOWEVER:

The official publication of the BMW Car Club of America (BMWCCA) ROUNDEL, in the December 2000 issue, weighed in on the topic and said the following:

In answer to a question by Jackie Moro, according to Mike Miller, the Technical Editor of Roundel, in his "Tech Talk" column on page 104, BMWCCA spoke with BMW NA regarding any problems with the above procedure. According to BMW NA, there are no long term problems with this procedure. Here's the quote:

"We spoke with BMW of North America regarding (the question) The "Car Memory" function, "Acknowledgement without DWA" for E46 vehicles (without factory-installed alarm), is available since DIS CD 20.0, and its functionality is described in Service Bulletin 09 03 98. When activated, the fault code "07 anti-theft alarm system" is going to be set in General Module. This fault does not affect operation of the General Module in any way. Simply put, the sustem detects absence of certain components of the DWA - alarm siren and ultrasonic sensor - while at the same time the module was coded to activate the DWA for the lights acknowledgement purpose. Again, the above mentioned fault code is transparent to driver and does not affect the operation of the car. There is no reason to replace the General Module after Car Memory programming. This programming procedure was approved by BMW AG."
Roundel, December 2000, pg. 104

[EricFother]

Very good words. Thanks.

And unlike some, my insurer was only going to lower my payment a few dollars per year...not worth the several hundred dollars. But...that was just my company. That also says nothing about the deterent factor..which I am all for.