[SeattleSE]

Originally Posted by ScreaminE90

If the dealer has an Un-Updated programming station, that will work, but I doubt they have that... also, do you know if your car was in service and programmed recently? If it's already been programmed with 22, 21.2 won't overwrite it.

///Matt

Matt,

I just had my self installed alarm activated two days ago along with the BMW Assist recall. I don't know what version of software I had before nor which version I have now. However, whatever version I have now has noticably less lag in response from the I-drive controller. Since I'm pretty happy now, is there any earthly reason why I would want to upgrade to progman 22 once the alarm bug is fixed?

Oh, BTW, is the bug only related to activating the alarm? In other words, is it possible that the dealer activated the alarm on a Progman 21.2 system and then did the Progman 22 upgrade on another station? Unlikely I know but it popped into my head.

Cheers,

Jim

[bud001]

Originally Posted by ScreaminE90

The e90 alarm system is ONLY available as an upgrade, not standard in the US.

It DEFINITELY must be programmed after installation, and the actual act of programming can take up to 4 hours, or more if problems arise. That 4 hours is once they start on your car. At the dealership which I'm a tech at, there are four programming stations, and generally 8-10 cars waiting for programming, so count on leaving your car for a day or two at a busy dealer.

You are able to install the alarm components yourself, they are bolt on, plug in, and your done, aside from the programming.

Programming an e90 is a flat rate job of about 1.6 hours, so at my dealer that would be 1.6 X $110 an hour. many dealers will offer to discount the labor in order to facilitate your purchase of the system.

I recommend NOT purchasing the e90 alarm at this time, however, as I recently read a BMW bulletin about the newest programming software having an unforseen glitch when activating the alarm for the first time, which will not allow your alarm to be activated, so you'd be spending your money to get an inop alarm until the next version comes out, which could be about two months.

Any other questions, just let me know. I do my best to be straight forward and informative about BMW dealership and our lovely e90's. =)

Matt

Thats exactly what my SA told me yesterday. I came to this board to doublecheck. Thanks dude.

[LousyShot]

Originally Posted by ScreaminE90

Sharp, the software glitch is not present in your vehicle, it's in the programming software at the dealer. The program in question is called "Progman version 22". In version 22, if you have just installed a factory alarm, when you try to activate it, and subsequently update the vehicle software, Progman has an error, and incorrectly reports the need for a different part number alarm before programming will continue. It WILL NOT program the vehicle unless that part number gets installed, and it's the wrong part number.

As far as them contacting you, no. Your best bet is to call periodically and speak with the shop foreman, and ask him what version Progman is being used. Once we update to 23, you should be able to purchase, install, and program the alarm.



Matt

Matt,

I'm glad I searched this topic before I posted. I am taking delivery of a US spec 330 in the UK tomorrow. I ordered the alarm to have installed during the pre-delivery prep. The technician called me today and pretty much described the same problem you stated above. The siren unit part number isn't recognized by the software and he thinks it may be a defective siren. After reading your post, I am thinking that the unit itself may be fine and the software may be the problem. Is there any idea when a new Progman version might be coming out? Thanks for the great info!!

Bryon

[SoYank]

Originally Posted by Sparky

Matt,

I'm glad I searched this topic before I posted. I am taking delivery of a US spec 330 in the UK tomorrow. I ordered the alarm to have installed during the pre-delivery prep. The technician called me today and pretty much described the same problem you stated above. The siren unit part number isn't recognized by the software and he thinks it may be a defective siren. After reading your post, I am thinking that the unit itself may be fine and the software may be the problem. Is there any idea when a new Progman version might be coming out? Thanks for the great info!!

Bryon

Congratulation and welcome to the forum. Did you get it through Park Lane in Mildenhall with Carr's in Bury St. Edmunds doing the PDI?

As a UK based E90 owner check out this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20158. Oh, and don't be put off by some of those clowns in there. They're really cool people.

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by SoYank

Congratulation and welcome to the forum. Did you get it through Park Lane in Mildenhall with Carr's in Bury St. Edmunds doing the PDI?

As a UK based E90 owner check out this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20158. Oh, and don't be put off by some of those clowns in there. They're really cool people.

Congrats Sparky.

ER...and thanks for that, Floyd!

Viv
(one of the clowns in that thread, probably)

[LousyShot]

SoYank/vivekk,

Thanks for the welcome!
Park Lane and Carr's have taken care of me, I take delivery Tues afternoon. The alarm issue is a bit of a nuisance, but we'll see how that turns out. I called Carr's this afternoon and they are using Progman verion 22.1
I guess I'll wait for an update from one of the experts like ScreaminE90 or
E90Fleet before I decide what to do. Thanks again for the welcome and to everyone for all of the great information in the past threads!