[LarryK1000]

OK, I decided NOT to get the alarm for my new 330. But, every car I've had in the last 15 years has had an alarm and a blinking red light.

Everyone knows that the alarm SOUND never stops anyone. People just walk by and don't do a thing. However, I've always felt that the BLINKING RED LIGHT is what really deters people.

No one has been able to activate the Red Clown Nose on our cars without getting an alarm installed.

I was cleaning out my room today and found some LED RAVE PARTY lights that were given away. They were multi=colored led's and had sealed battery compartments. So, you cannot change batteries.

Then, all of a sudden, I saw this BICARDI RUM LED necklace. It had a BLINKING RED LED, but a really big round piece of plastic with the Bicardi logo on it.

So, I took a saw and cut off the plastic disk. I was afraid I had cut into the LED, but I didn't.

It is absolutely perfect to put in the car at night and just leave in the center console. When it's dark, you cannot see anything other than a very bright RED BLINKING LED.

And, best of all, it has replaceable batteries that cost 42 cents each (takes 2).

So, I have my blinking red light to deter people.

I'm going to see how long the batteries last.

So, if people are interested, we might be able to find the manufacturer (probably in China) and buy them.

If anyone wants a picture or video of it in place, just let me know. But, believe me, it's one way bright blinking LED. Fantastic !

I just thought I'd share this because I know that we are all concerned about not having the Red LED and don't really want to spend $600 for an alarm.

(Now, don't get me started on how a $45,000 car doesn't come with an alarm -- it's so dealers can make the markup on dealer-installed alarms !)

Larry in Los Angeles