Car Alarm

[lilbimmer]

Doesn't all new model bmw's come equipped with a standard alarm? After buying my used 01 330ci, I noticed it did not have an alarm - i thought that was

.

On a side note - I tried to change the time on the clock by using the right button on the dash, but the time does not adjust am I missing something?

 

[Tom]

I believe it comes prewired but doesn't include the alarm.

Navigation, do the following:
1. Go to "set"
2. Select "Clock"
3. Click "Set"
4. Adjust time

No Navigation, do the following:
1. Press the "BC" button on the turn signal stalk until the clock is displayed
2. Use the right "trip indicator" button in the dash. If you push, you can select between 12 and 24 hour time formats.
3. Turn the dial to the left and hold to adjust your clock back, turn the dial to the right to adjust the clock ahead.
4. When you've set the time, press the "BC" button again to cycle through the different On Board Computer functions.

 

[ThatOneGuy]

Can't speak to all E46 models but the M3 doesn't, but as Tom said, they are pre-wired. You can buy the factory alarm kits online from Circle BMW or Pacific BMW for about $225.00. Takes about an hour to install. Then a dealer has to 'activate' the system, usually between $50-100 though I've heard some will do it for free with an oil service, etc..

Installation: http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_alarm.shtml

 

[lilbimmer]

I believe it comes prewired but doesn't include the alarm.

Navigation, do the following:
1. Go to "set"
2. Select "Clock"
3. Click "Set"
4. Adjust time

No Navigation, do the following:
1. Press the "BC" button on the turn signal stalk until the clock is displayed
2. Use the right "trip indicator" button in the dash. If you push, you can select between 12 and 24 hour time formats.
3. Turn the dial to the left and hold to adjust your clock back, turn the dial to the right to adjust the clock ahead.
4. When you've set the time, press the "BC" button again to cycle through the different On Board Computer functions.

Thanks for that Tom I dont think the manual ever mentioned using the "BC" button on the turn signal. Maybe I just overlooked it! I will try tomorrow!

 

[lilbimmer]

Can't speak to all E46 models but the M3 doesn't, but as Tom said, they are pre-wired. You can buy the factory alarm kits online from Circle BMW or Pacific BMW for about $225.00. Takes about an hour to install. Then a dealer has to 'activate' the system, usually between $50-100 though I've heard some will do it for free with an oil service, etc..

Installation: http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_alarm.shtml

True! I guess I thought car alrams were standard on cars now-a-days! $225 for the oem alarm - dang!! Are there any other decent alrams out there that are not as expensive that you all can suggest? Will they be able to use BMW's pre-wiring? Maybe I can find a working used one!

 

[William330]

Think I paid $400 to add the alarm when ordering my car.

 

[ThatOneGuy]

Think I paid $400 to add the alarm when ordering my car.

My dealer wanted almost $600. Easy choice.

 

[codex57]

Heh, my dealer wanted over $800. When I flatly refused, he "graciously" dropped it to $700.

 

[lilbimmer]

Dang either way that is really expensive for me right now. What are my options - besides not getting anything and letting the robbers come for thier car!!

 

[codex57]

Dang either way that is really expensive for me right now. What are my options - besides not getting anything and letting the robbers come for thier car!!

Check Pacific BMW or Circle BMW's websites. See what their prices are for the car alarm. Their internet (if you call, have to ask for internet prices) aren't too bad. Install that (real easy) and splice in a $25 DEI shock sensor (may need pro help with that) and you're good to go. Still gonna run you like $300 or something like that.

Cheaper alternative is to just install an aftermarket alarm system. You'll just have another bulky object hanging from you keychain.

 

[William330]

Damn, $600 and $700?

Did you folks know how much the alarm parts cost before making that move?

Luckily, I read here and elsewhere that the parts are about $200, and the
dealer labor to install is about 2 hours at ~$100 / hour.

Any BMW dealer who wants more, just keep reminding them that the car
is already pre-wired for the alarm (and CD player as well).

 

[William330]

Dang either way that is really expensive for me right now. What are my options - besides not getting anything and letting the robbers come for thier car!!

My advice is to bite the bullet and offer $400 ($450 max).

The BMW alarm is nice, because it's integrated with the vehicle.

And rolling without an alarm is just asking for trouble.

 

[cristian1la]

Do you install the alarm on a 2000 323i like you do on the M3 example given? I think I will do it myself. I found the alarm for 229 online. But if I wont be able to install it. It will be a waste of money and time.

 

[Tom]

Do you install the alarm on a 2000 323i like you do on the M3 example given? I think I will do it myself. I found the alarm for 229 online. But if I wont be able to install it. It will be a waste of money and time.

Yes, all E46s are virtually the same.

 

[cristian1la]

Yes, all E46s are virtually the same.

Thats all I needed to know. Thanks Tom.

 

[lilbimmer]

Do you install the alarm on a 2000 323i like you do on the M3 example given? I think I will do it myself. I found the alarm for 229 online. But if I wont be able to install it. It will be a waste of money and time.

Where did you find it for that price?