Do I need an alarm Canadians???

[1HungryMan]

Just curious if I need to get an alarm for my 128i and has anyone in T.O or elsewhere done it???

Thanks for any feedback. I've read the other threads but curious about a local solution.

[1Ronnie]

Well, it seems to make no difference to Insurance premiums, as the Immobilizer meets the requirements, and because of the Immobilizer your average thief can't get away with the car. So them main reason you would want want is to prevent smash and grabs or the like.

I am seriously considering one though, and a big part of the reason is that the Coupe with the windows open and sunroof back almost feels like a vert, I love it, and on a nice summer day it's a pain opening and closing the windows/SR. The Alarm has a motion sensor in the roof, and I think it would be great so I can leave it open, and the alarm will go off if anyone puts their hand inside.

[1HungryMan]

Hmm, thanks for the info. It seems crazy not to have an alarm in this, but if they want to flat bed it they will, right?

[MrRoboto]

Not at all. The car has an immobilizer so it cant be stolen and so long as you dont leave anything of value in it there is really no point. With the clown nose most will think it is alarmed anyway.

[ryguy85]

the alarm seems like a good idea but as far as ive seen, the dealerships charge alot. besides the obvious (leaving things in the car). the only other good benefit of the alarm is the tilt sensor.

as other posters have said, its near impossible to drive the car away, but flatbedding is an option. and the tilt sensor would somewhat deter this.

[Lester]

I have the alarm, and a steering wheel club. The blinking clown nose, flashing lights and siren beep when I remote lock (for anyone watching) - and the steering wheel club all offer me some peace of mind from the crackhead car thieves out there. Bascially, I want them to move on.

It blows my mind that anyone owning a car without a factory immobilzer don't bother adding at least basic protection to their cars. It takes the average crackhead about 30 seconds to break into and steal an unprotected vehicle. Some of them use modified dent pullers to yank out the ignition key assembly - this takes about 5 seconds, as a lot of newer cars use plastic ignition assemblies.

The latest trick is beaking into new Acura's and stealing the car with the Valet key, which a lot of unaware owners leave in the glove box inside the owner's manual. They arrested one crackhead in Vancouver a few months ago with about 2 dozen valet keys in his possesion. He was driving a brand new, stolen Acura at the time, with - you guessed it - the Valet key in the ignition.

[1HungryMan]

Originally Posted by Lester

I have the alarm, and a steering wheel club. The blinking clown nose, flashing lights and siren beep when I remote lock (for anyone watching) - and the steering wheel club all offer me some peace of mind from the crackhead car thieves out there. Bascially, I want them to move on.

It blows my mind that anyone owning a car without a factory immobilzer don't bother adding at least basic protection to their cars. It takes the average crackhead about 30 seconds to break into and steal an unprotected vehicle. Some of them use modified dent pullers to yank out the ignition key assembly - this takes about 5 seconds, as a lot of newer cars use plastic ignition assemblies.

The latest trick is beaking into new Acura's and stealing the car with the Valet key, which a lot of unaware owners leave in the glove box inside the owner's manual. They arrested one crackhead in Vancouver a few months ago with about 2 dozen valet keys in his possesion. He was driving a brand new, stolen Acura at the time, with - you guessed it - the Valet key in the ignition.

Is this true on the 1 Series? And what alarm would your recommend?

Thanks

[canlefty]

Originally Posted by 1HungryMan

Is this true on the 1 Series? And what alarm would your recommend?

Thanks

All new cars sold in this country after September 2007 are required by law to come with a factory immobilizer...this, as you know, includes the 1 series.

[Lester]

Originally Posted by 1HungryMan

Is this true on the 1 Series? And what alarm would your recommend?

Thanks

The 1 Series has a factory immobilzer - ie - you can't start the car without one of the two key fobs programmed with the VIN number.

The only alarm to get is the BMW factory alarm, it is around $200 plus installation plus programming.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by 1HungryMan

Just curious if I need to get an alarm for my 128i and has anyone in T.O or elsewhere done it???

.

Unless you move to Vancouver (they apparently have a lot of crackheads there), I wouldn't bother. :biggrin:

[1HungryMan]

Originally Posted by Lester

The 1 Series has a factory immobilzer - ie - you can't start the car without one of the two key fobs programmed with the VIN number.

The only alarm to get is the BMW factory alarm, it is around $200 plus installation plus programming.

My dealer quoted me $800!

[Lester]

Originally Posted by 1HungryMan

My dealer quoted me $800!

They are ripping you off. Ask him how much for programming alone. Then buy tyhe Alarm from Dan @ United for $200, and have it installed at any local car stereo/alarm shop for maybe $150 unless you want to do it yourself. There are DIY instructions on this forum. Check around at several dealers for the programming price.

[ridsama]

I was quoted ~$1000 from my dealership. $500 alarm + ~$500 install... but that was 3 months ago... I don't want to ask again

[VFX]

Originally Posted by 1HungryMan

My dealer quoted me $800!

$795 + tax seems to be the going rate in Vancouver.

A little haggling may see $750 but to get more money off you'd have to go Indy or DIY.

.