Installing alarm system on NON pre-wired vehicle

[nacaruh]

Has anybody attempted this? If the car is not pre-wired, I'm guessing there's going to be some interior gutting to do? Has anybody found a more efficient way of installing it?

[champignon]

I have no knowledge on the subject, however what makes you think your car isn't pre-wired for an alarm system?

Taking Z3s as an example, they were all prewired for alarm systems and keyless entry, but only those having those (primitive) systems from the past installed by the dealer actually had the functionality. Anyone, however, could remove the glovebox assembly and put in a system later.

My understanding is that the wiring harnesses put into our cars are basically 1 size fits all. Certainly I could be wrong about this, but don't assume that your car lacks the wiring needed for an alarm system, without confirming it from someone more knowledgeable than either of us.

[Yeineken]

There is a retrofit for the early model year cars. Even if you didn't have the alarm option it was still part of the wiring system. So of it's an early year model you can retrofit an OEM alarm. Not 100% sure what model year they stopped pre-wiring it.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210633

[dtla1]

Originally Posted by champignon

I have no knowledge on the subject, however what makes you think your car isn't pre-wired for an alarm system?

Taking Z3s as an example, they were all prewired for alarm systems and keyless entry, but only those having those (primitive) systems from the past installed by the dealer actually had the functionality. Anyone, however, could remove the glovebox assembly and put in a system later.

My understanding is that the wiring harnesses put into our cars are basically 1 size fits all. Certainly I could be wrong about this, but don't assume that your car lacks the wiring needed for an alarm system, without confirming it from someone more knowledgeable than either of us.

My car doesn't have the hood switch wire hanging by the cowl, that's what would make me think it is not pre-wired?...

[nacaruh]

Originally Posted by dtla1

My car doesn't have the hood switch wire hanging by the cowl, that's what would make me think it is not pre-wired?...

Same here, from what I've researched, all the 09 US Spec 1 series and + don't come pre-wired. Unless you opt for it of course. I don't think there's any way to escape the fact that the interior has to be gutted to install the wiring harness.

[ronster]

I think BMW has stopped the alarm pre-wiring since late MY09 build.

[Dackelone]

You could go to RealOEM.com and put in your VIN... then see IF the Alarm kit is highlighted or offered for your car.


1' E82 135i INSTALLATION KIT ALARM SYSTEM
Select another car > Audio, Navigation, Electronic Systems > Accessories and retrofittings
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=65_1537

From what I remember reading about the early cars that had the alarm prewired... you pull out the inner fender wheel well housing and at the top.. thats where the siren installs. IF your car is prewired... there will be a harness there. :thumbsup"

[langstro]

Mine didn't come pre-wired either.

[BostonBeemah]

Been looking for a DIY for this for like 2 years now lol nothing...

[nacaruh]

Originally Posted by BostonBeemah

Been looking for a DIY for this for like 2 years now lol nothing...

There's an official BMW document somewhere about the alarm system DIY.
If you want to installed like how it came the factory, then expect to gut out half your interior. If anything, I would love to see a DIY for any aftermarket alarm systems installed.

[BostonBeemah]

Originally Posted by lecaf

There's an official BMW document somewhere about the alarm system DIY.
If you want to installed like how it came the factory, then expect to gut out half your interior. If anything, I would love to see a DIY for any aftermarket alarm systems installed.

Half of my interior has been out multiple times so that wouldn't be an issue. My car is far from stock haha