[BellasBmw]

I was pretty surprised that BMW didnt give a standard alarm. My Vw jetta even had one.. i would press the lock button and the horn would honk, and my alarm was activated. But w/ bmw, i press lock, and nothing. No alarm. So... i wanted to know what all your opinions are on alarms. I know i should get one, for the safety and all, and its good for a young girl like me too.. if im walking to my car and feel paranoid, i cant hit the panic to scare/back off any unwanted attention. So- should i invest in the bmw alarm? which is probably $$, or go with a aftermarket, general brand?.. any suggestions?

[kronzprinz]

get the factory alarm.

[BellasBmw]

Originally Posted by kronzprinz

get the factory alarm.

Why?

[BigDog]

Why Not???



smart ass comments aside I'd say factory because it'll integrate seamlessly into the car's system

[kronzprinz]

and because you'll really only need it for the chirp sound and alarm panic mode, you really don't want to walk around with two remotes, do you??
anyone with the resources needed to steal our cars wouldn't steal a 3, maybe a ferrari or bentley.

[BellasBmw]

True. So do you think its even worth purchasing? If someone really wants to steal my car, they'll do it w/ an alarm or not.

[BMRu4ia]

Integrates into the bmw key fob. Only one thing to carry around. Also it may be a warranty issue (or excuse for non BMW parts) with the local dealer for anything electrical. Not sure, but I feel comfortable with factory. I just wish I can integrate a two-way paging with it. (now 2 things to carry around)

[BMRu4ia]

it keeps away ,at least, the amature thieves that cause more damage just to break into your car.
I didn't have one on my previous car. Someone took a screwdriver to the keyhole. Cost as much to fix than an alarm. No to mention the time consumed.

[HRC]

I went with the factory alarm just for the sake of having something extra to deter theives and I'm soo used to having alarms in all my previous cars, it feels funny not having having one for the best cars to date that I've owned.

Danny

[CC 330i]

Yes, our cars are prewired for the factory alarm, which makes it really easy and a very clean install. Now that I have mine activated, it's very nice. It may not really deter a theif, but it gives me a little more sense of security.

Don't let the dealer charge you more than about $550 for the install and config though. They are trying to gouge some people. The alarm kit only costs $220 (from Circle BMW) and I installed it myself. Check out my DIY. (shameless plug )

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1487

My dealer charged me 1 hour labor to activate the alarm in the car's software, which probably only took 20 minutes, but hey, I figured it was worth it and I don't want to be too much of a tightwad.

[BellasBmw]

Originally Posted by CC 330i

Yes, our cars are prewired for the factory alarm, which makes it really easy and a very clean install. Now that I have mine activated, it's very nice. It may not really deter a theif, but it gives me a little more sense of security.

Don't let the dealer charge you more than about $550 for the install and config though. They are trying to gouge some people. The alarm kit only costs $220 (from Circle BMW) and I installed it myself. Check out my DIY. (shameless plug )

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1487

My dealer charged me 1 hour labor to activate the alarm in the car's software, which probably only took 20 minutes, but hey, I figured it was worth it and I don't want to be too much of a tightwad.

I got about 1/2 through your instructions and said to myself "F***-it" haha..But thanks for the effort!

[LEDZEP]

I had the alarm installed, and it cost me $455 with labor. I felt the same way initially about the lack of a factory alarm, but this alarm system is much more sophisticated than the typical "anti-theft system" in most cars. I also don't feel right without an alarm and I do think it is a deterrent - at least for amature theives, etc.

I haven't checked yet, but there may also be a discount on insurance after having the system installed - has anyone checked that?

Bottom line, I recommend the alarm.

[scottz5]

If they steal it I will just get another one. 500.00 Alarm or 100.00 car ins and new car.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by scottz5

If they steal it I will just get another one. 500.00 Alarm or 100.00 car ins and new car.

Yeah, if only it really worked that way.

[scottz5]

it does with NJM and if the car is stolen it is gone forever in NJ or NY. People cant joy ride them. In NJ they are shipped out the same port your came in at.

[LEDZEP]

Guess Jersey has it's advantages (like the killer tint you have). In Delaware we're not allowed any tint on the front windows. How do you think the alpine white would look with just tinted rears? Haven't seen a pic of that yet.

[scottz5]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Guess Jersey has it's advantages (like the killer tint you have). In Delaware we're not allowed any tint on the front windows. How do you think the alpine white would look with just tinted rears? Haven't seen a pic of that yet.

Thanks

WE are not allow tint in the front in NJ either. IMO I dont like just that backs done. I am not sure what kinda of ticket you would get but around here the cops only mess with kids in hondas and stuff like that. All our cars have beren tinted and no front plates which we also need in NJ and we have no problems. Sorry for the run on sentence.

[BellasBmw]

My Jetta was white (which i love).. and i tinted all around like your 330 (scottz).. its the best!.. the contrast looks awesome. I never got pulled over for it.. I want to take off the front plate on my 325, but ill have drill holes (blah).. But i see your point about the alarm, might as well get a new car. But my insurance only pays the value at the time of robbery (so no tax, license, reg).. all that is out of my pocket again.

[scottz5]

Thanks Bella, my last 3 was silver just like yours. We seem to have the same taste with colors.

I think alarms only keep people from stealing cd's or crap in the car. It may also save the car from some damage. People that steal BWM could care less abot an alarm, since they are professionals. The other reason I stopped getting alarms is people dont pay attention or care about an alarm going off here in NJ, Maybe CA is different though. IMO they just seem to be a waste in NJ unless you gat a bad ass one with a pager or one that calls your cell.

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by scottz5

Thanks Bella, my last 3 was silver just like yours. We seem to have the same taste with colors.

I think alarms only keep people from stealing cd's or crap in the car. It may also save the car from some damage. People that steal BWM could care less abot an alarm, since they are professionals. The other reason I stopped getting alarms is people dont pay attention or care about an alarm going off here in NJ, Maybe CA is different though. IMO they just seem to be a waste in NJ unless you gat a bad ass one with a pager or one that calls your cell.

My thoughts exactly.... if they are going to steal it, they will. Flat bed it away and the alarm stops anyways because of the sensor built in for the angle of being towed so if the car is towed away legitimately the alarm isn't going off. No one here looks twice if they here an alarm going off, I think the only advantage is in finding the car in a huge lot via the panic button.
So just don't keep stuff in plain view and that elliminates the snatch and grab thieves.... so that really just leaves the pros who wouldn't care about the alarm in the first place. Oh and there is no insurance discount for the alarm since the car is equipped with a passive theft deterent (aka coded key) they don't discount for the same thing twice. Good luck

[06graphite]

IMO the alarm's a waste. Like others have said, no one responds to an alarm going off. If you just want a panic button, just hold down the trunk release on your key. That sounds the panic, even without the alarm...

[ward]

I thought the alarm kit contained the siren

hence, no alarm no panic