[328droptop]

k so my cars on the boat & arriving in a couple weeks...so i called the dealer asking about the alarm since ive only just realized after being on this forum that the alarm does not come standard...anyhow, after reading through all the posts related to the alarm, i realized that the best way would be for me to buy the alarm & install it myself & then just have the dealer program it. so i suggested this to my dealer & he said that they dont charge for the actual install--its basically plug & play. he said the $700 (!) fee is for the alarm itself, parts (?), & 2 hours labor to program it (which he also said is very complicated process)....anyone have thoughts on this? the dealer is essex bmw in nj by the way...

[Stinger]

I checked the BMW web site and it says the alarm is $175 (states some additional parts anyone else know what these are and how expensive?)

Seems a couple hours of work should be around $200-$250 (assuming dealership hourly rates of around $125 an hour.)

http://accessories.bmwusa.com/ItemVi...=2&subItemId=2

[Ninjaneer]

I thought the $600-700 was the whole shabang, not just them programming it for you after you've installed it. That sounds wrong to me... I don't have an alarm though but from what I remember reading about it before.

[sterns]

You might want to rethink if you really want this. I paid $500 to have my alarm installed (parts+labor+programming) with the asumption that it would work as described in the owner manual. That is, there are supposed to be 4 sensors inside the car near the foot area for each person to sense motion. These are microwave sensors built into the door panels which would sense if someone jumped into the car when the top is down.

As it turns out, if you don't get the alarm installed from the factory, the cars don't come with these sensors and the alarm you buy does not have them either. I was told when I made the appt. that my alarm would have the sensors but when I got my car back they didn't work, so we finally discovered they are not there and that it would cost $170 per sensor (+install) to add them. I am currently trying to fight this with BMWNA.

All you will get is a blinking light on the mirror, and a tilt sensor that would sense if the car is heavily jacked, like being towed. You can rock the car all day long and nothing will happen. There isn't even a glass breakage sensor. The only way the alarm goes off is if someone manages to open a door, the hood, or trunk.

Had I know this I would have looked for an aftermarket alarm more suited for verts. :mad:

Originally Posted by 328droptop

k so my cars on the boat & arriving in a couple weeks...so i called the dealer asking about the alarm since ive only just realized after being on this forum that the alarm does not come standard...anyhow, after reading through all the posts related to the alarm, i realized that the best way would be for me to buy the alarm & install it myself & then just have the dealer program it. so i suggested this to my dealer & he said that they dont charge for the actual install--its basically plug & play. he said the $700 (!) fee is for the alarm itself, parts (?), & 2 hours labor to program it (which he also said is very complicated process)....anyone have thoughts on this? the dealer is essex bmw in nj by the way...

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by sterns

As it turns out, if you don't get the alarm installed from the factory, the cars don't come with these sensors and the alarm you buy does not have them either.

AFAIK, there is no option to order the alarm as factory installed.

[anderson007]

Go for a lo-jack with early warning. BMW alarm is a waste of money

[japac1]

Correct. You cannot get the alarm installed at the factory, just the pre-wiring (which everyone has). I did pay my center to install/activate it. I like the blinking clown nose, and mostly, I like hearing the audible noise when I lock/unlock the car. Makes me feel better...

[bartman32]

Got mine parts and install for $650. BTW It takes WAY longer than 2 hours to do the programing. Expect it to be there at a minimum most of the day if not 2.

It's more of a deterent that to stop anyone. If someone REALLY wants to steal your car they will! I think of it more as a way to stop someone from breaking into it and stealing my shit.

[328droptop]

yea my main reason for getting the alarm is to prevent/notify me of break-ins, NOT actual car theft...but now, if what "sterns" said is true about there being no glass breakage sensors, then whats the point?? can anyone else confirm this b/c theres no way im paying this much $$ for the clown nose & chip if it doesnt even have the basic components of most alarm systems...

[ngoni]

If you read the PDF instructions from BMW (posted in the Alarm DIY) it tells the dealer to bill the time on the PROGMAN machine to warranty service.

[Wosby]

I installed my alarm myself the day before I was scheduled for regular service. My dealer "activated/programmed" it at no cost.

The labor charge they're referring to is the actual installation. Although it is a simple plug-n-play, it's very time consuming getting access (panels need to be removed and the car jacked up) to the ports where the components are plugged in. The actual programming of the already installed system doesn't take more than 5 minutes.

Install it yourself. If you have a good relationship with your service department, they'll probably do it for free, especially if you're already in for other service.

[328droptop]

thanks Wosby, so let me ask you- does the alarm have an impact sensor? like if you knock on the body or glass will the alarm go off? cuz from what ive read on the forums these alarms do not- but i also heard that the new alarms for the e92/93s are different...please let me know, thanks!

[Mr. BMW]

Your dealer is trying to rip you off. I paid $380.00 for the alarm and installation when I got my car in April 2006. $700 is way too much.

[Dinan335i]

Originally Posted by sterns

You might want to rethink if you really want this. I paid $500 to have my alarm installed (parts+labor+programming) with the asumption that it would work as described in the owner manual. That is, there are supposed to be 4 sensors inside the car near the foot area for each person to sense motion. These are microwave sensors built into the door panels which would sense if someone jumped into the car when the top is down.

As it turns out, if you don't get the alarm installed from the factory, the cars don't come with these sensors and the alarm you buy does not have them either. I was told when I made the appt. that my alarm would have the sensors but when I got my car back they didn't work, so we finally discovered they are not there and that it would cost $170 per sensor (+install) to add them. I am currently trying to fight this with BMWNA.

All you will get is a blinking light on the mirror, and a tilt sensor that would sense if the car is heavily jacked, like being towed. You can rock the car all day long and nothing will happen. There isn't even a glass breakage sensor. The only way the alarm goes off is if someone manages to open a door, the hood, or trunk.

Had I know this I would have looked for an aftermarket alarm more suited for verts. :mad:

Wow. This is really good to know. I was thinking about getting it also, but w/o the motion sensors it is a complete waste.

Have any of you convertible owners out there found a better solution?

A.

[rsjames]

$700 is way too much? Heh. Crevier quoted me $1025. I said no thanks.

[BMW F22]

it should be around $500 or so...

[GregL]

You should e-mail a couple of different dealers. That's what I did here and now I have written confirmation of prices ranging from CAD$522.50 + tax all the way up to $960 + tax.

[rrandyy]

Originally Posted by sterns

Had I know this I would have looked for an aftermarket alarm more suited for verts. :mad:

There is no aftermarket alarm solution for any E9x. You're stuck with what BMW offers.

[Bimmer335i07]

If you want the shock sensor, you should read this thread.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45815

I haven't had time to get the parts, but when I do, I will do this mod.

Btw, I paid $495 for my alarmed installed.

[Magictek]

My dealer installed the alarm for 695 or so. According to the manual it has a interior motion sensor if your windows are up (I have an e90). I have never tested this however. For the most part the blinking clown nose is what I am really paying for so that the theif will try for a 'easier' car next to mine...

[msimon18]

I am having the alarm installed in my E93 Monday for $495. It will have the motion sensors - I verified this today.

There is no factory installed option.

The installation takes a full day and they are giving me a new BMW as a loaner fro the day or two if it takes longer. The actual ionstallation takes about 3 hours rest of the time os for programming. For some reason the BMW programming process takes forever due to all the options that can exist in a car. Seems to me these could be self sensing but apparently they are not.

[GregL]

Originally Posted by msimon18

I am having the alarm installed in my E93 Monday for $495. It will have the motion sensors - I verified this today.

There is no factory installed option.

The installation takes a full day and they are giving me a new BMW as a loaner fro the day or two if it takes longer. The actual ionstallation takes about 3 hours rest of the time os for programming. For some reason the BMW programming process takes forever due to all the options that can exist in a car. Seems to me these could be self sensing but apparently they are not.

It doesn't help either that BMW connects to the car with a serial connection.