[Laplacian]

How hard was it? I'm pretty mechanically/electronically savvy and know how to do various things around the house and on my computer (hardware) myself, but I'm no mechanic or car technician. For those who did this themselves, how difficult was it? Is it worth it to save the ~$200 installation cost? I like doing things myself anyway, and would even do it if it takes 2-3 hours just because I would enjoy it.

I searched the forum and I just want to confirm what the alarm actually includes:
- motion sensor
- audible alarm
- blinking clown nose
- anything else (like starter disable if triggered, etc.) ???

What anti-theft features come included with the car anyway? Can you start it without the key/fob?

[E90Fleet]

Remember it still needs to b programmed by the dealer after the install

Im shure there was a thread with install pictures in the DIY forum

[Jason]

Please check the official DIY list, in there you will see alarm installation instructions, plus DIY's for lots of other items

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1721

[poldim]

If you can take off a tire, then you can install the alarm.

Mine is installed, awaiting activation.

[Laplacian]

Thanks guys, didn't see the DIY section. There's a lot of good stuff in there! Now I want to do half the things on that list!

But I don't have a car jack (or the lame E90 adaptor thing) or torque wrench, and it seems like it might cost me only a bit more to have the dealer do it than to purchase those things and do it myself. Then again, if I buy a jack and torque wrench, they're mine forever! Hmmm...I still have some time to think about it--my current E90 is "awaiting transport". Can't wait 'til it gets here!

Anyone try the sticker removal on the visors recently? I hate those ugly things, but I don't want to see ANY residual after I take them off. I'd rather have the ugly sticker than the uglier residual, even if faint (yes, I'm that anal). Anyone here able to take them off comepletely?

[lux.sh]

umm.. Jack is probably like 20 bucks, torque wrench is another 20.

if dealership can install it for $40, oh wow. they'll be VERY busy installing stuff for customers.

[obLu]

$20 torque wrench?!? Where? Everytime I need one I can only find them for $100 or more.

[Laplacian]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

umm.. Jack is probably like 20 bucks, torque wrench is another 20.

if dealership can install it for $40, oh wow. they'll be VERY busy installing stuff for customers.

+ activation (another $40?)

I didn't know the BMW jack was only $20--unless you're talking about just getting a regular jack. Would the special E90 lift adapter fit on a regular jack? If so, then maybe I'll do that. And with the money I save on installation I guess I could get the walnut gear selector dealy and put that on myself too.

[Laplacian]

Originally Posted by obLu

$20 torque wrench?!? Where? Everytime I need one I can only find them for $100 or more.

Yeah, I think you're right. I just looked at homedepot.com and they have one for $70, but it looks like a cheap one. Hmmm...well, I always wanted a torque wrench anyway. I still have another month to think about it until my E90 arrives.

[lux.sh]

Cheap used torque wrench from ebay. You don't necessarily need "bimmer jack".

You can also use floor jack, or any angled lifting sources will work.

For me, I go to G.i.joes often, and they had a good deal/sale before winter, so I bought a package set from there.

but I understand where you guys coming from. If you want to work under the car, you want the best quality parts possible.

I used cheap stuff and worked under the car for 5 years, no problems.

[poldim]

Hydrolic Jack - $23.95 @ Advanced Auto
A 2"x2" block of wood - $0.25 or free @ Home Depot scrap pile
Craftsman Torque Wrench - 62.95 @ Sears

And you dont really need the torque wrench for any part of the install.

[Laplacian]

Originally Posted by poldim

Hydrolic Jack - $23.95 @ Advanced Auto
A 2"x2" block of wood - $0.25 or free @ Home Depot scrap pile
Craftsman Torque Wrench - 62.95 @ Sears

And you dont really need the torque wrench for any part of the install.

+ $40 dealer activation (according to others around here)
= about $125

dealer = about $200?

savings of about $75

You need a torque wrench to make sure you put the wheel on with the correct amount of torque. It's a BMW, not a Ford Festiva! What if I'm driving circles around an IS or GS and my left rear wheel comes loose?

Still, I like doing things myself and will likely do it myself even if it's only a little cheaper.

[poldim]

Im all for doing it yourself. Just as long as the person doing it is capable.
I hate when people try something when they have no idea what they're getting into...then they come back and whine about it.

[AW330i]

Originally Posted by Laplacian

+ $40 dealer activation (according to others around here)
= about $125

dealer = about $200?

savings of about $75

You need a torque wrench to make sure you put the wheel on with the correct amount of torque. It's a BMW, not a Ford Festiva! What if I'm driving circles around an IS or GS and my left rear wheel comes loose?

Still, I like doing things myself and will likely do it myself even if it's only a little cheaper.

plus if you can find a good enough deal on the alarm parts themselves the savings really start to add up on this modd, I did it myself and absolutly love the chirp plus it made me feel good about myself because my car had "something" on it... I was not used to having to say that my car was stock! LOL

[poldim]

How much did you pay to get it activated?

[2006bmw]

Originally Posted by Laplacian

+ $40 dealer activation (according to others around here)
= about $125

dealer = about $200?

savings of about $75

You need a torque wrench to make sure you put the wheel on with the correct amount of torque. It's a BMW, not a Ford Festiva! What if I'm driving circles around an IS or GS and my left rear wheel comes loose?

Still, I like doing things myself and will likely do it myself even if it's only a little cheaper.

Do you seriously think that mechanics at either the dealer or at an independent shop are going to use a torque wrench when servicing your car?? They'll use a pneumatic wrench until it feels sufficiently tight, guaranteed. BTW, an old-fashioned but more precise beam torque wrench is $25 at Sears.

[Laplacian]

I'm sure those "air gun" pneumatic wrenches are calibrated for a certain torque. I'm not a mechanic but I'm sure that's the case. Under-tightening could be seriously bad news.

[poldim]

Over tightening and having a bolt break while driving is a lot worse.

But something makes me think dealership mechanics dont run around checking torque specs...

[AW330i]

Originally Posted by poldim

Over tightening and having a bolt break while driving is a lot worse.

But something makes me think dealership mechanics dont run around checking torque specs...

really, why? Are you implying that dealerships do not have your best interest at heart? Is it your intention to present the idea that all the dealer is interested in is your money and not your general well being?

I am being sarcastic, of coarse they dont give a shit!

[poldim]

Originally Posted by AW330i

really, why? Are you implying that dealerships do not have your best interest at heart? Is it your intention to present the idea that all the dealer is interested in is your money and not your general well being?

I am being sarcastic, of coarse they dont give a shit!

When I was reading your post I first began to get concerned about your train of thought....but then I read the last line...