I went forward with my E90 alarm install, and took some pics along the way. I would say that it is an easy install, as long as you have some mechanical confidence and experience. The "hardest" part is removing the left rear wheel to install the siren. Since our cars do not come with a...

Great DIY. I just had my alarm activated today, the dealer charged me $145.00 for the activation.

great DIY! took me a while to figure out i was screwing the hood switch mount in the wrong place
nothing works quite yet, just need to get it activated. i was quite disappointed to find out that nothing at all works. i was hoping for a blinking clown nose or for the siren to go off or something. oh well.

I am still thinking of doing the install, but since I don't have the updated fascia cover for the ultrasonic module, will my alarm false all the time? Any issues with installing before program updating?


For what it's worth, I asked my CA how much it would be to program the alarm and he said $450. I told him if he didn't really want to do it, he should have just said so. He said that was the standard charge to program the alarm. I said good-bye.

OK
install completed on 2008 335xi. If I remember correctly, the e46 install was a little more difficult because you had to take apart more under the hood to place the siren. This was the same on a 99 328 and an '02 M3.
Siren in the wheelwell is much easier.
QUESTION:
What do you get when you pay for activation? my clown nose and ultrasonic works, I tested it. I dont see any changes in the I-drive menu for anything alarm related.

Is that what you get? I-drive adjustability and a "chirp"?

oh, BTW, i did not remove the battery cable at any time.
THANKS FOR THE GREAT WRITE UP and everybodys comments! It was a big help!

Went ahead with the install, as well. There are some differences worth noting when installing the alarm kit with the E91 wagon. (BMW part No. 65 12 0 411 219).

First, there is no center dome light with the panoramic sunroof on the E91 so the ultrasonic module is in the front. Installation of the module is done inside the headliner over the driver-side visor. Lastly, the rear of the roof switch pack/ceiling light has to be replaced with a new fascia with the proper slots for the ultrasonic module to emit through (BMW part No. 51-44-7-130-759). Mine was light gray, so the part number may be slightly different for other colors.

Note placement of ultrasonic module. I have also included a photo of the new fascia.

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you can save urself a bunch of money by doing the update urself considering you already have the proper equipment.
u can download the flash updates/drivers for the alarm activation here for $30 http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/.
next you need a PTT (Pass Through Tool) and run progman then flash ur bios. then thats it.
after that follow the installation pdf instructions at the end.
just did mine using a friends PTT and my alarm activated with no problem. chirps. tilt sensor works. hood sensor works. everything works. all for $30.

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E90ALARM.pdf (331.6 KB, 298 views)

Wow, the Pass-Through tool is close to $1000 bucks, does anyone have the tool in Southern California and willing to let me borrow it?

Did you use the BMW Sikaflex adhesive or something else?

Also, I saw from the instructions that the "suggested installation time" was 1 1/2 hours "including re-coding the vehicle". I'm wondering if this is going to be anywhere near cost-effective to do it myself. How much did you finally pay your dealer for the re-coding?

The instructions called for the Sikaflex, but I didn't want to apply anything than messy near the headliner! It's a snug fit even without adhesive, so I used industrial-strength Velcro and wedged the module into the space. I'm certain it will not work itself free and eventually vibrate. The suggested installation time is if all goes well, and it rarely does.... I was moving along well with the install when one of the nuts that holds the siren in place fell somewhere into the rear suspension. I never found it. Had to get a metric equivalent from the hardware store. Loads of fun driving with no rear felt in place! That problem aside, it took me an hour because I was being careful.
The dealer still has to program it. I've got an assurance from my CA of $125 when it is time.
Good luck!

Thanks! I was also a little apprehensive about smearing glue over the headliner.

The HD Velcro is a good idea, I wouldn't have thought of it.

I might try the 3M trim tape.

Awesome DIY! thanks OP!

the install was a breeze!

Now I just need to find a local dealership in so.cal that wont want to charge me $260...

called the dealer... dealer explained to me that i need to bring the car in first to update the software... then install the alarm then bring it back to them for coding......seem too much work...

price: if installed my self ($150 for programin)
price: if dealer install ($250 with free programin)

if thats the case i think i'm just gonna bring it in.... what u guys think

save yourself the $100 extra they are charging.

DIY.

Installed! Woo! That was tremendously easy...just gotta get it activated tomorrow along with picking up my spare key...next up is my Riss Racing Oil Catch Can....

Ugh, $165 for programming

yeah, they charge around that to program it.

They told me $260 to activate mine lol Can you beleive that?

I actually got off easy, they quoted me for 1.5 hours and then had to do the complete programming which ended up taking something like 6 but I only paid for 1.5

My dealer told me straight out that installing the alarm is easy and fast. And than told me that updating the software is hard part and will cost $250.

The install was very straightforward, thanks OP!

P.S: Make sure you use the RIGHT size screwdriver for the hood switch bracket since the screw is obviously too big for the pre-tapped hole

Anyone know where the actual brains of the alarm are? They wouldn't be in the supplied ultrasonic sensor or siren module right? Those are too easy to disable if a thief were to try.

What's the average cost for activation now? I got quoted for $62.

I have no clue where the brain would be at but I'm guessing it's in the computer since the car just needs pre-programming...

Anywho, where did you get quoted the $62? that's dirt cheap!!!

crap, in the middle of an install, which piece comes out of the hood switch!!??!??!