DIY: Installing the Factory E90 Alarm

Black Bimmer · 09-21-2008, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raitheslacker

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.

This should work, almost $500 though:
http://tunertools.com/proddetail.asp...%2DMFC&cat=121

inabis · 09-23-2008, 10:41 AM

How sensitive is the alarm? I mean how hard does the car have to be hit in order for the alarm to go off? Is there any way to make it more sensitive? Thanks!!

laperacfo · 09-24-2008, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Bimmer

This should work, almost $500 though:
http://tunertools.com/proddetail.asp...%2DMFC&cat=121

Anyone wanna try it first? Where do you plug this into? Can you also do software upgrades with this?

89889 · 09-24-2008, 05:42 PM

Thank for the great DIY! Easy to follow & installed it by myself (even I am a girl). However, there are some problems.......

After installed everything, the crown nose blink (Good!)
Test the motion sensor: Open the window, lock my car, throw in my bag from outside ==> the signal light is turn to panic mode, but siern didn't come out!!! (Working??? not sure)

When I brought my car to activiate.....
- They want to charge me $138 to activiate (in SoCal).... um... quite expensive though.... but finally agree to pay... left my car there.....
- Received a call later saying that I installed the alarm incorrectly and there is an error message when activiate my alarm... They need to un-install my alarm, program it first, then re-install my alarm.... (just plug & play for the installation, I don't understand how I installed it incorrectly, and the crown nose is working though... um...)
- They want to charge me $268 for un-installing, activiation and re-install again...
- Sorry, too much for me.... I just said "no"....

So I don't really know is my alarm working or not..... but at least my crown nose is blinking....

Any suggestion what should I do?

Thanks!

Black Bimmer · 09-24-2008, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89889

They want to charge me $138 to activiate (in SoCal)

Where in socal? I was quoted $300.

89889 · 09-25-2008, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Bimmer

Where in socal? I was quoted $300.

LB

Black Bimmer · 10-05-2008, 08:42 PM

Just installed the alarm into my E92. No problems with the install. The clown nose does blink after locking (fast for about 20 times, then once every 3 seconds thereafter). No chirp when locking/unlocking, no alarm when jacking the car up (tilt sensor), no alarm when opening the hood, and no alarm when hitting the panic buttons. Sticking my arm through the open window after locking the car DOES trip the alarm, so it looks like the interior motion sensor is functioning. Oh well, at least it'll go off if someone breaks INTO the car.

BTW I've got a July build with 30.2 software.

Working:
Interior motion sensor
Blinking clown nose (fast for about 20 times, then once every 3 seconds thereafter)

Not Working:
Unlock/Lock chirp
Panic button
Hood sensor
Tilt sensor

rubber_ducky · 10-15-2008, 09:57 PM

I did this install today. Piece of cake for the most part.

Like somebody here already mentioned, the hood switch wiring is no longer buried under plastic. The plug is very close to it's final resting place.

When I first got everything plugged in, I got nothing. No blinking clown nose. No siren anywhere. Then I realized that I didn't plug the overhead harness into the ultrasonic sensor but into the stock location instead.

No some of the stuff works.

jstar41 · 10-28-2008, 09:52 PM

I had my alarm installed last week..

I was going to install it myself but the actual activation/reprogramming would have cost 1 hr of labor @ 120 an hour.. I bought the alarm @ circlebmw for 235. (online price), when i asked how much will it cost to get it installed, they said for installation and activation they will charge me 1.5 hr.. = 180. so i figure i spend the extra 30 mins of labor for the installation, the total was 415. it was worth it bc they had to do a software update, i don't really want to mess with that..

now i'm going to install the DEI shock sensor.. ;-)

jstar41 · 10-28-2008, 09:54 PM

remove all parts and take it back to the dealer.. they should not charge you more than 1.5 hour of labor for all.. 180. dollars

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89889

Thank for the great DIY! Easy to follow & installed it by myself (even I am a girl). However, there are some problems.......

After installed everything, the crown nose blink (Good!)
Test the motion sensor: Open the window, lock my car, throw in my bag from outside ==> the signal light is turn to panic mode, but siern didn't come out!!! (Working??? not sure)

When I brought my car to activiate.....
- They want to charge me $138 to activiate (in SoCal).... um... quite expensive though.... but finally agree to pay... left my car there.....
- Received a call later saying that I installed the alarm incorrectly and there is an error message when activiate my alarm... They need to un-install my alarm, program it first, then re-install my alarm.... (just plug & play for the installation, I don't understand how I installed it incorrectly, and the crown nose is working though... um...)
- They want to charge me $268 for un-installing, activiation and re-install again...
- Sorry, too much for me.... I just said "no"....

So I don't really know is my alarm working or not..... but at least my crown nose is blinking....

Any suggestion what should I do?

Thanks!

aus · 11-13-2008, 12:26 AM

Did anyone get the alarm programmed first, then install it?
The BMW PDF says something about updating the software first?

Also, did everyone disconnect the battery before the install? I though a few people did it without pulling the battery terminal?

FrankoQ · 11-13-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

Did anyone get the alarm programmed first, then install it?

Nope. install hardware first then do programming.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

The BMW PDF says something about updating the software first?

No

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

Also, did everyone disconnect the battery before the install? I though a few people did it without pulling the battery terminal?

I did. Some have done without disconnecting it.

reevo · 11-27-2008, 08:38 AM

did any one tried on E92 coupe, which light dome the ultrasonic module fits? front or back

RyBMW · 11-27-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reevo

did any one tried on E92 coupe, which light dome the ultrasonic module fits? front or back

Back.

Black Bimmer · 11-28-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reevo

did any one tried on E92 coupe, which light dome the ultrasonic module fits? front or back

Rear. You can pull the light fixture off with your CLEAN fingers. Stick your fingers in the back and pull down. Comes off pretty easily.

RyBMW · 11-28-2008, 07:42 PM

I took my car in today to get the alarm activated. They told me that the software update for the alarm wouldn't go through. They couldn't get the car to chirp when locking or unlocking. They gonna work on it tomorrow. I see that some members are having or had similar problems. How did your dealer finally fix it?

Can it be that I didn't unplug the battery when installing the alarm?

patrickj · 11-30-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Bimmer

BTW I've got a July build with 30.2 software.

How do you determine your software version and what are valid reasons to have the dealer perform an upgrade at no cost?

Black Bimmer · 11-30-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickj

How do you determine your software version and what are valid reasons to have the dealer perform an upgrade at no cost?

Not totally sure how to determine what version you have. I simply asked my dealer just prior to delivery. I have no way to confirm, so I'm just taking him at his word.

patrickj · 11-30-2008, 04:56 PM

If anyone is interested, I'll do my best to walk you through this. You will need a valid hotmail account and a valid paypal account as this deal uses live.com to get cash back to your paypal account.

I followed the directions here http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/838081/ and followed the second post titled Quick Overview. I made my purchase through MorristownBMW. The link to their auction is here http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-A...QQcmdZViewItem They are a superseller with over 99% positive feedback.

After following the directions in the first link, I ended up with a 10% off coupon and then $70.50 back to my paypal account from live.com (thanks Microsoft). This seems to be a really good price and with the DIY instructions, hell yea.

Thanks to the tutorial OP!! Let me know if you have any questions about the purchase and I'll do my best to assist.

veightkiller · 11-30-2008, 10:24 PM

now thats a great deal

phattbam · 11-30-2008, 10:58 PM

I've installed this on my e92, nothing seems to work.

will take it to the dealership to get it activated and hopefully everything will work then..

RyBMW · 12-01-2008, 04:00 PM

Why are some cars having a tough time getting the alarm to activate? Dealer still has my car!

09-23-2008, 10:41 AM	#354
inabis Captain 283 Rep 955 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Daytona Beach->Denver->Seattle->The Bay iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	How sensitive is the alarm? I mean how hard does the car have to be hit in order for the alarm to go off? Is there any way to make it more sensitive? Thanks!! __________________
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09-24-2008, 05:42 PM	#356
89889 Meow~~ 0 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 08 328i Arctic Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (0)	Thank for the great DIY! Easy to follow & installed it by myself (even I am a girl). However, there are some problems....... After installed everything, the crown nose blink (Good!) Test the motion sensor: Open the window, lock my car, throw in my bag from outside ==> the signal light is turn to panic mode, but siern didn't come out!!! (Working??? not sure) When I brought my car to activiate..... - They want to charge me $138 to activiate (in SoCal).... um... quite expensive though.... but finally agree to pay... left my car there..... - Received a call later saying that I installed the alarm incorrectly and there is an error message when activiate my alarm... They need to un-install my alarm, program it first, then re-install my alarm.... (just plug & play for the installation, I don't understand how I installed it incorrectly, and the crown nose is working though... um...) - They want to charge me $268 for un-installing, activiation and re-install again... - Sorry, too much for me.... I just said "no".... So I don't really know is my alarm working or not..... but at least my crown nose is blinking.... Any suggestion what should I do? Thanks! __________________ My first baby: 2008 328i E90/Arctic/Black Leather/Aluminum/Auto/Sports/Premium/Xenon/Folding Rear Seats/Blackline 03/22/08 Order, 03/30 Body Shop, 03/31 Paint Shop, 04/01/08 Happy Birthday!!!! 04/02 Waiting at the port, 04/11-05/06 On board on ISOLDE!!!! 05/9/08 At BMW Center!
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10-05-2008, 08:42 PM	#359
Black Bimmer Private 7 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2008 335 coupe Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	Just installed the alarm into my E92. No problems with the install. The clown nose does blink after locking (fast for about 20 times, then once every 3 seconds thereafter). No chirp when locking/unlocking, no alarm when jacking the car up (tilt sensor), no alarm when opening the hood, and no alarm when hitting the panic buttons. Sticking my arm through the open window after locking the car DOES trip the alarm, so it looks like the interior motion sensor is functioning. Oh well, at least it'll go off if someone breaks INTO the car. BTW I've got a July build with 30.2 software. Working: Interior motion sensor Blinking clown nose (fast for about 20 times, then once every 3 seconds thereafter) Not Working: Unlock/Lock chirp Panic button Hood sensor Tilt sensor Last edited by Black Bimmer; 10-06-2008 at 11:51 AM..
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10-15-2008, 09:57 PM	#360
rubber_ducky Colonel 386 Rep 2,989 Posts Drives: roach coach Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: boston-ish iTrader: (21)	I did this install today. Piece of cake for the most part. Like somebody here already mentioned, the hood switch wiring is no longer buried under plastic. The plug is very close to it's final resting place. When I first got everything plugged in, I got nothing. No blinking clown nose. No siren anywhere. Then I realized that I didn't plug the overhead harness into the ultrasonic sensor but into the stock location instead. No some of the stuff works.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2008, 09:52 PM	#361
jstar41 Lieutenant 22 Rep 458 Posts Drives: F25 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NYC iTrader: (3)	I had my alarm installed last week.. I was going to install it myself but the actual activation/reprogramming would have cost 1 hr of labor @ 120 an hour.. I bought the alarm @ circlebmw for 235. (online price), when i asked how much will it cost to get it installed, they said for installation and activation they will charge me 1.5 hr.. = 180. so i figure i spend the extra 30 mins of labor for the installation, the total was 415. it was worth it bc they had to do a software update, i don't really want to mess with that.. now i'm going to install the DEI shock sensor.. ;-)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2008, 12:26 AM	#363
aus Major General 892 Rep 9,032 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	Did anyone get the alarm programmed first, then install it? The BMW PDF says something about updating the software first? Also, did everyone disconnect the battery before the install? I though a few people did it without pulling the battery terminal? __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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11-27-2008, 08:38 AM	#365
reevo Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 328xi Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: new jersey iTrader: (0)	did any one tried on E92 coupe, which light dome the ultrasonic module fits? front or back
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11-28-2008, 07:42 PM	#368
RyBMW Major 78 Rep 1,038 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW X5 [0.00] 2008 335i [0.00]	I took my car in today to get the alarm activated. They told me that the software update for the alarm wouldn't go through. They couldn't get the car to chirp when locking or unlocking. They gonna work on it tomorrow. I see that some members are having or had similar problems. How did your dealer finally fix it? Can it be that I didn't unplug the battery when installing the alarm? __________________ New: 12 X5 xDrive35i Premium Alpine White/Cinn Brown Old: 08 E92 335i\|Space Gray/Coral Red/Gray Poplar Old: 06 E90 330i\|Black Sapphire/Black /Burl
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11-30-2008, 04:56 PM	#371
patrickj Enlisted Member 1 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1)	OEM alarm kit for ~$150 If anyone is interested, I'll do my best to walk you through this. You will need a valid hotmail account and a valid paypal account as this deal uses live.com to get cash back to your paypal account. I followed the directions here http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/838081/ and followed the second post titled Quick Overview. I made my purchase through MorristownBMW. The link to their auction is here http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-A...QQcmdZViewItem They are a superseller with over 99% positive feedback. After following the directions in the first link, I ended up with a 10% off coupon and then $70.50 back to my paypal account from live.com (thanks Microsoft). This seems to be a really good price and with the DIY instructions, hell yea. Thanks to the tutorial OP!! Let me know if you have any questions about the purchase and I'll do my best to assist.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2008, 10:24 PM	#372
veightkiller Brigadier General 61 Rep 4,150 Posts Drives: e90 335i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver,B.C iTrader: (3)	now thats a great deal
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11-30-2008, 10:58 PM	#373
phattbam Major General 180 Rep 5,822 Posts Drives: '17 Protonic Blue i3 REx Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: sf area iTrader: (21)	I've installed this on my e92, nothing seems to work. will take it to the dealership to get it activated and hopefully everything will work then..
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12-01-2008, 04:00 PM	#374
RyBMW Major 78 Rep 1,038 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW X5 [0.00] 2008 335i [0.00]	Why are some cars having a tough time getting the alarm to activate? Dealer still has my car! __________________ New: 12 X5 xDrive35i Premium Alpine White/Cinn Brown Old: 08 E92 335i\|Space Gray/Coral Red/Gray Poplar Old: 06 E90 330i\|Black Sapphire/Black /Burl
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