[icedragon]

Hey, I'm hoping to get an alarm system for my bimmer. What are my options? Does anyone have suggestions? At the moment, I'm only familiar with Compustar.

I'm also considering getting a tracking device. What are my options? Does anyone have suggestions? At the moment, I'm only familiar with Boomerang.

Thanks for any insight.

[weiweiwei]

http://www.icantrack.com/

[deutschmann59]

There's also the factory alarm, which the E90 has been pre-wired for. I'm not sure if you've seen it, so check out the accessories catalog if you haven't. I ordered one already.

[Broken1]

the factory alarm comes standard here. It's a definate must.

[CC 330i]

Originally Posted by Broken1

the factory alarm comes standard here. It's a definate must.

Do you like the factory alarm?

[RedStripe]

Does anyone know the invoice price for the factory alarm? Thanks.

[CC 330i]

Originally Posted by RedStripe

Does anyone know the invoice price for the factory alarm? Thanks.

Don't know invoice price but I think it is around $220 or so invoice. Just an educated guess. I think it is $300 retail.

[RedStripe]

Are Circle BMW prices pretty much the best around?

[icedragon]

Ok, my BMW dealer charges $900 for the alarm and installation.

I find an authorized Directed Electronics dealer in Toronto (with 10 years of experiences) who charge $250 for a new Hornet alam and installation.

I don't mean to sound cheap, but the BMW alarm is a rip-off. I'm going to go that other dealer and get a Hornet alarm. After all, BMW is known for its great cars, not great car alarms.

[cosmosblau]

Why do you want an alarm? It will only disturb your neighbors.
I am actually glad it doesn't come standard. The little flashing red light is enough of a deterrent. When you own a BMW, Thieves will think you have an alarm anyway. Or, they don't care because no one pays attention to an alarm.

When I hear an alarm, I rest easy, because I know it isn't my car going off needlessly. If it get's stolen,no big deal- I have insurance.

[weiweiwei]

just get this:

http://www.autopageusa.com/t_inside....a-5f6fd435f2ac

http://www.compustar.org/security_with_remote_start.htm

[CC 330i]

Originally Posted by cosmosblau

Why do you want an alarm? It will only disturb your neighbors.
I am actually glad it doesn't come standard. The little flashing red light is enough of a deterrent. When you own a BMW, Thieves will think you have an alarm anyway. Or, they don't care because no one pays attention to an alarm.

When I hear an alarm, I rest easy, because I know it isn't my car going off needlessly. If it get's stolen,no big deal- I have insurance.

Generally, I agree with this statement. I once knew a guy that had his ALARM stolen, and they left the car!! How funny is that? Also, the only people that ever seem to get caught by an alarm is the owner of the car! Most theives know how to shut them off faster than the owner of the car!

I can't stand them usually, but I think that it provides some deterrent to the bold but stupid theif who might try a smash and grab. Again, I suppose that the flashing light will help in this event... I had one standard in my last VW and it was just a good feeling knowing that it was one more deterrent to theft.

One consideration for me is that my insurance company offers a discount when the car is equipped with an alarm. Yours might too.

[whattheheck]

Originally Posted by cosmosblau

Why do you want an alarm? It will only disturb your neighbors.
I am actually glad it doesn't come standard. The little flashing red light is enough of a deterrent. When you own a BMW, Thieves will think you have an alarm anyway. Or, they don't care because no one pays attention to an alarm.

When I hear an alarm, I rest easy, because I know it isn't my car going off needlessly. If it get's stolen,no big deal- I have insurance.

Hello,
I got my 325 , no alarm installed, but saw your post, and wondering if I can setup the flashing red light when I lock my car, so the thieves will 'think' I have alarm on.
Appreciate your answer.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by whattheheck

Hello,
I got my 325 , no alarm installed, but saw your post, and wondering if I can setup the flashing red light when I lock my car, so the thieves will 'think' I have alarm on.
Appreciate your answer.

unfortunately, not possible

[Ninjaneer]

Originally Posted by whattheheck

Hello,
I got my 325 , no alarm installed, but saw your post, and wondering if I can setup the flashing red light when I lock my car, so the thieves will 'think' I have alarm on.
Appreciate your answer.

Yes, there's a DIY for this: Making Clown Nose Blink (without installing alarm) - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25207

Will take some effort, it's not a simple pre-existing setting.

[Taittinger]

So BMWs do not come with security systems? Or just no audible alarm?

[Ninjaneer]

Originally Posted by Taittinger

So BMWs do not come with security systems? Or just no audible alarm?

Doesn't come with it. In the USA it only comes pre-wired for installation. You'd still have to buy and install the alarm.

[Blue328xi]

Originally Posted by Ninjaneer

Yes, there's a DIY for this: Making Clown Nose Blink (without installing alarm) - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25207

Will take some effort, it's not a simple pre-existing setting.

It’s actually a really cool DIY, I plan on putting the electric components together in the next week or so. I hope the 328 wiring is similar to the 325 that this mod was done on. If I can get the electronics done then the install shouldn’t be that bad.

[zamboni]

You can't go wrong with the OEM alarm and I would not install another after market product on BMW, I paid $650 for the alarm when I took the delivery and don't worry about it.