DIY: Installing the Factory E90 Alarm

txusa03 · 08-31-2006, 10:41 AM

they rip you off with the alarm, and they are still not satisfied and want to rip you off again with the activation

Sho · 08-31-2006, 10:58 AM

Is the dome light grill must have those holes? Mine has the grill shape, but no holes.
I thought the infrared motion detacter would work behind the plastic shield.

txusa03 · 08-31-2006, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sho

Is the dome light grill must have those holes? Mine has the grill shape, but no holes.
I thought the infrared motion detacter would work behind the plastic shield.

It is not that high tech yet

to penetrate the plastic, you will need to get the dome light cover with the open horizontal slot. Look on realoem.com for the part#

Sho · 08-31-2006, 04:35 PM

Thanks, and that is sucks.

Sho · 08-31-2006, 06:25 PM

Part ordered. Part#61-31-6-945-200. From Crown BMW. $62.92

mpc325 · 08-31-2006, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sho

Part ordered. Part#61-31-6-945-200. From Crown BMW. $62.92

My dealer tried to charge me for the dome light too but they reversed course when I pointed out the TSB.

Thanks to FrankoQ for the Pic.

Boondoggler · 08-31-2006, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankoQ

There is a switch for the trunk (boot).
The DIY above shows instructions on how to install that.

FrankoQ, I think you misunderstood him. There is no switch for the trunk (boot) in the alarm kit, there is a switch for the hood (engine compartment).

FrankoQ · 08-31-2006, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boondoggler

FrankoQ, I think you misunderstood him. There is no switch for the trunk (boot) in the alarm kit, there is a switch for the hood (engine compartment).

Doh!
you are right. my bad.
rewind.......
NO switch for the trunk.
Yes switch for the hood.

Sho · 09-01-2006, 01:05 AM

If I printed the TSB, then go to a dealer. Would they give me the part for free?

mpc325 · 09-01-2006, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sho

If I printed the TSB, then go to a dealer. Would they give me the part for free?

I did it over the phone when they called and gave me the price for my installation - they added in the price of the dome light to pick up my car. I disputed it, the SA researched it and called back and said "no charge".

Please note, the part number that you have (same as mine) is not the same one listed in the TSB. I don't know why that is, but they did give me the same part for no charge.

Sho · 09-01-2006, 09:51 PM

I email my SA today, with the TSB link. And he said everything will be taken care of when I bring my car in. :-)
Also they are fixing the clicking sound on the B-pillars :-)

Boondoggler · 09-06-2006, 03:40 PM

Here's an interesting turn of events. I purchased my alarm through Morristown BMW and installed it about 2 weeks ago. My car has an 06/06 build date. The clown light blinks and everything seems fine, so I call Princeton BMW and ask for a quote to get it activated, they quote me $52.

I take it in today and my SA comes out and says there is a problem, the computer can't see the alarm, so they can't activate. He asks me (for the 3rd time) whether it's the oem BMW alarm, I confirm it is, and he asks me to speak to the the tech working on my car. The tech asks me to talk him through how I did my install, and after describing my work, he says that it sounds like I did everything correctly. I agree to allow them to check my work, and if I did something wrong, to cover they're extra labor. If the alarm is faulty, they will replace it under the part warranty.

After a couple hours the SA calls me, and tells me that while I have the current version of software on my car, and a current version of the alarm, there is an incompatibililty with the siren model and my software, and that's why the alarm can't be recognized. To confirm this what BMW told them, they say they pulled an alarm off their own parts shelf and installed it on my car to confirm the incompatibility. They say the second alarm they installed did the same thing.

They offer to allow me to wait a couple months for a software update to come out, or they can order me an different version siren module, and install it and activate it. He also states, while the siren module costs $187, they aren't going to charge me as it's not my fault. They do ask for an extra 1/2 hour labor to install the new siren module.

Sounds pretty fishy to me as nobody else has experienced something similar.

paul325740 · 09-07-2006, 02:49 AM

WOW. THAT MAKE ME HAVE TO THINK AGAIN.

I will pick-up my 330i next month at performance delivery center. I just got a qoute for alarm installed for "Alarm system $246 + 105 labor" which is I think is a good deal. but I'm not sure now it will happen same thing like you or not..

Boondoggler · 09-07-2006, 06:46 PM

Well, my SA called me to say that the siren module they ordered for me is on major backorder, at least two weeks until they receive it. It would appear I'm not the only one who needed this part to make it work.

Boondoggler · 09-28-2006, 07:17 PM

Well, my alarm saga is finally over, and it has a happy ending.

To recap:

1) I buy the alarm online from MorristownBMW and install it.
2) I get quoted $52 by PrincetonBMW to activate it.
3) When they attempt to activate it, they find the siren is not compatible with the most current software update. They offer to order a compatible version, they initially want $187 for it, but after I argue they agree to do it for free.
4) They get the replacement siren (a couple weeks later due to backorder) and install it, do a software update, and activate it. My service invoice says it was a 3.5 hour process, though is is most likely inflated to get more warrenty reimbursement from BMWNA.
5) Since it wasn't my fault the siren was incompatible, and I've been inconvenienced, they don't charge me a cent for the replacement siren, the installation or the activation process.

All in all, pretty damn good service if you ask me. Except for the backorder situation, which isn't the dealer's fault.

DJHakim · 09-30-2006, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boondoggler

Well, my alarm saga is finally over, and it has a happy ending.

...

I had problems, too. I actually bought the system and it was supposed to be installed by the Perf. Ctr. in August. When I got there for the grand delivery, they broke it to me that BMWNA put a national freeze on alarm installs.

Evidentally, it was the siren as you discovered; it's legit. I have since learned that a software update (PROGMAN 23 available as of last week) will remedy the issue. I bet that's what you got. Hopefully I can get an alarm installed now!

FYI, here is the bulletin on the freeze (Aug 27, 2006)

Sho · 10-01-2006, 11:47 AM

I had the same issue, and just got a call from my SA last Friday that the new software is in. He said it doesn't matter to the alarm system, it was the software.

neuronpetkowski · 10-01-2006, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txusa03

they rip you off with the alarm, and they are still not satisfied and want to rip you off again with the activation

amen brother, amen.

Mystic330 · 10-05-2006, 08:24 PM

Just installed my alarm tonight!! (Thanks for the info guys!)

One thing you should add to the DIY - After mounting the siren bracket, be sure to anchor the siren wire to the bracket. There is an extra hole on the left side of the bracket - just push the plastic wire anchor (already attached to the siren wire) into the hole and your done.

Now just need activation!

TTG · 10-09-2006, 03:25 PM

Any word on E92's yet? Is it the same alarm system? Any body tried to get an alarm installed on a E92 yet? Thanks in advance.

magamaga · 10-26-2006, 10:39 PM

Sho, did you get the alarm working with Progman 23.? I went to my BMW dealer and the tech didn't know. I showed him the forum and he said 23.1 is the latest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sho

I had the same issue, and just got a call from my SA last Friday that the new software is in. He said it doesn't matter to the alarm system, it was the software.

anolin · 11-28-2006, 01:24 PM

Many thanks to all the previous posters (especially CC 330i and FrankoQ).

I got the alarm from Chris at Circle BMW for $250 shipped and was able to do the install (without even jacking the car up or removing the wheel!) in under an hour.

Murray Motors in Denver completed the alarm activation and software de-activation of a lost key in half an hour, but the computer re-boot took over 3 additional hours!!! They only charged me $75 for the initial work, so I lost some time, but saved lots of $$$. The only other hiccup was a non-working moonroof switch, following the reboot that was easily fixed without having to return to the shop.

Thanks again, for helping me through the fist mod!

08-31-2006, 10:41 AM	#89
txusa03 Major General 566 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	they rip you off with the alarm, and they are still not satisfied and want to rip you off again with the activation
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08-31-2006, 10:58 AM	#90
Sho Lieutenant 36 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Is the dome light grill must have those holes? Mine has the grill shape, but no holes. I thought the infrared motion detacter would work behind the plastic shield. __________________ 2006 325i Sport - SSR GT7, Euro tails, Rogue Ikon muffler/w custom 3.5" piping, Painted OEM Splitters 2005 Toyota Matrix - Commuter
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08-31-2006, 04:35 PM	#92
Sho Lieutenant 36 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Thanks, and that is sucks. __________________ 2006 325i Sport - SSR GT7, Euro tails, Rogue Ikon muffler/w custom 3.5" piping, Painted OEM Splitters 2005 Toyota Matrix - Commuter
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08-31-2006, 06:25 PM	#93
Sho Lieutenant 36 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Part ordered. Part#61-31-6-945-200. From Crown BMW. $62.92 __________________ 2006 325i Sport - SSR GT7, Euro tails, Rogue Ikon muffler/w custom 3.5" piping, Painted OEM Splitters 2005 Toyota Matrix - Commuter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-01-2006, 01:05 AM	#97
Sho Lieutenant 36 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	If I printed the TSB, then go to a dealer. Would they give me the part for free? __________________ 2006 325i Sport - SSR GT7, Euro tails, Rogue Ikon muffler/w custom 3.5" piping, Painted OEM Splitters 2005 Toyota Matrix - Commuter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-01-2006, 09:51 PM	#99
Sho Lieutenant 36 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I email my SA today, with the TSB link. And he said everything will be taken care of when I bring my car in. :-) Also they are fixing the clicking sound on the B-pillars :-) __________________ 2006 325i Sport - SSR GT7, Euro tails, Rogue Ikon muffler/w custom 3.5" piping, Painted OEM Splitters 2005 Toyota Matrix - Commuter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-06-2006, 03:40 PM	#100
Boondoggler Lieutenant 72 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 340i xDrive [6.50]	Here's an interesting turn of events. I purchased my alarm through Morristown BMW and installed it about 2 weeks ago. My car has an 06/06 build date. The clown light blinks and everything seems fine, so I call Princeton BMW and ask for a quote to get it activated, they quote me $52. I take it in today and my SA comes out and says there is a problem, the computer can't see the alarm, so they can't activate. He asks me (for the 3rd time) whether it's the oem BMW alarm, I confirm it is, and he asks me to speak to the the tech working on my car. The tech asks me to talk him through how I did my install, and after describing my work, he says that it sounds like I did everything correctly. I agree to allow them to check my work, and if I did something wrong, to cover they're extra labor. If the alarm is faulty, they will replace it under the part warranty. After a couple hours the SA calls me, and tells me that while I have the current version of software on my car, and a current version of the alarm, there is an incompatibililty with the siren model and my software, and that's why the alarm can't be recognized. To confirm this what BMW told them, they say they pulled an alarm off their own parts shelf and installed it on my car to confirm the incompatibility. They say the second alarm they installed did the same thing. They offer to allow me to wait a couple months for a software update to come out, or they can order me an different version siren module, and install it and activate it. He also states, while the siren module costs $187, they aren't going to charge me as it's not my fault. They do ask for an extra 1/2 hour labor to install the new siren module. Sounds pretty fishy to me as nobody else has experienced something similar. __________________ 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i My Garage \| Phytonic Blue \| Black Sensatec \| Carbon Fiber Trim \| Parking \| Premium \| Remote \| Wireless \| Harmon Kardon \| 19" 887M Bi-color Midnight Grey
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09-07-2006, 02:49 AM	#101
paul325740 Private First Class 55 Rep 114 Posts Drives: X5 and 7 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	That Make Me Have To Think Again. WOW. THAT MAKE ME HAVE TO THINK AGAIN. I will pick-up my 330i next month at performance delivery center. I just got a qoute for alarm installed for "Alarm system $246 + 105 labor" which is I think is a good deal. but I'm not sure now it will happen same thing like you or not..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-07-2006, 06:46 PM	#102
Boondoggler Lieutenant 72 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 340i xDrive [6.50]	Well, my SA called me to say that the siren module they ordered for me is on major backorder, at least two weeks until they receive it. It would appear I'm not the only one who needed this part to make it work. __________________ 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i My Garage \| Phytonic Blue \| Black Sensatec \| Carbon Fiber Trim \| Parking \| Premium \| Remote \| Wireless \| Harmon Kardon \| 19" 887M Bi-color Midnight Grey
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-28-2006, 07:17 PM	#103
Boondoggler Lieutenant 72 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 340i xDrive [6.50]	Well, my alarm saga is finally over, and it has a happy ending. To recap: 1) I buy the alarm online from MorristownBMW and install it. 2) I get quoted $52 by PrincetonBMW to activate it. 3) When they attempt to activate it, they find the siren is not compatible with the most current software update. They offer to order a compatible version, they initially want $187 for it, but after I argue they agree to do it for free. 4) They get the replacement siren (a couple weeks later due to backorder) and install it, do a software update, and activate it. My service invoice says it was a 3.5 hour process, though is is most likely inflated to get more warrenty reimbursement from BMWNA. 5) Since it wasn't my fault the siren was incompatible, and I've been inconvenienced, they don't charge me a cent for the replacement siren, the installation or the activation process. All in all, pretty damn good service if you ask me. Except for the backorder situation, which isn't the dealer's fault. __________________ 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i My Garage \| Phytonic Blue \| Black Sensatec \| Carbon Fiber Trim \| Parking \| Premium \| Remote \| Wireless \| Harmon Kardon \| 19" 887M Bi-color Midnight Grey
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-01-2006, 11:47 AM	#105
Sho Lieutenant 36 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I had the same issue, and just got a call from my SA last Friday that the new software is in. He said it doesn't matter to the alarm system, it was the software. __________________ 2006 325i Sport - SSR GT7, Euro tails, Rogue Ikon muffler/w custom 3.5" piping, Painted OEM Splitters 2005 Toyota Matrix - Commuter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2006, 08:24 PM	#107
Mystic330 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Just installed my alarm tonight!! (Thanks for the info guys!) One thing you should add to the DIY - After mounting the siren bracket, be sure to anchor the siren wire to the bracket. There is an extra hole on the left side of the bracket - just push the plastic wire anchor (already attached to the siren wire) into the hole and your done. Now just need activation!
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10-09-2006, 03:25 PM	#108
TTG ... 987 Rep 4,357 Posts Drives: M340 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [7.84] 2007 335 Coupe (ret ... [9.00]	Any word on E92's yet? Is it the same alarm system? Any body tried to get an alarm installed on a E92 yet? Thanks in advance. __________________ 2020 G20 M340 xDrive - Portimao Blue - ZDA\|ZPP\|ZPX\|1CR\|1PE\|6NW\|6WD 2016 F10 535i xDrive - AW - Retired 2011 E92 M3 - AW……………....ED April 29th, 2010 - Retired 2007 E92 335i -Space Gray.....ED Oct 19th, 2006 - Retired
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11-28-2006, 01:24 PM	#110
anolin New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Sedan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Thanks! Many thanks to all the previous posters (especially CC 330i and FrankoQ). I got the alarm from Chris at Circle BMW for $250 shipped and was able to do the install (without even jacking the car up or removing the wheel!) in under an hour. Murray Motors in Denver completed the alarm activation and software de-activation of a lost key in half an hour, but the computer re-boot took over 3 additional hours!!! They only charged me $75 for the initial work, so I lost some time, but saved lots of $$$. The only other hiccup was a non-working moonroof switch, following the reboot that was easily fixed without having to return to the shop. Thanks again, for helping me through the fist mod!
	Appreciate 0 Quote