How much security?

[GGM]

Just wondering what security systems or what you guys have for your cars? Is it worth having the system installed just to have the siren or are the original deterents ie: immobilizers, clown nose enough? It seems that the average person would not be able to steal a bmw and if they only want to get inside then the alarm isn't gonna help that much.
Thanks

 

[codex57]

If they truly want it, they'll be able to take it, no matter what alarm system you have. I see the siren as a vandal deterrent. Might help deter the casual vandal or break in thief.

 

[mallards]

if someone wants to steal your car they are going to get it ... no matter what it is ...

however a bmw oem security system is pretty nice ... i like two things:

1) the clown-nose that blinks
2) and the fact that i have an audible beep when i lock my doors

the other parts to the security system (ie- motion sensor / tilt sensor) are ok but they really dont protect you from a knowledgeable thief

you should buy the security system kit from bmw ... its a very easy project ... and cheap considering the alarm option from the factory costs alot

Ben

Ref: http://www.bmw330ci.com/DIY_Alarm.htm

 

[Tom]

I have a Clifford Alarm system on my M3 with pretty much every option except paging. So far its been great.

 

[///M SPEED]

I have a Clifford Alarm system on my M3 with pretty much every option except paging. So far its been great.

Mind if I ask how much the Clifford cost you Tom? I use to (actually still do) have one in my 72 240z and it is a very old one but pretty nice. It even has the mercury level switch etc....

 

[Tom]

It was for about $370 installed, I paid cash so I receive a great deal (about $100 discount).

Options include:
1) Auto window rolldown linked to the stock system
2) Shock/Proximity sensor with warning chirp
3) Blackjax - anti carjack
4) Starter kill
5) Mutli-tone Siren
6) Trunk release
7) Its also capable of starting my car, but I have a manual
8) Optional pager feature (not purchased)

 

[///M SPEED]

It was for about $370 installed, I paid cash so I receive a great deal (about $100 discount).

Options include:
1) Auto window rolldown linked to the stock system
2) Shock/Proximity sensor with warning chirp
3) Blackjax - anti carjack
4) Starter kill
5) Mutli-tone Siren
6) Trunk release
7) Its also capable of starting my car, but I have a manual
8) Optional pager feature (not purchased)

WOW, not bad at all. Very good price. Does the auto window rolldown also open the roof (wait you didn't get the roof on your ///M3 did you)? Also, was the auto start a feature you would have to purchase (I am sure it was) or did it come with the package you purchased?

Thanks for the info Tom.

 

[330i and like it]

Insurance

Don't both with the security, just get good insurance. After all if its covered who cares if its stollen!!!

 

[///M SPEED]

Re: Insurance

Don't both with the security, just get good insurance. After all if its covered who cares if its stollen!!!

When you truly love your car (make, model, and year), sometimes it is not replaceable. It's like I have this very nice stereo at home. It is very high end and worth a lot of money. They do not make this model or series anymore and probably could not replace it if did get stolen. If I were to get it stolen I would get the fair value (unless I insured it for a certain dollar amount), however I could never replace the same equipment and most likely the same model/series. I would rather protect if from getting stolen than to just have it covered under an insurance policy. Some things just are not replaceable.

 

[Tom]

Also, was the auto start a feature you would have to purchase (I am sure it was) or did it come with the package you purchased?

The car comes prewired, but you would have to purchase a module for that. It would have been a nice feature but they said they couldn't do it on a manual tranny.

 

[///M SPEED]

The car comes prewired, but you would have to purchase a module for that. It would have been a nice feature but they said they couldn't do it on a manual tranny.

Tom, are you talking about the Cliford alarm or the pre-wired alarm BMW has? I have the pre-wired alarm (I just don't have the alarm system installed). Is the auto-start feature part of BMW's pre-wired alarm or did Cliford offer this module.

What I am trying to say is this; if I get the BMW (stock) alarm installed on my car I will the option for an auto-start module to be added if wanted (on automatic transmission equipt cars only)?

 

[Tom]

Sorry, I meant the Alarm system came prewired for the auto-start. Its getting kind of late here so my mind is wandering again.

 

[MyHarley]

Re: Insurance

Don't both with the security, just get good insurance. After all if its covered who cares if its stollen!!!

Its a whole lot more than just getting your car stolen........

Look around in your car and look what is in there............I had a car stolen three years ago.....

Garage Opener (couldnt even get back into my house)
Address (its on some piece of paper in your car)
(200) CD's
E-Z Tag
Insurance Papers (They just white out and type in new name)
All my business cards from 15 years in business
Shoes, Clothes, Misc. Items
Laptop

Now you're thinking, why in the world..........when you're a salesman on the road, you travel with a lot of stuff.........I pay extra for valet service, had an alarm, but yep, the valet stole it in the middle of night.......hotel didnt realize it was missing until I checked out of hotel (three days later), hotel insurance company offered $9000.00 less on what I paid for car nine months earlier, had a Ford Escort for rental car, offered nothing on Niche wheels, sued, lawyer fees were $6000.00, lost in court one year later........ummmmmm that's about a loss of $15,000.00...........not counting flights and a whole lot of other issues...........

Never again..............its not just a car, its very personal.........

 

[///M SPEED]

Sorry, I meant the Alarm system came prewired for the auto-start. Its getting kind of late here so my mind is wandering again.

Your Clifford alarm system was pre-wired correct for auto-start? I have a friend that has an alarm system (not sure of the brand) that auto-starts his blazer. It is a really nice feature and very nice in the winter. The truck auto-starts, but keeps all the doors locked so no one can jump in and drive away. It's nice in the dead of winter to jump in (bummer he does not have a garage like me) and have a warmed up vehicle waiting for you.

Tom, did your alarm also have an auto-open module for a sunroof? I know you don't have one, but do you know if this was an option as well. I really like the sound of the system you had installed. It sounds really nice and a long ways from the old Clifford I have.

 

[Tom]

Yes the alarm had auto-start capabilities.

The window feature was just tapping into the stock setup. The M3 itself came with windows that can be remotely rolled down.

Here is the model.
http://www.junik.lv/~meg/Concept_600.htm

 

[///M SPEED]

Yes the alarm had auto-start capabilities.

The window feature was just tapping into the stock setup. The M3 itself came with windows that can be remotely rolled down.

Here is the model.
http://www.junik.lv/~meg/Concept_600.htm

My 328i has the remote windows/sun roof open functionality as well. I can open all the windows and the sunroof remotely with the main key. It is a nice feature during the summer.

 

[///M SPEED]

Re: Re: Insurance

Its a whole lot more than just getting your car stolen........

Look around in your car and look what is in there............I had a car stolen three years ago.....

Garage Opener (couldnt even get back into my house)
Address (its on some piece of paper in your car)
(200) CD's
E-Z Tag
Insurance Papers (They just white out and type in new name)
All my business cards from 15 years in business
Shoes, Clothes, Misc. Items
Laptop

Now you're thinking, why in the world..........when you're a salesman on the road, you travel with a lot of stuff.........I pay extra for valet service, had an alarm, but yep, the valet stole it in the middle of night.......hotel didnt realize it was missing until I checked out of hotel (three days later), hotel insurance company offered $9000.00 less on what I paid for car nine months earlier, had a Ford Escort for rental car, offered nothing on Niche wheels, sued, lawyer fees were $6000.00, lost in court one year later........ummmmmm that's about a loss of $15,000.00...........not counting flights and a whole lot of other issues...........

Never again..............its not just a car, its very personal.........

to the second degree.....