Question.. Alarm System

[jcz1987]

Well I have had my car for over a couple years. I know that the fact BMW has an Alarm system but Im not sure if its standard in the 3 series I have. the fact is that it haas the little red flashing light on the interior mirror but I dont see it go off when I shake the car or pull the door handle.... plus my car has been pranked around with a few times by stupid kids that went to my high school but my question is... do I have an alarm system? if not I am going to get my car serviced next week for its inspoection and I might have to buy an Alarm system now for my car. thanks

 

[geneo]

it is not standard on the 3 series if you lock the car with remote and dont here a beep sound it most likley does not have an alarm

 

[William330]

The 3-series is pre-wired for the alarm. It runs about $400
installed, and it's worth getting the factory alarm that works
with the rear view mirror light and key remote.

Some people have bouight the parts online (Circle BMW) for
about $250 and installed it themselves, but I ordered it with
the car upon purchase.

 

[ThatOneGuy]

If you didn't buy it new, the previous owner may have installed it. Simple test; roll down the windows, lock the car, wait 30 seconds then reach in. The alarm should go off.

If you don't have the alarm, Willaim330 is right, it's cheaper to order it and easy to install yourself. Takes less than an hour. Dealers in my area are asking $500 to $700.

Here's the DIY guide: http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_alarm.shtml

 

[jcz1987]

thank you very much you guys, I just got back in town so Im getting my car serviced this Thursday, I asked them how much it would cost to put it in. My dealership said they will put it in for about 400 around there... so Im thikning of buying it online nad doing it myself seems better to do it that way plus working on my car makes me happy heh.

 

[codex57]

Even with the factory alarm, if kids prank your car, the alarm still might not go off. It has no shock sensor. It relies on an ultrasonic sensor (hence the "roll down windows, then stick in arm" test). You can always buy a DEI shock sensor for about $25 and find some place to splice it into the alarm system.