Which alarm system?

[Uncle Rusty]

My 2005 325i is now 2 weeks old, I just broke 600 miles this weekend. I have to say at this point I am totally hooked on BMW. If I had test driven one ten years ago, I would have bought one then!

That being said, I am wondering what you consider the best choice for an alarm system? The factory alarm, or something like LoJack? The dealer where I bought the car told me that LoJack is the way to go. I'm just wondering what you folks think.

Another interesting tidbit: I bought the universal transmitter (garage door opener) from the dealer I bought the car from. While I was there I asked to buy the little trap door that covers the engine oil drain plug. The guy at the parts counter told me that the new 3 series cars don't come with one. I was wondering why my new car didn't have one. I guess drain plug access door is not installed at the factory. Anyone else come across this?

Lovin my BMW,

Russ

 

[northyork]

If you get the LoJack you will most likely get a small break on your insurance so make sure you factor that into your decision.

 

[bmwrocks]

Another interesting tidbit: I bought the universal transmitter (garage door opener) from the dealer I bought the car from. While I was there I asked to buy the little trap door that covers the engine oil drain plug. The guy at the parts counter told me that the new 3 series cars don't come with one. I was wondering why my new car didn't have one. I guess drain plug access door is not installed at the factory. Anyone else come across this?

I have come across this only to the extent that I noticed it wasn't there when I changed my oil. As to WHY it isn't there, you would have better luck pulling all the teeth from all the folks at BMW, than to get an answer to that!!!!

 

[codex57]

BMW's are fairly difficult to steal. Unless you're dumb enough to leave the keys in your car (common problem, altho not entirely the fault of the owner... just 70% IMO), the only real way to steal your car is for them to tow it. If that's the case, then LoJack would be a good idea. However, what are the chances a thief would bother towing a 325?

To me, I think most thieves wouldn't bother with a 325. IMHO, a 325's owner's primary theft worry would be stuff in the car. Like stereos and what not. So, I'd spend money on an alarm system instead of LoJack (ins discount wasn't that much for me to make the cost of LoJack worth it). The OEM BMW alarm doesn't have a shock sensor. It does have a tilt sensor tho. My personal fav alarm system (once I get around to it) is to add a shock sensor to the OEM alarm. Costs just $25 for a DEI shock sensor and you just splice it in somewhere. Then, you're as covered as you really can be against theft/vandalism.