alarm & key memory information needed

[Wasemiller]

Ok, so I bought a 323i two days ago & for some reason the alarm doesn't arm. I have the alarm - I know that much. No flashing light, no chirp, no nothing.

Also, I know that there is a way to program this car to the person who's driving using the keys. There is absolutely no information in my owners manual or the VHS tape I watched, so does anyone on here know how to do this or do I have to take it to the dealership and have it done?

Some info please!!

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

What year is your car?

[Javier at Pelican Parts]

Yea, need to know he year. if it is a new E46 this car does not come with the alarm unless it is installed by the dealer at cust request or they added it prior to sale. Although the keys do have the control buttons for the keyless entry the module must be added to activate the sysytem. As for programiming the keyes, this has to be done at the dealer. Take it to the service department they will go over a list of the things that can and can'nt be done.

[Wasemiller]

It is an E46: 1999 sedan.

The car has the motion sensor and everything inside... is there a way to tell if the alarm has been disabled or if it is actually not installed?!

[Javier at Pelican Parts]

The motion sensor is part of the alarm system. The only real way to tell if the sysytem has been installed is to take it the dealer and ask. Or you could call and ask were they ususally place the module and then look to see if you have it. By the way when you press the buttoms on your key head does anything other than keyless entry work? ie. flashing lights, horn beep.?

[Wasemiller]

Nothing else happens only the doors lock and unlock - that's it.

[Javier at Pelican Parts]

I tend to beleive you do not have the alarm system installed, therefore you need to get one.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Im thinking the same as javier, that there is no alarm installed.

[Wasemiller]

so how much do they charge for activating the system? Any idea? The tabs in my trunk say that it's prewired for all the options but from what you all say, they aren't on. I'm taking it in next week, so I guess I'll find out then.

thanks =)
Tenille

[Javier at Pelican Parts]

The alalrm sysytem runs about 325.00. I think most dealers charge about 1.5hrs labor. depends on the dealer.

[Wasemiller]

that's just flippin crazy.

they can keep the damn alarm.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

My attitude about alarms has always been, ..... Whats the point? If a thief wants your car, he's going to get it regardless. I have always rigged every car I own with a fuel and ignition kill switch that disables operation of the systems. It's not that hard to do.

[oc330cic]

Originally posted by Jared at Pelican Parts
I have always rigged every car I own with a fuel and ignition kill switch that disables operation of the systems. It's not that hard to do.

So Jared, I presume then that Pelican offers both fuel and ignition kill switch kits? How hard are they to install? I've been thinking that a kill switch would be a good addition.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

At this time, Pelican does not offer a kill switch kit. I rigged them all up myself. If you email me, i can go over hopw to rig something up. Eventually i want to rig up a remote controlled unit that would automatically disable the fuel pump and coil.

[notoriousM3]

Sad but true you guys are right on about the 325 dollars for the alarm. My wifes 40 grand 530i comes with an alarm. But my 54 grand M3 did not! Boy was I pissed when i found that out. And to make matters worse they wanted and additional 350 dollars to install it. I figured with over 50 grand invested why not? But had I known this when I ordered the car I'd have negotiated the alarm into the deal. I was told the alarm and built in garage door opener are standard on 5 series and optional on 3 series regardless of vehicle cost. Im sure if someone wanted to steal my vehicle he could easily get around the alarm system but my insurance company does offer a small discount for having it. I'm also told that "lojak" is the anti-theft system to buy.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Would you liek a schematic on how to rig up a kill switch?

[notoriousM3]

sure if its not too complicated...i don't want to mess around with the wiring of a M3..

[Salvator]

Here is a link to all of the key options... They have to be programmed by the dealer, and if you are not the original owner or did not buy the car from that dealer, they will probably charge you .5 hour to do the work. BTW, read the stuff about setting up your car so that it "appears" to have an alarm... flashing clown nose, beeps, etc. I have that on my car, works great. As stated earlier, a real thief will get your car no matter what, flashing lights might deter amateurs...

http://www.bmwnation.com/home.html

Go to the Tech area, Tech Glossary, Car and Key configuration options...

[notoriousM3]

thanks for the link to bmw nation

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

notorious,

if you give me a call, i'll go over what ou need to do in order to rig up a kill switch.

1-888-280-7799 ex. 259