Alarm issues- suspected tilt sensor problem

[robinsevers10]

Hi all,

I bought an e85 2.5i last week and today, after coming back from a drive, the alarm wouldn’t stop going off. I thought it could be the bonnet close switch but I removed that and the alarm still went off when I locked the car. Pressing the lock button twice seems to stop the alarm going off, so I’m assuming it’s something to do with the tilt sensor.

Does anyone have any guidance on fixing/ replacing the tilt sensor or any other ideas of what could be causing this issue? I have seen people suggesting using an OBD device to code the interior sensors to permanently be off, but it feels wrong to have a feature on my car that doesn’t function and I would ideally like my car to be as protected from theft as possible!

Thanks for your help!

 

[BumpyZ4]

Yep you can code them with INPA or BMW Scanner or you can replace the tilt sensor. The sensor is located underneath the center storage cubby and it takes a little work to get to it. Used ones are cheap on Ebay.

 

[robinsevers10]

This image is great, thanks. Looks like a bit of an undertaking to get there though! I've heard that some models have the tilt sensor there and others have it integrated with the alarm siren behind the left rear wheel. Do you know if there's a way to tell where it is on specific models? Incidentally, the alarm doesn't appear to be going off anymore so it might not be such a problem, although if it is intermittent that could be even more annoying!

 

[BumpyZ4]

Yeah on later models it's built into the siren, they made the change late 2003/early 2004.

 

[robinsevers10]

Ah! Mine’s March 2004 IIRC so may be built in

 

[BumpyZ4]

Cool! The siren is located where the circle is. Just partially remove the fender liner and you will be able to see it.