Car alarm

Z

Zeddicus

Member
 France
When buying my Z4, I naively thought it has the alarm system installed, and the small bulb below the interior mirror was confirming this. This was not however the first thing I was looking at ofc, but the day after I picked up the car, I noticed that no red flash came from the bulb... I took later on the opportunity to ask a BMW technician and he simply told me the bulb is here, but not the alarm system! :o

I am now questionning myself over the importance of having an alarm or not when leaving the car outside somewhere...
- So, what is your opinion on alarm system? Useful or gadget?
- is it possible to outfit the car with an alarm if it wasn't originally installed?
 
An alarm is useful. I had one fitted to my first car and it saved a set of wheels from being stolen.

They can become 'gadget-ey' when you add additional modules such as remote unlock and remote start (Viper/Clifford smart start). However the basis for those modules starts with a great alarm.

Yes in theory is possible to retrofit, probably worth looking into one which has scope to expand. (going rate for a Viper 480xv is aprox £300 fitted) When I was scouting for my Z4, I'm sure I came across threads where owners had issues with aftermarket alarms so you're best of speaking to a few people who would undertake the job.
 
I have one in mine, i found out after a cat jumped in when the roof was down, quite loud too for standard.
 
Got one on mine. Always forget until I try jack the car up while it's locked and it goes off. Fairly sensitive too which is good.
 
Thanks for the replies, and sorry I couldn't find the time to go back on here.
As per your advice Neil, I've been searching the forums on aftermarket solutions and it looks indeed really not the best option to go with the Z4. Too bad for the all these geeky features they propose :roll:
Anyway, I've narrowed my research on a OEM retrofit kit with help of this bimmer DIY thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?913979-OE-Alarm-Installation-for-E86
Looks pretty simple, eh...

I was able to locate an OEM non-tilt alarm kit for still around 50€ (roughly 40£), so I straight went checking the wiring in the bonnet as shown on picture. However I never could locate the connector behind the master cylinder!
Think I am going to have a visit with the car at BMW dealer in the end.... I'll let you the outcome as some may face the same situation.

Just can't feel relaxed leaving the car with no protection >_>
 
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