[boafriend]

I have a 2012 328i that did not have an alarm chosen for installation from its previous owner. I was referred by my SA to Audio Crafters in Pasadena that can install the original OEM anti-theft alarm for $500, but I was wondering if anyone in Southern California (preferably the 626 area) knew of a place that could be cheaper? Note I want the original OEM anti theft alarm (that has the red blinking motion sensor on the rearview mirror), not some after market sleezy alarm system.

I know many people are on the fence about whether one really needs the anti-theft alarm or not since it's really just sound that is being added, but I just don't feel right having this kind of car with no alarm. I don't like locking and unlocking my car without that "beep" sound.

Also, let's say I got this system installed...would the shop need my key fobs as well? Because I thought the alarm is supposed to then have a "panic" button on the key fob (but mine don't have the panic button)? Just need some clarification.

Thank you.

[chazmink]

I would like to do the same thing but am not sure it is possible. I have dug into this some and found a Cobra A4615 CanBus alarm which is available in Europe. I am not sure it triggers the Clown Nose but it does everything else from the factory remote. Several guys in the UK have installed it so you can check the UK forum. I look forward to hearing others chime in.

>>>>>>>>
From another UK thread:

DEFA DVS-90 is very popular as well, approved by BMW

[boafriend]

Should I move this to a regional forum or what? There seriously aren't any suggestions or recommendations?

[chazmink]

Originally Posted by boafriend

Should I move this to a regional forum or what? There seriously aren't any suggestions or recommendations?

Unfortunately, unlike earlier models F30s are not prewired for a factory alarm unless one is installed. If you can get it for $500, which I think is unlikely, go for it. You can try a regional forum but the audience will be more limited. I think the response is low because there is not an easy solution. Sorry.

[Technic]

Your F30 is not pre-wired for the OEM alarm.

Contact forum vendor BimmerTech as they may have the OEM alarm retrofit solution for you. FYI: it won't be cheaper than $500.

Originally Posted by boafriend

I have a 2012 328i that did not have an alarm chosen for installation from its previous owner. I was referred by my SA to Audio Crafters in Pasadena that can install the original OEM anti-theft alarm for $500, but I was wondering if anyone in Southern California (preferably the 626 area) knew of a place that could be cheaper? Note I want the original OEM anti theft alarm (that has the red blinking motion sensor on the rearview mirror), not some after market sleezy alarm system.

I know many people are on the fence about whether one really needs the anti-theft alarm or not since it's really just sound that is being added, but I just don't feel right having this kind of car with no alarm. I don't like locking and unlocking my car without that "beep" sound.

Also, let's say I got this system installed...would the shop need my key fobs as well? Because I thought the alarm is supposed to then have a "panic" button on the key fob (but mine don't have the panic button)? Just need some clarification.

Thank you.

[Daftasabrush]

There is an easy solution, just get a CAN alarm fitted, shouldn't cost more than $400 IMO. It will also work off your OEM remote.

[boafriend]

Originally Posted by Technic

Your F30 is not pre-wired for the OEM alarm.

Contact forum vendor BimmerTech as they may have the OEM alarm retrofit solution for you. FYI: it won't be cheaper than $500.

Interesting since although my car isn't pre-wired for an alarm, the place I was recommended to said they can install the OEM anti-theft alarm system (confirmed that it includes the blinking red sensor and beep for unlock/lock).

Originally Posted by Daftasabrush

There is an easy solution, just get a CAN alarm fitted, shouldn't cost more than $400 IMO. It will also work off your OEM remote.

What is a CAN alarm?

[Daftasabrush]

It's a CanBus alarm, the same as someone else mentioned further up. Connects to power, Can high Can low and indicator wires at the FEM (it's easier than figuring out how to write to the bus to trigger them)

[Makky]

I have the BMW alarm, and my key doesn't have the "panic" button.
My brothers 5-series, without alarm, does have it, so I don't think 3-series have this button.

[boafriend]

Originally Posted by Makky

I have the BMW alarm, and my key doesn't have the "panic" button.
My brothers 5-series, without alarm, does have it, so I don't think 3-series have this button.

Yeah, it has been mentioned that starting with the F30, BMW stopped pre-wiring these models for an anti-theft alarm, unless a customer opted for it. The anti-theft alarm is essentially an option. Despite BMW's response to me regarding why this not standard, I still find it ridiculous.

So it seems that the $500 place I was referred to is the only place that can get this job done. Sucks, I was hoping to find someplace cheaper. This place did mention they could install the OEM one, which is strange since everyone here says it cannot be done. I am guessing they can purchase the wiring and get it properly installed.

[Daftasabrush]

A Canbus alarm will be better than the OEM one IMO, theres too many dead spots on the OEM one, and the "siren" is pathetic.

[Technic]

I am guessing that you need to stay away from that place.

Originally Posted by boafriend

Yeah, it has been mentioned that starting with the F30, BMW stopped pre-wiring these models for an anti-theft alarm, unless a customer opted for it. The anti-theft alarm is essentially an option. Despite BMW's response to me regarding why this not standard, I still find it ridiculous.

So it seems that the $500 place I was referred to is the only place that can get this job done. Sucks, I was hoping to find someplace cheaper. This place did mention they could install the OEM one, which is strange since everyone here says it cannot be done. I am guessing they can purchase the wiring and get it properly installed.

[Marshalltj]

Does anyone know of any confirmed good canbus options? The one listed previously looks nice, but I don't see any US availability.

[Daftasabrush]

Directed Tech are probably your best option, in the UK we have lots of options but it seems pretty limited in the US.

http://www.directed.com/Contact/Wher...pc=38108&b=All

[boafriend]

A CAN alarm cannot activate BMW's beep chirp though, correct?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by boafriend

A CAN alarm cannot activate BMW's beep chirp though, correct?

The "chirp" comes from the OEM alarm module built-in siren.

[boafriend]

Originally Posted by Daftasabrush

Directed Tech are probably your best option, in the UK we have lots of options but it seems pretty limited in the US.

http://www.directed.com/Contact/Wher...pc=38108&b=All

I found some in my area, but what exactly does this thing/service do?

[Daftasabrush]

Originally Posted by Technic

The "chirp" comes from the OEM alarm module built-in siren.

The aftermarket alarm will come with its own siren which will chirp if you want it to.

Originally Posted by boafriend

I found some in my area, but what exactly does this thing/service do?

what thing/service? If you're referring to the link, that's directed tech's website (they make a LOT of car alarms) and a list of resellers that are local to you. You'd have to call them up to see if they will supply and fit an alarm. If you're referring to the alarm, it's pretty self explanatory and there are a few different options available within the directed tech range.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Daftasabrush

The aftermarket alarm will come with its own siren which will chirp if you want it to.

OP asked about activating the "BMW" chirp, which only is possible with the OEM alarm.

[boafriend]

Just updating here that the place I reached out to (Audio Crafters) can definitely install the OEM alarm, but the mechanic said they have to "snip" through some wires to install the wiring that is initially required for the alarm (7-8 wires). Because "cutting" is technically involved, this will void my warranty. So..not something I should do since my warranty is still active.

I'm still kinda bummed though...most F30's (328i) I see all have that anti-theft alarm, so it shows a lot of people still notice it as an option and opt for it. Sucks that the person who previously had my car didn't choose it. I didn't even know this thing was not included as standard during my car shopping process. I know the alarm isn't a big deal, but I just don't like how I don't have beeping for my lock/unlock. Meh.