[Chris215]

I have read some posts where the f30 335i has alarm system other posts say its an option you have to pay for. So if my f30 is locked and someone breaks the window the alarm won't go off ?

[ft1339]

It's included as standard in the 335i.

[335ItotheSky]

+1 Yes it is included in the 335i.

Though, my dealer told me it was not, in an apparent attempt to sell me an aftermarket LoJack system (which I have yet to locate and remove- just haven't gotten around to it). But, this is my 6th or 7th BMW vehicle, so I knew better. I didn't bother arguing the issue.

It was actually on the window sticker labeled as "Anti-theft alarm system- 'Included'."

BMWs may be the ultimate driving machines. But, the salespersons, managers, finance dept. personal, and BMW North America, in my personal experience, cumulatively, equal the definition of con artists.

It's actually a pretty sensitive alarm and functions very well, in my opinion. It even has a motion sensor that will trip the alarm if it senses motion. I left my 60-lbs. dog in a crate in the back of my '11 X5 35D, a few years ago, during dinner one evening, and the alarm still sensed the dog's movement and was activated (through the crate's heavy cordura fabric material). Luckily the motion sensor can be defeated, while keeping all other alarm functions intact.

FYI- to disarm the motion sensor, just press the lock button on your remote once, as normal to lock the doors. Then, press it a second time. The alarm will stay armed, but the motion sensor will be shut-off, until you enter the vehicle or arm/disarm the system again.

[Chris215]

Ok so your telling me that if someone elbowed my window and broke the glass the alarm no matter what would go off regardless of the motion sensor ? The standard alarm should of picked it up?

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Chris215

Ok so your telling me that if someone elbowed my window and broke the glass the alarm no matter what would go off regardless of the motion sensor ? The standard alarm should of picked it up?

No "glass break" sensors like you'd find in aftermarket, but it does have ultrasonic sensors that detect movement inside the car. So, yes, sort of.

[Chris215]

Ok, Because directly outside the store where my vehicle was parked I watched the tape and the homeless guy broke the window but the alarm never went off . Wonder if I can get BMW to cover the window instead of going through my insurance company and if they can fix my alarm

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Chris215

Ok, Because directly outside the store where my vehicle was parked I watched the tape and the homeless guy broke the window but the alarm never went off . Wonder if I can get BMW to cover the window instead of going through my insurance company and if they can fix my alarm

ultrasonic sensors don't detect glass break. Did perp reach his hands inside car? If he did, alarm should have activated.

Regardless, glass break sensors don't prevent glass breakage, They only notify you after the glass is broken.

If you want a perp to know your car has an alarm, you need a "field disturbance sensor". i.e. http://www.viper.com/P-508D/Invisibe...urbance-Sensor

[jdong]

If you locked your car without disarming the motion sensor, breaking the glass should certainly set off the motion sensor.

Are you sure you aren't double-pressing the lock button when locking your car?

[Chris215]

no i did not double press no need too . plus the "perp" broke the glass leaned in the car opened the center console and was ther efor about 20-30 seconds. Something should of went off

[jdong]

Yeah, I agree. Sounds like your alarm system didn't work as intended.

[Chris215]

so do you think BMW will entertain the idea of covering the damages? Should i tell the dealership or call bmw na?

[jdong]

I'm sure there's some sort of fine print that says BMW isn't liable. IMO the best course of action is to inform your insurance company that your vehicle is equipped with a factory active ultrasonic alarm that failed to go off. If they think it's worthwhile to go after BMW, let their lawyers do it.

[CLittle]

A good way to know if the factory installed your alarm is too look for the clown nose under your rear view mirror. It's weird that there was broken glass and a homeless guy checking your glovebox to make sure you've properly stored your registration and insurance docs and that motion sensor never went off.

[Elk]

BMW is not liable. Moreover, any failure of the alarm did not result in the loss; break and grabs occur whether an alarm goes off or not.