Z4 Alarm Upgrade?

[Burt Reynolds]

I am having the alarm upgrade installed tomorrow at the dealership (cheap parts ~200.00 with install). Can someone please confirm that my car will make a noise when I lock/unlock the doors with my remote? I really miss that confirmation sound I am used to getting when arming the alarm.
Thanks!

[jarrow]

I beleive that light flash and audible are programmable. I had the dealer turn off the audible with my alarm.

[pbdm4k]

They install a horn behind the passenger rear wheel.
The alarm will chirp when its armed and disarmed I believe. If you don't want hte sound, the dealer can disable it.

There is also another feature where they can put a motion sensor in the cockpit should you park the car with the roof open.

But personal preference though, wouldn't an aftermarket alarm be better? The range on the key fobs is very poor.

[Hawkeye]

I can confirm 100% sure that audible lock and unlock will be a programmable feature when you have an alarm.

If your lights currently flash when you lock/unlock then it should automatically sound the alarm speaker as well after it is installed.

[Burt Reynolds]

Thanks everyone! I will make sure it is programmed correctly.

Other points- since I have a coupe, motion sensor probably not needed for me. Aftermarket alarms are better, but I keep my car in a garage with alarm at night and park at work behind a security gate so I am no too worried about having Fort Knox. Plus, its cheap and I don't like having a bunch of extra stuff on my keychain.

[scottmcke]

The red light will flash too. Just that in itself will scare away some criminals.

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by scottmcke

The red light will flash too. Just that in itself will scare away some criminals.

The red light flashes regardless. You don't have to have an alarm for that.

[soeharyo]

but i think you have to 'trick' the car saying that you have an alarm when really you don't have one.

am i right to say that z4 that are without alarms usually do not have the flashing red light and the flashing turn signal lights feature and to enable it, you either have to install an actual alarm or trick the car into thinking that the alarm is installed?

[Burt Reynolds]

I am not sure what you mean but my red light on my mirror flashes and my turn signals flash when I lock my doors...hope that helps.

[soeharyo]

yep. the red light on the mirror flashes on mine too (without chirp when lock/unlock). even if i don't have an alarm. But it is a setting that has to be done. (I asked the dealer to turn that feature on). I believe the default setting is: If you don't have the alarm system, then your red light and your turn signals don't flash when you turn lock or unlock the vehicle.

This is the case for my car. It is a 2003. I guess what i am asking is whether or not this is the case for later year Zs?

[Hawkeye]

No soeharyo. Just like any other setting on your car it can be turned on or off. Even without the alarm the red clown nose on the mirror will flash, this is standard.

The lights flashing is an option called audible arm/disarm (which is not audible unless there is an alarm installed) and it is an option much like the triple turn signals or DRL.

[moonridur]

I had the alarm with motion detector installed on my 2005 Z4. When the alarm was set, i would receive one chirp unless a door or trunk was open. Nice feature to let you know that something was opened before you walk away. When I unlocked, it would sound two chirps.

I have replaced the 2005 Z4 with a 2008 Z4 and had the same alarm installed before I picked up the new car. On the same day I picked up the car, the single chirp on locking stopped working. I was thinking that a door or trunk was open but in fact the alarm just did not chirp. The double chirp upon unlock intermittently worked. I took the car to the dealership to repair and they stated that I had a faulty siren and had to be replaced. I put the car in the shop three days ago to have this fixed and they have still not completed this fix!

The CA states that the siren replacement fixed the problem for about 30 minutes and then the problem returned before they told me they were finished. He stated that they have never seen this problem and they are working with BMW NA to resolve the issue. BMW NA is also concerned and they are holding my car until they figure out the cause. The CA stated the are suspecting a short in the wiring somewhere but they are unsure where at this point. I have a 328i as a loaner but miss the comfortable!

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by soeharyo

This is the case for my car. It is a 2003. I guess what i am asking is whether or not this is the case for later year Zs?

Your description is still accurate, it's the same.

[Burt Reynolds]

Had the alarm installed on this past Friday and really like the reassuring audible that my car is locked. It is such a cheap part/install that I cannot figure out how they dont simply come with the car.

[soeharyo]

$200 with install is a good price.

Is it the standard BMW alarm? Are people satisfied with it?

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Burt Reynolds

Had the alarm installed on this past Friday and really like the reassuring audible that my car is locked. It is such a cheap part/install that I cannot figure out how they dont simply come with the car.

+1.. especially on such an expensive car!

[Burt Reynolds]

If you are into DIY and dare to install it yourself you can simply buy the part for a little over 100.00...pretty cheap.