Is the alarm necessary or not?

alan001 · 03-28-2006, 11:21 AM

Hello Everyone,

Just got my new 2006 330i a week ago:
Titanium Silver
Burl Walnut Trim
Comfort Acess
Premium
Sport
Navigation

I live in Los Angeles and my car is usually either parked in my apartment complex's gated garage or at work. Is it worth getting the factory alarm installed and how much should I be paying?

KL2DC · 03-28-2006, 11:31 AM

Without the alarm, the car is pretty hard to steal (short of flatbedding the car away of course) ... the alarm adds additional protection for the interior and includes motion sensor. Don't pay more than $500 for OEM alarm and install...for you reference my CA asked for $425 without much fuss...so its doable. Btw BMW assist adds the element of tracking...

Gitta · 03-28-2006, 11:41 AM

Nice car, congrats! I don't have the alarm but my car is rarely parked in public places.

Oz · 03-28-2006, 11:44 AM

It's not necessary unless you live in a bad neigborhood or drive to sketchy areas but it should be standard damnit! (ranting again :/)

E90 Enthusiast · 03-28-2006, 11:48 AM

Even though I have the alarm, I don't think it's necessary because of BMW's superior antitheft and towaway protection. I do like the audible beep confirmation and the blinking light, but $300-500 is an awful lot for just that.

BMW0 · 03-28-2006, 11:56 AM

What! You have comfort access, you lucky duckling.

alan001 · 03-28-2006, 12:14 PM

Thanks for all the responses, I probably won't end up getting it since it does not seem really necessary for me. Thanks for all the input. BTW, I love this car...it's awesome.

CALIF65GM · 03-28-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZuerstBMW

So if you dont have the alarm, your car lights wont blink or chirp?

No it won't chirp or blink.

pmacino · 03-29-2006, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CALIF65GM

No it won't chirp or blink.

Mine blink without the alarm. Just no chirp.

croaker · 03-29-2006, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmacino

Mine blink without the alarm. Just no chirp.

Yeah they blink

pmacino · 03-29-2006, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZuerstBMW

So they blink, but dont chirp? Can someone confirm this? thanx

What's there to confirm? I have a 330i E90 with no alarm. It blinks when locked, it does not chirp.

kickpoint · 03-29-2006, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90 Enthusiast

audible beep confirmation

What does this sound like? It's not the horn honking or anything cheesy like that is it? Is it the typical BMW whistle?

davinet78 · 03-29-2006, 04:29 AM

i think that it should be standard in a car of this class

LEDZEP · 03-29-2006, 06:41 AM

No one else can answer this question for you. It's like asking "should I lock my house at night?" or "do I really need homeowner's insurance... I don't have a fireplace" or "my girlfriend says she's clean and on the pill, should I still use some protection?"

There are some questions that you just need to answer for yourself.

SoYank · 03-30-2006, 03:25 PM

My 2006 330i doesn't have the alarm. It's a dealer installed option. I chose not to get it because the car pretty much protects itself. Comparing the insurance with vs. without, I'd have to keep the car for 50 years in order to recoup the $500 cost.

Love the car. Best 40 grand I ever spent.

Nikki · 03-30-2006, 03:47 PM

It has other means of protection that are more important. An audible alarm is basically useless.

BellasBmw · 03-30-2006, 03:49 PM

Sorry but no one pays attention when a car alarm is going off.

I would save the money- thats why im paying insurance. And yes the lights blink when you lock the car

JB 330ci · 03-30-2006, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellasBmw

Sorry but no one pays attention when a car alarm is going off.

I would save the money- thats why im paying insurance. And yes the lights blink when you lock the car

Yes, even when you hear a car alarm you just turn and notice...now if you notice a very suspicious individual than yea someone would call the cops but car alarms go off everywhere so people just glance at the suspect car ruining their cell phone conversation.

one3 · 03-30-2006, 05:18 PM

Not sure if 'blinking' maybe was in regards to the 'clownnose' on the rear view mirror. But to restate:

If you DO NOT HAVE the alarm:
- turn signal lights blink when you lock the car
- there is no 'chirp' when you lock the car
- the clownnose does not blink once the car is locked

If you HAVE the alarm:
- turn signal lights blink when you lock the car
- there is a 'chirp' when you lock the car
- the clownnoose does blink once the car is locked.

** these are the 'default' settings ... i think some can be changed via iDrive .... BUT you cannot have the clownnose blink if you have no alarm installed.

Is that too much information?

JamieA · 03-30-2006, 05:18 PM

I didn't get the alarm - I think it should be standard. No one takes note of them any more, the E90 is hard to steal, and my car is normally parked in secure parking.

My lights blink, it is a configurable option if you have iDrive. You don't really need a chirp because you can hear the locks activating, and I don't like chirping anyway....

rebelfocus · 03-30-2006, 05:28 PM

Alarm is standard in most European countries.
However, cars don't chirp over here anymore on lock. I think this is due to european noise polution regulations. I have always found the alarm chirp a bit cheesy anyway so don't miss that.

03-30-2006, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieA

. . . I don't like chirping anyway....

I hate alarm chirping too, but the E90 alarm chirp is subtle and classy.

I also agree that an alarm should definitely be included -- BMW should be ashamed.

03-28-2006, 11:21 AM	#1
alan001 New Member 1 Rep 6 Posts Drives: BMW 330i Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Is the alarm necessary or not? Hello Everyone, Just got my new 2006 330i a week ago: Titanium Silver Burl Walnut Trim Comfort Acess Premium Sport Navigation I live in Los Angeles and my car is usually either parked in my apartment complex's gated garage or at work. Is it worth getting the factory alarm installed and how much should I be paying?
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03-28-2006, 11:31 AM	#2
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Without the alarm, the car is pretty hard to steal (short of flatbedding the car away of course) ... the alarm adds additional protection for the interior and includes motion sensor. Don't pay more than $500 for OEM alarm and install...for you reference my CA asked for $425 without much fuss...so its doable. Btw BMW assist adds the element of tracking... __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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03-28-2006, 11:41 AM	#3
Gitta Kelly's 330i 11 Rep 413 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: E PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i (current ... [0.00] 2006 330i (new) [0.00] 2006 330i (interior) [0.00]	Nice car, congrats! I don't have the alarm but my car is rarely parked in public places. __________________ '06 330ix \| 6MT \| TS-BDL-BW \| ZSP \| ZPP \| heated seats \|... mods \| cf splitters painted TiAg \| spoiler \| blacklines \| short shift knob \| cf trim \| *** winter setup: 17" ASA JH3 & Dunlop WinterSport M3 DSST * . '01 325xi \| auto \| TS-GDL-BW \| ZPP \| heated seats \|........... mods** \| spoiler \| mudguards \| blackout grills \| clear lights \| halo projector headlights \|
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03-28-2006, 11:44 AM	#4
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	It's not necessary unless you live in a bad neigborhood or drive to sketchy areas but it should be standard damnit! (ranting again :/) __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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03-28-2006, 11:48 AM	#5
E90 Enthusiast Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Missouri iTrader: (0)	Even though I have the alarm, I don't think it's necessary because of BMW's superior antitheft and towaway protection. I do like the audible beep confirmation and the blinking light, but $300-500 is an awful lot for just that. __________________ 9/13/05 ED - 325i SG / Terra / Burl / PP / SP / CWP / iDrive / Step / Logic7 / 35% Tint / Blacklines
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03-28-2006, 11:56 AM	#6
BMW0 Colonel 237 Rep 2,059 Posts Drives: AW E90 330i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Spokane, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	What! You have comfort access, you lucky duckling. __________________ 330i 6MT l 255 HP @ 5900 rpm 214 lb-ft Torque @ 3500 rpm l Alpine White l Beige l Aluminum l ZSP l 494 l PDC "Freude am Fahren" = "Joy to Drive"
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03-28-2006, 12:14 PM	#7
alan001 New Member 1 Rep 6 Posts Drives: BMW 330i Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the responses, I probably won't end up getting it since it does not seem really necessary for me. Thanks for all the input. BTW, I love this car...it's awesome.
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03-29-2006, 04:29 AM	#13
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	i think that it should be standard in a car of this class __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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03-29-2006, 06:41 AM	#14
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	No one else can answer this question for you. It's like asking "should I lock my house at night?" or "do I really need homeowner's insurance... I don't have a fireplace" or "my girlfriend says she's clean and on the pill, should I still use some protection?" There are some questions that you just need to answer for yourself. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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03-30-2006, 03:25 PM	#15
SoYank Major General 571 Rep 7,519 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i MT Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vinton, Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW E90 335i S ... [9.00]	My 2006 330i doesn't have the alarm. It's a dealer installed option. I chose not to get it because the car pretty much protects itself. Comparing the insurance with vs. without, I'd have to keep the car for 50 years in order to recoup the $500 cost. Love the car. Best 40 grand I ever spent.
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03-30-2006, 03:47 PM	#16
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	It has other means of protection that are more important. An audible alarm is basically useless. __________________ Nikki
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03-30-2006, 03:49 PM	#17
BellasBmw If love is the answer,please rephrase the question 315 Rep 1,731 Posts Drives: Tit Silver 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Sorry but no one pays attention when a car alarm is going off. I would save the money- thats why im paying insurance. And yes the lights blink when you lock the car __________________ ~~BellasBmw~~ Proud mama to 325i/TiAg/Black lette/Pwr seats/Sirius/Sport/Walnut/Step/Xenons/Chrome exhaust/20% tint
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03-30-2006, 05:18 PM	#19
one3 Private 0 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	Not sure if 'blinking' maybe was in regards to the 'clownnose' on the rear view mirror. But to restate: If you DO NOT HAVE the alarm: - turn signal lights blink when you lock the car - there is no 'chirp' when you lock the car - the clownnose does not blink once the car is locked If you HAVE the alarm: - turn signal lights blink when you lock the car - there is a 'chirp' when you lock the car - the clownnoose does blink once the car is locked. ** these are the 'default' settings ... i think some can be changed via iDrive .... BUT you cannot have the clownnose blink if you have no alarm installed. Is that too much information? __________________ ----------------------- 2006 BMW 325i -----------------------
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03-30-2006, 05:18 PM	#20
JamieA Colonel 93 Rep 2,168 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Adelaide, Australia iTrader: (0)	I didn't get the alarm - I think it should be standard. No one takes note of them any more, the E90 is hard to steal, and my car is normally parked in secure parking. My lights blink, it is a configurable option if you have iDrive. You don't really need a chirp because you can hear the locks activating, and I don't like chirping anyway.... __________________ '05 E90 325i \| '06 E90 325i \| '08 E90 325i LCI \| '13 F30 328i M-Sport \| '14 F10 535d M-Sport Current: '19 G01 X3 M40i
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03-30-2006, 05:28 PM	#21
rebelfocus Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 282 Posts Drives: 520d SE Touring Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cork, Ireland iTrader: (0)	Alarm is standard in most European countries. However, cars don't chirp over here anymore on lock. I think this is due to european noise polution regulations. I have always found the alarm chirp a bit cheesy anyway so don't miss that.
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