No clown nose without alarm?

[BigBoris]

Just got back from the dealer (BMW of Bellevue) getting my keys programmed. They set all of the options I wanted but insisted that it is impossible to set the clown nose to flash without having the alarm installed. Based on my research in this forum this is not true. Has the software changed recently to disallow this or are they full of it?

Thanks,
Boris.

[URL8]

The said the same thing when I got my 03 330Ci programmed. So I asked them to set the turn signals to flash when I lock/unlock the doors. Now, the clown nose blinks when I lock the doors. :dunno:

[Bobby 325i]

There has been tons of discussions about this topic. Yes, the clown nose can be programmed to blink without having an alarm. BMW doesn't really like to program it though.

[wingspan]

Just got back from the dealer getting my keys programmed. They set all of the options I wanted but insisted that it is impossible to set the clown nose to flash without having the alarm installed. Based on my research in this forum this is not true. Has the software changed recently to disallow this or are they full of it?

Thanks,
Boris.


Full of it.

Find another dealer.

[Elwood]

The said the same thing when I got my 03 330Ci programmed. So I asked them to set the turn signals to flash when I lock/unlock the doors. Now, the clown nose blinks when I lock the doors. :dunno:
What he said.

On delivery that was all I asked. The result, the cown nose blinks :dunno:

[slee421]

yes they can, when they did it for me, they didnt seem to have any problems doing it. in fact they had a checklist of all the programable options and i went down the list with what i did and didnt want programed.

[Fifty_Cent]

yes they can, when they did it for me, they didnt seem to have any problems doing it. in fact they had a checklist of all the programable options and i went down the list with what i did and didnt want programed.
This is so weird. My BMW specialist has a GT1. We tried having the blinking nose activated, but, instead, the turn lights blinked only when I was closing the doors(not when I was opening them.

So strange.

And the blinking nose NEVER blinked.


I have followed the procedure described by many web sites.

(CAR MEMORY, ALARM SETTINGS- ACTIVATION WITHOUT DWA)

[bmw330zhpfan]

How about some internal BMW Service Bulletins that detail the activation of the Acknowledgement w/o DWA (E46 only)?

Indicator lamps blink once on lock and twice on unlock.

Pay particular attention to attachment 2, page one. Bottom of the table.

BMW approves of this programming regardless of the fault stored in the GM.

Had a neighbor with an E46 that after seeing my car exhibit this feature returned to the dealer and had his coded as well.

Good luck and find a knowledgable dealer as that's a bunch cr@p.

[Fifty_Cent]

How about some internal BMW Service Bulletins that detail the activation of the Acknowledgement w/o DWA (E46 only)?

Indicator lamps blink once on lock and twice on unlock.

Pay particular attention to attachment 2, page one. Bottom of the table.

BMW approves of this programming regardless of the fault stored in the GM.

Had a neighbor with an E46 that after seeing my car exhibit this feature returned to the dealer and had his coded as well.

Good luck and find a knowledgable dealer as that's a bunch cr@p.Hm, nice info that is.
Problem is that I have tried to program it, and it still does not respond well to the Acknolwledgement without DWA.
Strange.

It only blinks once when I lock it, and none when I unlock it. Blinking nose is not working as well....

Maybe Acknowledgement without DWA must be combined with some other setting to work???

Also, it says in the manual that "
If active is selected, locking/unlocking of

a vehicle is confirmed by a brief blinking

of turn signals.Note: fault code 07 anti-theft alarm

systemwill be set in the GM module."

When I program it, it doesnt do that....

Really strange this one.....!!!!!

Hm.............:confused:

[bmw330zhpfan]

Does your GT1 (is that the term for the programming computer for BMW's?) have the latest software?

I work in the auto industry and have "subscriptions" for a TEcII (General Motors Interface Computer) and a DRBII (DaimlerChrysler Scan Tool) that must be maintained with periodic updates or it will not feature all the programming options required.

Just a thought....

[Fifty_Cent]

Does your GT1 (is that the term for the programming computer for BMW's?) have the latest software?

I work in the auto industry and have "subscriptions" for a TEcII (General Motors Interface Computer) and a DRBII (DaimlerChrysler Scan Tool) that must be maintained with periodic updates or it will not feature all the programming options required.

Just a thought....Yeap.....It has all software upgrades. I performed alot of testing on with that machine. Also, I did some car/key memory changes on some cars.

I simply cannot get round that "blinking nose" thing...(acknowledgement without DWA)

I select it, follow all the computers instructions, but then, it simply works half way!
Side repeaters blink once when locking, none when unlocking.

This is not so good, is it?????

I have tried it sevelar times, with no result.

Maybe its some other setting that is preventing this.

[DC330i]

Just got back from the dealer getting my keys programmed. They set all of the options I wanted but insisted that it is impossible to set the clown nose to flash without having the alarm installed. Based on my research in this forum this is not true. Has the software changed recently to disallow this or are they full of it?

Thanks,
Boris.
I just had mine ('04 330i) programmed to do this last week, but my Client Advisor -- who not only knows about this feature but is the one who suggested that I have it done when I got my first BMW ('03 325i) last August -- told me that it looks like the software has changed and that BMW is phasing this option out. He was pretty surprised. The service department was able to do it, but they had to search to find an old code (or something to that effect) before they could get it to work. It took them awhile to find it. So, I don't know if going to another dealer will help, but you might tell them that the codes are in there somewhere.

[RKT BMR]

Yeap.....It has all software upgrades. I performed alot of testing on with that machine. Also, I did some car/key memory changes on some cars.

I simply cannot get round that "blinking nose" thing...(acknowledgement without DWA)

I select it, follow all the computers instructions, but then, it simply works half way!
Side repeaters blink once when locking, none when unlocking.

This is not so good, is it?????

I have tried it sevelar times, with no result.

Maybe its some other setting that is preventing this.I'm really confused, 50cent... Based on your postings about coolant mix, I inferred you were an ordinary Joe like the rest of us, not a BMW tech.

Yet the statements above imply some extraordinary access to a GT1, and some knowlege about how to use it with the car. Something that, at least everywhere but Cyprus (:D ) isn't allowed for ordinary Joes by dealers and pretty much everyone else that has one.

Can you elaborate on how you seem to have access to a GT1 to play with at will? Surely you didn't buy one, did you? :yikes:

[Fifty_Cent]

I'm really confused, 50cent... Based on your postings about coolant mix, I inferred you were an ordinary Joe like the rest of us, not a BMW tech.

Yet the statements above imply some extraordinary access to a GT1, and some knowlege about how to use it with the car. Something that, at least everywhere but Cyprus (:D ) isn't allowed for ordinary Joes by dealers and pretty much everyone else that has one.

Can you elaborate on how you seem to have access to a GT1 to play with at will? Surely you didn't buy one, did you? :yikes::rofl: :rofl:

[BigBoris]

I just had mine ('04 330i) programmed to do this last week, but my Client Advisor -- who not only knows about this feature but is the one who suggested that I have it done when I got my first BMW ('03 325i) last August -- told me that it looks like the software has changed and that BMW is phasing this option out. He was pretty surprised. The service department was able to do it, but they had to search to find an old code (or something to that effect) before they could get it to work. It took them awhile to find it. So, I don't know if going to another dealer will help, but you might tell them that the codes are in there somewhere.
Just got back from the dealer again. They insist that since they've received an updated version of the key memory software from BMW that they can't set the lights to flash on lock (and hence no clown nose) without an alarm. The service advisor printed out the menu choices from their system to show me that this wasn't even an option they have.

So... do you have any info on how your dealer was able to do it? Where did you get this done?

Unfortunately I need to get my driveway repaired and so I have to park on the street for a couple of months. Would really like to have the clown nose flash...

Thanks!

[Hattori Hanzo]

:rofl: :rofl:

Maybe I can meet some chicks off this Forum if I changed my location from Bakersfield, CA to Florence Italy! :bigpimp:

[Salvator]

Unfortunately I need to get my driveway repaired and so I have to park on the street for a couple of months. Would really like to have the clown nose flash...
If all you want is a flashing red light, my guess is that just about any stereo shop could rig one up for low $$$... Also check out some of the BMW aftermarket catalogs, as they carry some items that might be able to be retrofitted... Or even JC Whitney!

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/c-10101/s-10101/p-162836/mediaCode-ZX/appId-386058

[MicahO]

Just got back from the dealer again. They insist that since they've received an updated version of the key memory software from BMW that they can't set the lights to flash on lock (and hence no clown nose) without an alarm. The service advisor printed out the menu choices from their system to show me that this wasn't even an option they have.

So... do you have any info on how your dealer was able to do it? Where did you get this done?

Unfortunately I need to get my driveway repaired and so I have to park on the street for a couple of months. Would really like to have the clown nose flash...

Thanks!

Use this document as a guideline and bring it with you to the dealership. It's possible, though many of the techs need to be walked through it. Others will say "Oh, yeah, no problem." Luck of the draw......

http://www.bmwnation.com/tech/glossary/carkeyconfig.pdf

[bluewater41]

I just called Tischer BMW here in MD and asked them if they could program all these options and they knew exactly what I was talking about. I then called Russel BMW, whom I bought my car from and they said they had no idea how to do it and no one has ever asked for them to do that. I find it hard to believe that one dealership knew just what I was talking about and the other was clueless. In any case, Tischer is not too far from me, so I'm going to make an appointment and have them do this.

For those who have had this done, did they charge you for it and how long did it take? They were talling me it would take them about half an hour and it would be about $40. Seems a little shady to me. Anyways, thanks for the info guys.

Ryan

[Scotes]

Ryan - If you do some searching you'll find that $40-70 is the generally accepted fair price for them to do some car/key programming - anything more and they're taking you for a ride. Time wise it'll only take them 15 minutes or so but they will hit you for a half hour. Some dealers will do it for free (or free if you're already in for something) but I think they're few and far between.

[Salvator]

Ryan - If you do some searching you'll find that $40-70 is the generally accepted fair price for them to do some car/key programming - anything more and they're taking you for a ride. Time wise it'll only take them 15 minutes or so but they will hit you for a half hour. Some dealers will do it for free (or free if you're already in for something) but I think they're few and far between.
:stupid:

[AlexM520]

Use this document as a guideline and bring it with you to the dealership. It's possible, though many of the techs need to be walked through it. Others will say "Oh, yeah, no problem." Luck of the draw......

http://www.bmwnation.com/tech/glossary/carkeyconfig.pdf

Hi Boris,

The dealer did it for me for free during delivery of on my 330Ci 2003. I took a printed copy of BMW Nation webpage: http://www.bmwnation.com/tech/glossary/tech_3carkeycfg_01.html >> scroll down the webpage (the same one that MicahO posted above), gave it to my salesman and told him I want this done before I take delivery and I don't want to hear any excuses ... since it was printed in black and white it can be done. When I picked up my car the Clown nose was working perfectly without the alarm and I did not hear a word from my salesman or anyone else.

Definetely can be done AND worth it.

AlexM520

[BigBoris]

Hi Boris,

The dealer did it for me for free during delivery of on my 330Ci 2003. I took a printed copy of BMW Nation webpage: http://www.bmwnation.com/tech/glossary/tech_3carkeycfg_01.html >> scroll down the webpage (the same one that MicahO posted above), gave it to my salesman and told him I want this done before I take delivery and I don't want to hear any excuses ... since it was printed in black and white it can be done. When I picked up my car the Clown nose was working perfectly without the alarm and I did not hear a word from my salesman or anyone else.

Definetely can be done AND worth it.

AlexM520
Bellevue BMW claims that they used to be able to do it but the software changed recently and now they can't. I have the service manager at Seattle BMW looking into it. I emailed him the same document and he seems genuinely interested in helping me out. If they can do it and Bellevue can't that tells me that the Bellevue dealer is one of two things: 1. incompetent (they should know their stuff, right?) or 2. deceptive (they want me to pay them to install an alarm...). Either way it's not good.

[Scotes]

Forgot to mention in my earlier post - when you are purchasing your BMW new (not certain if this applies to Pre-Owned Certified purchases) you are supposed to be entitled to having the car/key memory settings programmed for free. Note this does not specifically include the clown nose but asking for the lights to blink (listed on the sheet), which is a setting, basically turns the clown nose on (I believe).

[Salvator]

Forgot to mention in my earlier post - when you are purchasing your BMW new (not certain if this applies to Pre-Owned Certified purchases) you are supposed to be entitled to having the car/key memory settings programmed for free. Note this does not specifically include the clown nose but asking for the lights to blink (listed on the sheet), which is a setting, basically turns the clown nose on (I believe).
When I bought my car CPO, this service was provided free of charge, as part of delivery... My dealer (BMW of Sterling) actually did a really nice job at delivery... bow on the hood, red carpet beside the drivers door, all cleaned and detailed... it really did look good as new (of course it only had 9K on it at the time, so effectively, it was new...) :thumbup:

[BoyScout]

If you look at the BMW Service Bulletin 09 03 98 that was poster farther up on this page by bmw330zhpfan, it specifically says:

"The customer should not be charged for the coding. Individualizing your customer's vehicle is an important contribution to a positive customer experience."

So in my opinion, if your dealer wants to charge you, find another dealer. Don't get suckered into paying your dealer for a service that BMW specifies is free.

[LeucX3]

dealers vary. the place i bought mine from cant' even program my car to automatically lock when i drive off. :mad:

[BigBoris]

dealers vary. the place i bought mine from cant' even program my car to automatically lock when i drive off. :mad:
It is my understanding that doing this programming is not hard. The fact that they can't do it right wouldn't make me feel all that confident in other work (maintenance, etc.) that they may do for me. If I was leasing it wouldn't matter as much but since I bought my car it's longevity is important to me.

[Hattori Hanzo]

Hey Boy Scout, I purchased mein auto at Newport Beach. Have you used their service? The salesman didn't know much about programming the keys. I had to ask for the forms.

[DC330i]

Just got back from the dealer again. They insist that since they've received an updated version of the key memory software from BMW that they can't set the lights to flash on lock (and hence no clown nose) without an alarm. The service advisor printed out the menu choices from their system to show me that this wasn't even an option they have.

So... do you have any info on how your dealer was able to do it? Where did you get this done?

Unfortunately I need to get my driveway repaired and so I have to park on the street for a couple of months. Would really like to have the clown nose flash...

Thanks!

Sorry, I don't know what they did. All I know is the CA said they tech had to look under a different (older?) menu option to find it. I had this done at BMW of Sterling in Sterling, VA. Their number is 571-434-1944. You might give them a call or have your tech call them.

[swchang]

If you look at the BMW Service Bulletin 09 03 98 that was poster farther up on this page by bmw330zhpfan, it specifically says:

"The customer should not be charged for the coding. Individualizing your customer's vehicle is an important contribution to a positive customer experience."

So in my opinion, if your dealer wants to charge you, find another dealer. Don't get suckered into paying your dealer for a service that BMW specifies is free.

I think they mean that the first-time coding, upon delivery, is free. If you never got a coding, or it wasn't done the way you want it, it should be free, IMO. However, anytime afterwards seems fair game for charges...

My advice is to buddy up to your CA (and your SA, if you see him/her enough), and maybe they'll do it for free for you in the future. Sean Su always did mine for free, but I heard he left Fairfax. :cry:

[BoyScout]

Hey Boy Scout, I purchased mein auto at Newport Beach. Have you used their service? The salesman didn't know much about programming the keys. I had to ask for the forms.
I bought mine at Crevier BMW in Irvine, so I have not had any experience with the Newport Beach dealer. Currently my car is on a ship somewhere between Germany and California, so when it comes in I'll have to see how it goes with the programming.

[sniper6182]

interesting...after reading this thread last week, i was inspired to bring my car to the dealer to give it a shot....brought it in a few days ago near the end of the day and they said they coudlnt do it b/c the service peopel were gone....so they told me to come in this morning...and i did...keep in mind i had already been to the dealer once to get my keys programmed...however, i didn't chek the box that makes your lights blink when u lock and unlock because i was under the impression that it only applies to cars w/ an alarm installed....but they said they can make the side markers, rear signal lights and front signal lights blink....so i dropped my car off, came back 30min later...and what do u know...they got all those lights to blink...AND my clown nose is blinking in the garage right now as im typing this (it blinks on and off when the car is locked)...im a happy camper...thanks guys....


and by the way it was FREE!!!.....and i also found out from one of the salesman, while i was browsing the lot waiting for them to pull my car up, that my dealer (JOHN ROBERTS BMW OF AUSTIN) is the #3 dealership in the Nation...behind some dealer in california and another in miami???....in terms of customer satisfaction and sales volume...it's a combination of a bunch of things...not sure how they rate it...

[fosto]

[QUOTE=sniper6182]after reading this thread last week, i was inspired to bring my car to the dealer to give it a shot.......they got all those lights to blink...AND my clown nose is blinking in the garage right now as im typing this....[QUOTE]

Has anyone had good or bad experiences with this at a dealer in the SF bay area? BMW of SF is real close-by but I'd be glad to drive a few xtra miles to avoid a hassel if someone has found that they can't get it right. :thumbup:

[marcio]

Just came back from New Century BMW. There was no problem whatsoever having this done on my MY2003. And it was free.

[mjames]

My dealer, BMW of Sterling, said this wasn't possible without the alarm over the phone. Oh well, I'm getting the alarm installed next week... :p

[swchang]

My dealer, BMW of Sterling, said this wasn't possible without the alarm over the phone. Oh well, I'm getting the alarm installed next week... :p

My friend bought a 325i a couple weeks ago from Fairfax. Without asking for it, his car came with the clown nose programmed to blink.

[BigBoris]

Well just got back from Seattle BMW. 15 minutes after I gave them the car the programming was complete and the clown nose was blinking. 20 minutes after that the car was washed and vacuumeed. No problem at all and no charge.

This contrasts with two separate trips to BMW Bellevue and over two hours of my time for them to claim that this was impossible.

[swchang]

Well just got back from Seattle BMW. 15 minutes after I gave them the car the programming was complete and the clown nose was blinking. 20 minutes after that the car was washed and vacuumeed. No problem at all and no charge.

This contrasts with two separate trips to BMW Bellevue and over two hours of my time for them to claim that this was impossible.

So BMW Bellevue is where you bought the car, but Seattle BMW was willing to do it for free anyway? What'd you say? Just explain that you just bought the car but the other dealership was incompetent?

[BigBoris]

So BMW Bellevue is where you bought the car, but Seattle BMW was willing to do it for free anyway? What'd you say? Just explain that you just bought the car but the other dealership was incompetent?
That's pretty much how it went. I spoke to their service manager and he really made me feel like he wanted my business. I was actually willing to pay a nominal fee to get this done but Seattle BMW were willing to accomodate me to gain a new service customer and I think they've succeeded.

It's actually a little bit disappointing as we had a good purchase experience at BMW Bellevue. We did ED and everything was handled competently and professionally. I would not hesitate to recommend our salesperson (Dave Skipworth) to a friend or to people here.