BMW Security and Alarm System versus Default alarm system

[vimal]

Hi,

I know that the 3 series comes with a default alarm/security system.

There is also a dealer installed option of "BMW Security and Alarm System " which is additional $450+. What is the difference with the default and this added option?

Thanks

[markl53]

Hi,

I know that the 3 series comes with a default alarm/security system.

There is also a dealer installed option of "BMW Security and Alarm System " which is additional $450+. What is the difference with the default and this added option?

Thanks
To my knowledge, there is no "default" security system. I just bought my '05 330i and had the dealer install the BMW alarm. The car is pre-wired for the alarm, but that's it. Other posters have stated that the alarm is available at various dealers for about $240 I believe, and there's some DIY instructions. I decided to let the dealer do it to avoid any related hassles.

[vimal]

To my knowledge, there is no "default" security system. I just bought my '05 330i and had the dealer install the BMW alarm. The car is pre-wired for the alarm, but that's it. Other posters have stated that the alarm is available at various dealers for about $240 I believe, and there's some DIY instructions. I decided to let the dealer do it to avoid any related hassles.

So you mean to say that by default the only security on the car, is that its doors/steering wheel are locked with a key? That's it?

[STEVE46]

So you mean to say that by default the only security on the car, is that its doors/steering wheel are locked with a key? That's it?

No. All BMWs have Coded Driveaway Protection. Your keys have computer chips in them that are coded to your car and prevent "hotwiring". That is the "basic" security system. BMW also sells an alarm system which will sound a siren and flash the lights if someone tries to break into the car.

[Orient330Ci]

I think that's the case, vim.
You hit the lock button, doors lock, and the red light blinks on the mirror. I think the red light is more of a deterent.

But I was under the impression that the horn and lights would go off if the car was forced open. Don't know if that's true or not. I'm pretty sure there's something in the manual about the security system.

(…or…What Steve said…)

[vimal]

I think that's the case, vim.
You hit the lock button, doors lock, and the red light blinks on the mirror. I think the red light is more of a deterent.

But I was under the impression that the horn and lights would go off if the car was forced open. Don't know if that's true or not. I'm pretty sure there's something in the manual about the security system.

(…or…What Steve said…)

From 325 manual...

Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the luggage compartment lid is opened
>To movement inside the vehicle – interior motion sensor
>To variations in the vehicle's tilt angle such as those occurring during attempts to steal the wheels or tow the vehicle – tilt alarm sensor
>To interruption of battery voltage.

The system responds to unauthorized vehicle entry and attempted theft by simultaneously activating the following:
>The acoustic alarm sounds for 30 seconds
>The hazard warning flashers are activated for approx. five minutes
>The high beams flash on and off in rhythm with the hazard warning flashers.

So this is the optional dealer installed system I guess.

Steve, when you say ...

"BMW also sells an alarm system which will sound a siren and flash the lights if someone tries to break into the car."

you are talking about the optional dealer installed system, right?

The folowing I got from http://www.bmwworld.com/models/years/2005/3er.htm

Standard security features include –

(1)Coded Driveaway Protection, a rolling-code immobilizer system proven to reduce the probability of theft
(2)A central locking system with double-lock anti-theft feature to hinder the opening of doors even if a thief breaks a window
(3)Pathway Lighting, which via the headlight flasher switch activates the headlights and interior lights for 40 seconds.


So it looks like the I just mentioned the (2)
This (1) is what mentioned by Steve I guess.
By reading the description, I understand that if someone tries to use other key, or breakin the car, it just freezes and doesn't start the engine or move. I really don't know how it works internally exactly.

[vimal]

From 325 manual...

Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the luggage compartment lid is opened
>To movement inside the vehicle – interior motion sensor
>To variations in the vehicle's tilt angle such as those occurring during attempts to steal the wheels or tow the vehicle – tilt alarm sensor
>To interruption of battery voltage.

The system responds to unauthorized vehicle entry and attempted theft by simultaneously activating the following:
>The acoustic alarm sounds for 30 seconds
>The hazard warning flashers are activated for approx. five minutes
>The high beams flash on and off in rhythm with the hazard warning flashers.

So this is the optional dealer installed system I guess.

Steve, when you say ...

"BMW also sells an alarm system which will sound a siren and flash the lights if someone tries to break into the car."

you are talking about the optional dealer installed system, right?

The folowing I got from http://www.bmwworld.com/models/years/2005/3er.htm

Standard security features include –

(1)Coded Driveaway Protection, a rolling-code immobilizer system proven to reduce the probability of theft
(2)A central locking system with double-lock anti-theft feature to hinder the opening of doors even if a thief breaks a window
(3)Pathway Lighting, which via the headlight flasher switch activates the headlights and interior lights for 40 seconds.


So it looks like the I just mentioned the (2)
This (1) is what mentioned by Steve I guess.
By reading the description, I understand that if someone tries to use other key, or breakin the car, it just freezes and doesn't start the engine or move. I really don't know how it works internally exactly.


Also...

For vehicle security, BMW's Coded Driveaway Protection system electronically locks the engine when you remove the key from the ignition. The engine will only start with one of the special keys, embedded with a computer chip and coded for your car alone.

http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/100015936/section/all

[Orient330Ci]

…the beauty of research

[markl53]

I think that's the case, vim.
You hit the lock button, doors lock, and the red light blinks on the mirror. I think the red light is more of a deterent.

But I was under the impression that the horn and lights would go off if the car was forced open. Don't know if that's true or not. I'm pretty sure there's something in the manual about the security system.

(…or…What Steve said…)
There's been a lot of recent discussion as to whether the dealer can program the red light (aka "clown nose") to flash without having the alarm installed. Some say it is not possible on 2005's -- others say the dealers just don't want to do this because if the owner then does DIY alarm install, they might not have to have it activated. Most people say dealers charge $45-60 for activating a self-installed OEM alarm.

There's no lights flashing, horn blowing without the optional alarm being installed. With the alarm installed, then you get a siren and lights flashing (as per the owner's manual description).

[zoofa]

Also...

For vehicle security, BMW's Coded Driveaway Protection system electronically locks the engine when you remove the key from the ignition. The engine will only start with one of the special keys, embedded with a computer chip and coded for your car alone.

http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/100015936/section/all

not to sound like an idiot here, but the valet key can be used for driving, no? and it's just a shiitty little piece of plastic, no chips in there. I know there's a chip in the regular keys, but how does the valet key disable the coded driveaway protection?

[Eduardo]

not to sound like an idiot here, but the valet key can be used for driving, no? and it's just a shiitty little piece of plastic, no chips in there. I know there's a chip in the regular keys, but how does the valet key disable the coded driveaway protection?

Good question. I've wondered about that. But if you look at the valet key, its just not "a shiity (sic) little piece of plastic". It you look at it closely you will notice that it seems pretty well made and not made of low grade plastic. I frankly would not be surprised if it did, in fact; contain a microchip in there. :dunno:

[doeboy]

not to sound like an idiot here, but the valet key can be used for driving, no? and it's just a shiitty little piece of plastic, no chips in there. I know there's a chip in the regular keys, but how does the valet key disable the coded driveaway protection?

I believe there is a chip in there... if you look carefully at the tip of the key you might be able to see a metal contact peeking out of the plastic... I can see it on mine...

[BlackOnBlack]

I believe there is a chip in there... if you look carefully at the tip of the key you might be able to see a metal contact peeking out of the plastic... I can see it on mine...

There is a chip in the plastic valet key. At least that's what the sales guy told me. The chips generally activate by a low grade electromagnetic field that provides the energy to pull the ID number off the chip. The chips themselves are very small so it could easily fit in that plastic key.

[shizat63]

A few words on the alarm & security

1- The E46 does not come with any alarm, you have to order it like the CD changer

2- yes, the dealer can program the clown nose to flash, my '05 was done by the dealer

3- If the clown nose is programmed to flash, there will be no alarm b/c you don't have the siren

4- If you install the alarm after the dealer activates the clown nose, you still have to activate the alarm in the computer. I know this b/c I installed the alarm and my car beeps on lock/unlock but I can't set the alarm off.

5- Don't keep the spare key in the car (obvious). If they don't have the key, they walk

6- Replace the driver's door lock with a painted Euro one from bimmian.com (very very easy to do). If you live in NY/NJ/CT this is a must!

7- Have the dealer program the alarm to go off if the door is opened without the remote disabling the alarm. This is a must if you don't go with step 6

8- Unscrew your 'Home Depot' bolt clutch stop a couple turns if you're really paranoid (or you don't want your wifey taking the Bimmer :eeps: )

[markl53]

A few words on the alarm & security

7- Have the dealer program the alarm to go off if the door is opened without the remote disabling the alarm. This is a must if you don't go with step 6

Just in case anyone is confused, I think you mean, have the option set the so that ONLY the remote can disable the alarm, and not the key. The default is that the alarm can be disabled with the key or the remote. (Right?)

[shizat63]

Just in case anyone is confused, I think you mean, have the option set the so that ONLY the remote can disable the alarm, and not the key. The default is that the alarm can be disabled with the key or the remote. (Right?)

Sorry :) allow me to clarify

They can pop the lock with a flat head screwdriver and unlock the door by turning the mechanism without setting off the alarm. Have the dealer program the alarm so that it may only be disabled by the remote and not the key cylinder. By default they don't do this.