Alarm system for my 2012 320i?

Hello there!

I'm a new owner of a 20120 320i, and when I asked the dealer about an alarm system, their response was it doesn't have one, and they can't put a factory one in this model (even if I pay), and that I would be able to get an after market one myself.

Having never had an alarm system on a car before, I'm not quite clear on how to go about this. Can anyone recommend which alarm system I should purchase? Should I attempt to install it myself, or have a mechanic do so? And will it be possible to have it armed when I lock the car with my existing BMW electronic key lock? Or would I need to carry a new set just for the alarm...

Thanks very much!
Simon

It's a factory option but I don't know how difficult it a to retrofit

AFAIK you can't retrofit the alarm system like on other models. The key fobs do not have the alarm button in them.

Don't worry about adding an alarm. Is there some pressing reason you feel it's necessary even though you've never had one before?

Granted, i know your car is an F30. I suspect it is the same story that i give for an E90 below.

Only cars getting factory alarm are properly wired to add the alarm system components. E90 runs wiring through the head liner and other very difficult places to disassemble. Prior to 2009, all E90s had the wiring so adding the system was simple. But after a certain build date, this all changed. I researched this when i found a 2011 w/o alarm. It was going to be $1500 labor plus parts to add the alarm. So, i walked on the car and found another with the convenience package which included the alarm system.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. For now, I'll go without the alarm and cross my fingers that it will be fine. I have to park the car in an unsecured space which was the main reason for wanting the alarm, but it sounds too complicated to get one installed at this point.