key programming options?

hey, i'm very new to the forum. i got delivery on a new 325xi last wed. i didn't have time to ask the dealer abou the key programming b/c they were an hour late on the delivery. anyway, my car only has the premium package and heated deats. i had the $700 version of lojack installed. i'm wondering if there's some sort of signal that the car has when i lock or unlock the doors. right now the interior lights light up when the car is unlocked, but nothing happens when i unlock the car. is it possible to get the car to chrip or blink when i lock the car? i don't have a security system. the service guy at my local bmw said it won't chirp or blink if i don't have the alarm system. but the manual says there are different signals to signify that the car has been locked.

Originally Posted by Mantis806

hey, i'm very new to the forum. i got delivery on a new 325xi last wed. i didn't have time to ask the dealer abou the key programming b/c they were an hour late on the delivery. anyway, my car only has the premium package and heated deats. i had the $700 version of lojack installed. i'm wondering if there's some sort of signal that the car has when i lock or unlock the doors. right now the interior lights light up when the car is unlocked, but nothing happens when i unlock the car. is it possible to get the car to chrip or blink when i lock the car? i don't have a security system. the service guy at my local bmw said it won't chirp or blink if i don't have the alarm system. but the manual says there are different signals to signify that the car has been locked.

You will need to have the BMW alarm installed - either DIY or by dealer. If you DIY, you will need to bring it to the dealer to activate, usual charge about $50. I installed it myself and saved a few $$. Check the search for instructions.

Another option is to have the dealer activate the blinking clown light, but I understand that option is not available anymore, per BMWNA.

In my 01 330 i that i got cpo, they activated it for me just a few months ago. they should go thru all that stuff when you take delivery and hopefully not charge you, if they make a big deal then try different dealers.

Originally Posted by AndDown

Another option is to have the dealer activate the blinking clown light, but I understand that option is not available anymore, per BMWNA.

It is available. It was set on my car about a month ago.

Originally Posted by AndDown

Another option is to have the dealer activate the blinking clown light, but I understand that option is not available anymore, per BMWNA.

I also had mine set last month despite all the talk here that it was no longer available.

Whether or not it is available depends on the dealer. Some will make the effort, some won't.

Basically, they have to program it as if an alarm is present, even though it's not. It doesn't hurt anything to do so, but does apparently generate error messages in the computer because the computer can't find it.

When my dealer set my alarmless '04 to blink the clown nose, it also flashes the blinkers when I enable/disable the alarm.

Alex

I made a big deal about wanting the clown nose option and my saleperson said they would do it. When I picke dup the car she told me that their techs told me that it was not longer possible with the new softwear. I pushed and pushed on it but she wouldn't budge from this - I am not happy about it. So anything definitive would be appreciated.

i dont have an alarm. my dealer programmed the clown nose to flash fake the presence of an alarm. All signal lights flash twice when i lock and unlock doors with this fake alarm enabled.

Originally Posted by yamato

i dont have an alarm. my dealer programmed the clown nose to flash fake the presence of an alarm. All signal lights flash twice when i lock and unlock doors with this fake alarm enabled.

Mine as well. Dunno about the new software. Note that without the alarm, there will not be a chirp. I don't think having the horn go was ever an option--you get sound only with alarm.