[PropellerHead]

Well, I need to make an order from Pacific, and want to ensure I have all the goodies...

So far, I have the garage door opener, the CD changer and the alarm. Any other goodies? We don't smoke and I would like something to get rid of ashtrays, etc like there is in the E39.

Suggestions?

 

[Chris330Ci]

Well, I need to make an order from Pacific, and want to ensure I have all the goodies...

So far, I have the garage door opener, the CD changer and the alarm. Any other goodies? We don't smoke and I would like something to get rid of ashtrays, etc like there is in the E39.

Suggestions?

You sure you want to spend the dough for the alarm? Just have your dealer program the clown nose to blink so that it appears that you have an alarm. Thieves wont' know the difference and might be less likely to take the chance of finding out. Besides, if they really want the car, they're gonna get it...

 

[PropellerHead]

Yeah, it's the wife's car, and she wants the panic function. Even though she works on a Naval base which is pretty secure, there are the grocery runs and you just never know.

As a side note, I also used the panic function on the 5 when I saw some people leaning on it outside of a restaurant. Very effective.

It's only $240 and I get to install it myself. Any chance to tinker I can get, I'll take.

Thanks for the thoughts, though.

 

[Chris330Ci]

As a side note, I also used the panic function on the 5 when I saw some people leaning on it outside of a restaurant. Very effective.

LOL! That's justification enough!

:lmao: :thumb:

 

[ALEX325i]

Re: Re: New toys for E46

You sure you want to spend the dough for the alarm? Just have your dealer program the clown nose to blink so that it appears that you have an alarm. Thieves wont' know the difference and might be less likely to take the chance of finding out. Besides, if they really want the car, they're gonna get it...

My thoughts exactly... Specially because they say new BMW's are "unstealable"...

 

[webguy330i]

It's kinda funny if you think about it; when was the last time you saw someone's clown nose blinking? I believe there are a LOT (~60%+) of bimmers running about which could have this simple option turned on at no cost (plus the added benefit of the blinky lock/unlock lights) but didn't because they didn't know about it. I also believe a lot of folks purchased the alarm thinking it was the only way to get the clownnose/exterior-light blink action going. Oh well. =)

PropellerHead, got wheel locks?

 

[ALEX325i]

It's kinda funny if you think about it; when was the last time you saw someone's clown nose blinking? I believe there are a LOT (~60%+) of bimmers running about which could have this simple option turned on at no cost (plus the added benefit of the blinky lock/unlock lights) but didn't because they didn't know about it. I also believe a lot of folks purchased the alarm thinking it was the only way to get the clownnose/exterior-light blink action going. Oh well. =)

PropellerHead, got wheel locks?

I think the clown nose wouldn't blink on my old 00 323Ci without alarm... Anyway, I may be wrong...

 

[Alex Baumann]

I think the clown nose wouldn't blink on my old 00 323Ci without alarm... Anyway, I may be wrong...

it would, but you might want to check the link.

Car/Key Memory settings

 

[mike_mike]

I too, am interested in the smokeless option for an 02' 325i. Is there any options available to remove the cigg. lighter and ashtray? Thanks, all.

 

[webguy330i]

I too, am interested in the smokeless option for an 02' 325i. Is there any options available to remove the cigg. lighter and ashtray? Thanks, all.

I remember seeing this option for the '99-01 sedans... someone actually installed it and posted pics at .org but IIRC they lost the nifty laser lighting system contained in both the front/rear ashtrays.

Even though I smoke, I still don't use the trays for ashes -- they're perfect for a cell phone (rear) or wallet (front).

 

[Mystikal]

So, I'm gathering that it is indeed possible to have the lights blink or siren honk without the alarm installed. However, is it possible without the Car/Key Memory option?

Basically what I'm saying is that I want some kind of sound and lights to let me know when I unlock or lock the doors, but my car doesn't have power seats, and therefore no Car/Key Memory.

In conclusion, I'm going to need the alarm? Can anyone confirm this?

 

[egruber]

If you don't use the cupholders, you can replace them with a simple tray. It gives you more storage (which is in short supply) and discourages your spouse/friends from bringing their Big Gulps into your nice clean car. I got mine from Circle BMW for about $25.

Also, if you don't already have them, chrome exhaust tips are cheap and easy to install. Makes a big difference.

 

[cenotaph]

So, I'm gathering that it is indeed possible to have the lights blink or siren honk without the alarm installed. However, is it possible without the Car/Key Memory option?

Yes it is, but TINFL (there is no free lunch). What you are doing is telling the car's computer that an alarm is installed. This will generate many fault codes because the car is looking for something that isn't there (the alarm). All the extra fault codes may make it difficult for your dealer to determine what's wrong with your car if they need to.

Basically what I'm saying is that I want some kind of sound and lights to let me know when I unlock or lock the doors, but my car doesn't have power seats, and therefore no Car/Key Memory.

Your car does haev car/key memory. It just doesn't affect the seat position. Car/key memory does not provide sound/light when the car is (un)locked. It controls things like weather DRLs are on or how the climate control is set (IIRC) or weather just the driver's door opens on the first push of the unlock button on the remote or they all do.

 

[Mystikal]

Wow, I had no idea. Thanks a lot cenotaph!

 

[webguy330i]

Yes it is, but TINFL (there is no free lunch). What you are doing is telling the car's computer that an alarm is installed. This will generate many fault codes because the car is looking for something that isn't there (the alarm). All the extra fault codes may make it difficult for your dealer to determine what's wrong with your car if they need to.

This is true however it's only a problem if your dealership cannot duplicate the issue being researched, which essentially nullifies the problem since they most likely won't work on anything unless they can duplicate it.

Your car does haev car/key memory. It just doesn't affect the seat position. Car/key memory does not provide sound/light when the car is (un)locked. It controls things like weather DRLs are on or how the climate control is set (IIRC) or weather just the driver's door opens on the first push of the unlock button on the remote or they all do.

I was just about to clarify that. =)

Car/key memory is the "parent" of this alarm setting (to make the lights blink and clownnose blink). Your dealership will use the computer they hook up to the ECU to enable this option, usually when they make the final key/car memory setting adjustments before you actually pick up the car.

Also, there is no sound other than the doors locking. To get the "chirp" of the alarm you need the siren from the alarm, and I'm not sure if you can get that separately and/or make it work without the actual alarm module.

 

[Mystikal]

Car/key memory is the "parent" of this alarm setting (to make the lights blink and clownnose blink).

Okay, so the clown nose will blink as long as the car is locked and the turn signals blink once or twice when you unlock/lock, right?

Sounds good to me. I still should check how much the alarm is installed, I still don't want anybody touching the car. :eeps:

 

[webguy330i]

Okay, so the clown nose will blink as long as the car is locked and the turn signals blink once or twice when you unlock/lock, right?

Yeup, and the lights outside blink rather quickly (unlike my old Civic which took about 4 seconds to blink twice).

Sounds good to me. I still should check how much the alarm is installed, I still don't want anybody touching the car. :eeps:

I imagine it's about 1-2 hours of labor?

 

[jm8571]

Re: Re: Re: New toys for E46

My thoughts exactly... Specially because they say new BMW's are "unstealable"...

The new BMW's are hard to steal. The passive anti-theft system is fairly secure, but there is always a way. Easiest is to put the car on a flatbed and tow it away. Another way is to have a mated anti-theft module and key. Zoom, away goes the car. Fortunately, BMW makes it hard to access the module. Even still, having the alarm makes stealing the car that much harder...

 

[Cowboy]

Yes it is, but TINFL (there is no free lunch). What you are doing is telling the car's computer that an alarm is installed. This will generate many fault codes because the car is looking for something that isn't there (the alarm). All the extra fault codes may make it difficult for your dealer to determine what's wrong with your car if they need to.

Last I heard, on the 2002's, setting the clown nose to blink without an alarm installed won't generate any extra error codes. I can't remember if it was my dealer who said this or someone on the boards. It might be true, or total nonsense.

- Cowboy

 

[JWolff]

Question: I just picked up my 2002 325i (Jet Black, 5-Spd, PP) and noticed that I don't have a clown nose on my rear view mirror. What's up?

I'm bringing the car back on Thursday to have the Car/Key memory programmed....can they still make the lights blink when the car is locked?

Also, is there a way to de-activate the auto-dimming fuction of the rear-view mirror? The wife hates it.