[echo 7]

All,

I have noticed that the red alarm does not blink when I lock the doors. I have noticed on other x3's do have a blinking light. How do I turn it on ? Or is there no alarm ?

Kindly advise.

Regards,

Echo 7

 

[kjboyd]

dealer must enable the custom functions. look thru the owner's manual and you can see all what can be set.

 

[X3-terrestrial]

Alarms are not standard. If you don't hear a beep when you lock the car, you don't have one. The clown nose can be activated to blink, that way ppl would think you have one.

 

[UncleJ]

Remember the clown nose also serves as a rear view mirror dimmer switch (it rotates) for those who do not have the autodimmer mirror. I like the blinking red light because I can tell at a glance it the car is locked.

 

[alpinweiss]

Alarms are not standard. If you don't hear a beep when you lock the car, you don't have one. The clown nose can be activated to blink, that way ppl would think you have one.

I think some X3's did come with the alarm from the factory. Mine (2004 model) did not, and I added that feature. My X3 was pre-wired for the alarm, so I bought the kit from the BMW dealer, and it was a matter of plugging-in the components. I had to install the siren in the HVAC intake, the motion sensor in the roof, and the tow sensor under the rear floor. The dealership then had to activate the system via the computer.

It was not exactly cheap, but it does give some peace-of-mind.
:drive:

 

[kjboyd]

no, the X3 never came with a fctory installed alarm until this model years, 2010.

 

[echo 7]

Thanks guys for the input. If I give my vin# can someone here tell me for sure ? Please let me know. Also does anyone have a link to buy the alarm ?

 

[kjboyd]

hold down the trunk release button on the key fob for about 8 seconds... if the siren goes off you have the alarm, if it doe not, you don't.

 

[Supercourse]

You would have to give your VIN# to a dealer and ask them to bring up the service records to see if an alarm was ever programmed for your car.

Odds are you do not have one.

Here is one source:
http://bmw.dealerfit.com/store/bmw-x3-alarm-system-prod1389_13859.php

Or if you just go with the blinking clown nose, make sure you don't already have this as it does not start blinking right after locking.
Mine takes several minutes before it starts.

If it needs programming, and the dealer says it's not possible, give them this general instruction for the 3 series w/o iDrive:

Activating the clown nose and flashing blinkers WITHOUT installing an alarm:

1) Hook up the diagnostic computer to the vehicle
2) Go to "Anti-Theft" activation
3) Activate the alarm, but uncheck the "DWA" option

When done, corner lights will blink once when locked and twice when unlocked.
In addition, after the car is locked, the clown nose will start blinking - after a short delay.

For some 3 series models, these are a single programming item.
Not sure if that is the case for the X3 - they may be 2 separate options.