No Alarm or chirping upon locking 328i

[Sens07]

How come my 328i has no alarm nor panic button? There seems to be a dummy red light on the rear view that does not work (light up). Also, why it is when I lock the doors there is no chirp. Is there something I am missing......still do no understand why a >$40,000 has no alarm system. Should I be concerned?

[harold57]

There is no standard alarm system. It's a dealer installed option.

[IR DOC]

How come my 328i has no alarm nor panic button? There seems to be a dummy red light on the rear view that does not work (light up). Also, why it is when I lock the doors there is no chirp. Is there something I am missing......still do no understand why a >$40,000 has no alarm system. Should I be concerned?

It seems that most folks don't order the alarm system due to 1) price 2) lack of any significant deterrent to theft.

[markitzero]

2) lack of any significant deterrent to theft.

I think that would be the reason why.

[Takashi]

The dealer offered the stock alarm as an option for like 700 bucks.. I don't really see the need for it. It's not like I am driving a convertable.

[mryakan]

After having it for 10 years on my e36 I realized how useless it was. I even totally forgot to mention it to my CA. Waste of money just for a chirp IMO.

[cjgcjs]

hello mryakan, first i like your car i have a 328i jetblack, black leatherette, auto, sport package. my car came with keyless entry and my dealer said that it should have pre wired. i looked in the back trunk under the floorboard and saw some prewired plugs. dealer says its for alarm back up sensor etc. whats your take on the alarm system? worth it or just waste of money.

[GatorM]

The lights flash, which is a less irritating way to show that it has locked. Just look at the car when you push the button.

[SocratesBMW]

How do people buy cars and not know what options they are and are not getting? Impulse and ignorance, two of capitalism's favorite things.

[sor]

I can't remember the last time I heard a car alarm and paid any attention to it. I don't keep anything in it that's not a part of the car (unless I'm coming home from shopping) so there's not really anything to smash and grab anyway.

[Uberdude328i]

so there's not really anything to smash and grab anyway.

Except, ya know, the car.

Most people smashing and grabbing are not going to care about an alarm. They're going to be quick about it anyway.

The feature I'd be interested in is immobilization. If the alarm is triggered, no car start.

[sor]

Except, ya know, the car.

Most people smashing and grabbing are not going to care about an alarm. They're going to be quick about it anyway.

The feature I'd be interested in is immobilization. If the alarm is triggered, no car start.Oh, I thought it was just a given that we're only talking about smash and grab prevention, in which case you agree that an alarm is pointless. It comes standard with immobilization(called "Coded Driveaway Protection") and lo-jack (through BMW assist) anyway. The optional alarm is just a light and sound show.

[mryakan]

hello mryakan, first i like your car i have a 328i jetblack, black leatherette, auto, sport package. my car came with keyless entry and my dealer said that it should have pre wired. i looked in the back trunk under the floorboard and saw some prewired plugs. dealer says its for alarm back up sensor etc. whats your take on the alarm system? worth it or just waste of money.
All e9x have keyless entry and are prewired for alarm which you can add at the dealer anytime.
Thanks, I love the jet black esp. after a shiny carwash/wax. Enjoy.

[E92!Dreier]

How do people buy cars and not know what options they are and are not getting? Impulse and ignorance, two of capitalism's favorite things.

:buttrock

[carguy7]

How come my 328i has no alarm nor panic button? There seems to be a dummy red light on the rear view that does not work (light up). Also, why it is when I lock the doors there is no chirp. Is there something I am missing......still do no understand why a >$40,000 has no alarm system. Should I be concerned?


Just chirp does not do much. Kind of like the joke about the English Bobbies (sp?) - w/o guns all they can do is yell "stop"

[Cslinger]

How do people buy cars and not know what options they are and are not getting? Impulse and ignorance, two of capitalism's favorite things.



I can totally see somebody missing this. I cannot think of a car/truck I have owned in the past ten years that did not have an alarm.

As for the effectiveness of said alarm.......like everybody else said they are pretty pointless.

You can however set your car up to chirp the horn when locking if you wish.

Chris

[mryakan]

I can totally see somebody missing this. I cannot think of a car/truck I have owned in the past ten years that did not have an alarm.

As for the effectiveness of said alarm.......like everybody else said they are pretty pointless.

You can however set your car up to chirp the horn when locking if you wish.

Chris
1st time BMW owners probably, but I haven't heard yet of a BMW that came with a factory installed alarm, but I am not a historian.

[Cslinger]

Sens07 you have a PM.

Myrakan,

Agree'd about BMW but when you look at the buying market you probably have a small niche of BMW faithful so to speak with the majority of the market cross shopping everything from Caddie, to Lexus, to Mercedes etc. or they are moving up in the world from a lower priced car and to most folks some kind of alarm has been pretty standard equipment for a dog's age on just about everything, so it's easy for me to see how somebody would just think of an alarm like they would a rear window defroster.

I just think it was kinda rough for some folks to jump on the poor guy as being an ignorant buyer because of this.

[LINE070]

I do miss the car not sounding the horn or some other audible indication that it has locked as when I'm walking away I would usually hit the lock button from my pocket and hear if it locked or not. But its still not that big of a deal really.

The alarm option really isn't worth it at all. There's a reason they are called criminals and if they really want something, they will get it. unless you have this alarm!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDrzMGdYWZc

[mryakan]

Sens07 you have a PM.

Myrakan,

Agree'd about BMW but when you look at the buying market you probably have a small niche of BMW faithful so to speak with the majority of the market cross shopping everything from Caddie, to Lexus, to Mercedes etc. or they are moving up in the world from a lower priced car and to most folks some kind of alarm has been pretty standard equipment for a dog's age on just about everything, so it's easy for me to see how somebody would just think of an alarm like they would a rear window defroster.

I just think it was kinda rough for some folks to jump on the poor guy as being an ignorant buyer because of this.

Sorry, my intention was not to degrade/criticize 1st time BMW buyers at all, in fact I applaud them for making the jump to this great machine. Sorry again if my comments got misconstrued.

Maybe the reason alarm is standard on most other cars is that they don't/didn't have the anti-theft security features BMW has had for quite a long time and maybe that is why BMW never had the alarm as standard, but I am speculating.

[Cslinger]

Sorry, my intention was not to degrade/criticize 1st time BMW buyers at all, in fact I applaud them for making the jump to this great machine. Sorry again if my comments got misconstrued.

You have PM so as not to drive this thread off course.

[abeliza]

Even if for a false sense of security I would rather have the alarm or just the chirp to let me know the car is locked. I hate that sometimes I have walked away from my car now pretty far and have to walk back next to it to hear the doors lock. It gives me peace of mind to hear it. I also drive a Lexus ES 350, and I love my BMW the best but I admit the chirp of the dorrs locking and the air conditioned leather seats in the summer help me pick the Lexus more times. The BMW handles better on the road everytime!! Drove it in Europe and now its on its way here after having it for 1 year as soon as I get it its getting the alarm and a spoiler.

[mryakan]

Even if for a false sense of security I would rather have the alarm or just the chirp to let me know the car is locked. I hate that sometimes I have walked away from my car now pretty far and have to walk back next to it to hear the doors lock.
or you can walk to within radio range (same range for the alarm) and press unlock then lock and watch the lights blink. That is what I do and it achieves the same as the alarm without the noise or cost.

[boppdawg]

if thers no chirp then theres no alarm....i do agree that every bmw should come standard with an alalrm but unfortunately it does not. it should be prewired to add 1 if you like....probably $1,000

[Titanium09]

The 2009 328i has a "confirmation signal" when locking/unlocking doors that can be activated and deactivated. Page 20 of the owner's manual.

[rayneman]

The 2009 328i has a "confirmation signal" when locking/unlocking doors that can be activated and deactivated. Page 20 of the owner's manual.

Wow, thanks. I've been a bit bummed that my car doesn't give an audible alert when locked. However, I see that it is seemingly a factory-disabled feature. Now, my car is an '08, however in the manual on page 20 there indeed is the procedure to enable the audible and visual alert. Neat.

Of course, had I read the manual in the first place, I would have already known this.

<I must remember NOT to use smilies, as my "newness" forbids it. I then have to re-type my post, which without a doubt is never as good as my original>

[Titanium09]

I take possession of my 2009 328i tomorrow. Yet, I have already read the whole manual ;-)

[rayneman]

I take possession of my 2009 328i tomorrow. Yet, I have already read the whole manual ;-)

Well congratulations on your new BMW! I'm sure you'll love it AND know how everything operates!!!

[HaloEye]

i think i would rather have lojack instead of an alarm. does anyone here have lo jack?

[robertinwa]

You have totally missed the reason for getting the alarm. It's not to deter theft, it's so you can find your car when you've forgotten where you parked it!

Regarding Lojack, how does the BMW Assist anti-theft capability compare to Lojack? Or is it Lojack?

[Titanium09]

This is weird. Even though the manual says I can enable an audible alarm for locking/unlocking of doors, the option is not there in the car's settings. Only "off" and the "lights" option.

I found my own answer: There is a little asterisk in the book indicate that the audible tone for lock/unlock is an option.

[mryakan]

This is weird. Even though the manual says I can enable an audible alarm for locking/unlocking of doors, the option is not there in the car's settings. Only "off" and the "lights" option.

I found my own answer: There is a little asterisk in the book indicate that the audible tone for lock/unlock is an option.
Yes an option available when you have the alarm installed :).

[Titanium09]

LOL! Could very well be. My Acura had a little beeper for lock/unlock. My gf's CR-V honks the horn. Maybe the Europeans just don't appreaciate all that noise.

[rayneman]

This is weird. Even though the manual says I can enable an audible alarm for locking/unlocking of doors, the option is not there in the car's settings. Only "off" and the "lights" option.

I found my own answer: There is a little asterisk in the book indicate that the audible tone for lock/unlock is an option.

Indeed...I had gotten a little excited thinking I could get the audible alert, but alas, my car doesn't have that option. Oh well!

[BMWtrack]

You have totally missed the reason for getting the alarm. It's not to deter theft, it's so you can find your car when you've forgotten where you parked it!

Regarding Lojack, how does the BMW Assist anti-theft capability compare to Lojack? Or is it Lojack?

Both BMW Assist & LoJack are completely different.
bmw assist works through "gps tracking" and can not track a car "under ground" However Lojack which works completely different with police cars having tracking devices which can track the car thru walls and underground with ease. I used to have lojack, but now feel that "do I really want the police to recover my stolen car that has been damaged beyond fixing properly by a theif that drove it with disregard? no."

[KentW]

I take possession of my 2009 328i tomorrow. Yet, I have already read the whole manual ;-)

Glad it's not just me. :)

[HOHENWARTERA]

I recently purchased an 2006 - 330i and wondered the same thing. The alarm system is always an option on these cars. It is pre-wired. I ended up installing one myself and took it to the dealer to activate it.

[cocomobile]

I’m really glad I came across this thread. I actually just bought a '07 328i said to come with “premium package” from an independent dealer. However, I noticed that when I lock my car I do not get a chirp, beep or even a horn confirmation.

Let alone, I don’t get a visual confirmation either (lights flash). Is the visual confirmation part of the alarm system?

Is there a way I can verify if I do have an alarm installed myself w/out having to go to the dealer?

[mryakan]

Let alone, I don’t get a visual confirmation either (lights flash). Is the visual confirmation part of the alarm system?
It is a user configurable option. Check your menu settings.



Is there a way I can verify if I do have an alarm installed myself w/out having to go to the dealer?
You can, but you will need the dealer to program the car to activate the alarm.

[cocomobile]

[QUOTE=mryakan;17444172]It is a user configurable option. Check your menu settings.


Can the configuration be done w/out the use of iDrive? My car does not have the iDrive option installed.

[mryakan]

Can the configuration be done w/out the use of iDrive? My car does not have the iDrive option installed.
Yes for sure, using the stalk. Consult your manual or our FAQ.

[cocomobile]

Alright alright alright... Yay yay! Thanks Mryakan .

I was able to program and now i get the lights to flash every time i lock and unlock the car. Thanks a mil again!

I also stopped by the dealer and one of the sales guys told me the honk (chirp) is also programmable so that it sounds when you lock the car. However, I wasn't sure if he meant programmable through a service appt or if he meant to say I can program it myself such like I did with the lights.

He also said they come stock with a “security system” but not with an “alarm system”. I wonder if the “panic” button is part of the security system or the “alarm system”?

[mryakan]

Alright alright alright... Yay yay! Thanks Mryakan .

I was able to program and now i get the lights to flash every time i lock and unlock the car. Thanks a mil again!
You are welcome.:)


I also stopped by the dealer and one of the sales guys told me the honk (chirp) is also programmable so that it sounds when you lock the car. However, I wasn't sure if he meant programmable through a service appt or if he meant to say I can program it myself such like I did with the lights.

He also said they come stock with a “security system” but not with an “alarm system”. I wonder if the “panic” button is part of the security system or the “alarm system”?



He is clueless. They are prewired for alarm, but without the alarm unit, there is nothing to chirp.

[cocomobile]

hahaha. The funny part is he tried to tell me the other sales guy didn't know what he was talking about and also mentioned he had taken so many tests for BMW and that's why he knew so much. LOL

I guess we can't know it all..

[mump]

He also said they come stock with a “security system” but not with an “alarm system”. I wonder if the “panic” button is part of the security system or the “alarm system”?

Yes, the 328's are prewired for alarm. I ended up buying the alarm system off ebay tischer for around $200. took about 45 mins to install, hardest part is jacking up the rear driver wheel and pulling out the fender liner. after install the clown nose light on rear view will blink when locked; however, the alarm needs to be calibrated and activated by the dealer. after that, if you hold down the trunk button, it becomes your panic button.

[Shieldze1025]

Maybe the reason alarm is standard on most other cars is that they don't/didn't have the anti-theft security features BMW has had for quite a long time and maybe that is why BMW never had the alarm as standard, but I am speculating.

Yea I would agree... 15 years ago an alarm was the newest technology in car security. As with any technology, the old slowly fades out as the new comes in (aka, anti-theft features). Considering BMW is a front runner for new technology, They used the anti-theft as a standard security feature over an alarm, but still have an alarm as an option for peace of mind.

I have been debating adding the factory alarm, it is available from BMW Accessories for about $320, plus installation. I just spent $30k on a "new" car, and living in a populated area with a good amount of crime even in the nice towns, I'll probably get it just in case. My buddy's Toureg was broken into two weeks ago, and we live in one of the wealthiest, nicest areas in the country.

Anyway, thanks everyone for the advice.

[canonicalbimmer]

I find the alarm system in my car indispensable due to the neighborhood in which I live. Most of the crime in my 'hood is breaking into cars to steal anything of value that is in view. These guys just walk down the block looking in car windows for nice stereos, GPS units, money, shopping bags, etc. Anything of value that is in view will get their attention.

Having an alarm with the flashing red light does deter the thieves as there are plenty of cars on the street from which to choose. They just keep looking until they spot an easy mark. The alarm is less likely to deter them if the prize is really valuable. Then they will take the chance of setting off the alarm in a 'smash and grab' type hit.

So, the best strategy is: leave nothing of value in view, and set your alarm. BTW, I've heard of guys using fake cassette deck faceplates stuck over their nice installed audio systems to make them look unappealing to the criminal element.

[Kgriffin]

How come my 328i has no alarm nor panic button? There seems to be a dummy red light on the rear view that does not work (light up). Also, why it is when I lock the doors there is no chirp. Is there something I am missing......still do no understand why a >$40,000 has no alarm system. Should I be concerned?

My 2001 325ci, I had the alarm installed, which then the red light blinked when car was armed. I have bought a 2006 330i and now a 2009 335i both have Nav with BMW assist. When I asked about alarm, the dealer said why...my car has GPS so if someone (pro thief) can figure out how to start it...they can just track it and get it back!...but I have to say the little red blicking light did scream "go away"

[alvbimmer]

I can totally see somebody missing this. I cannot think of a car/truck I have owned in the past ten years that did not have an alarm.

As for the effectiveness of said alarm.......like everybody else said they are pretty pointless.

You can however set your car up to chirp the horn when locking if you wish.

Chris

Bought a 328xi but it didn't come with an alarm, which was surprising. How can you set your car up to chirp the horn when locking?


Yes, the 328's are prewired for alarm. I ended up buying the alarm system off ebay tischer for around $200. took about 45 mins to install, hardest part is jacking up the rear driver wheel and pulling out the fender liner. after install the clown nose light on rear view will blink when locked; however, the alarm needs to be calibrated and activated by the dealer. after that, if you hold down the trunk button, it becomes your panic button.


Just bought a 2010 328 and was told by the dealer that it was not prewired for an alarm and there is nothing I can do. You said 328's are pre-wired for alarm, are you referring to newer models or older ones?

[mryakan]

Bought a 328xi but it didn't come with an alarm, which was surprising. How can you set your car up to chirp the horn when locking?
You install the alarm :).

[jlep0004]

I seem to have the same problem. I just bought a used 2007 328Xi and the description clearly states that there is an alarm system. But when i lock the car, no chirp and the red light under the rear view miror doesn't come on. Would it be possible that the alarm can be deactivated using the on board computer and if so, how can we reactivate it??

[mryakan]

I seem to have the same problem. I just bought a used 2007 328Xi and the description clearly states that there is an alarm system. But when i lock the car, no chirp and the red light under the rear view miror doesn't come on. Would it be possible that the alarm can be deactivated using the on board computer and if so, how can we reactivate it??
No it is either there all the time or not. You probably do not have it. What description says it has it? You know sales people lie, right? Also the manual has everything, including optional equipment like the alarm, so the fact something is in the manual, doesn't necessarily mean you have it.

[utamav]

there is a post somewhere in this forum which helps you find what your cars features are by supplying the last 7 of the VIN number.

I have a similar model, if the lights is not glowing then you dont have alarm. If the dealer told you about the alarm then he must be talking about the re-wired system.

[sjbimmer57]

You know what that ugly red plastic knob does on my rear view mirror? When I turn it (twist it) it tilts down the mirror for night time headlight glare. It is big and ugly and should be smaller and black. Must be for a light if you have an alarm installed.

[mryakan]

You know what that ugly red plastic knob does on my rear view mirror? When I turn it (twist it) it tilts down the mirror for night time headlight glare. It is big and ugly and should be smaller and black. Must be for a light if you have an alarm installed.
It works that way for cars without the autodimming mirror feature. But yeah, it looks that way because it also doubles as the alarm indicator when you have an alarm installed. Some people call it the "clown nose" for obvious reasons. I stopped noticing it after the 2nd day in my car.

[cocomobile]

I believe most of the 2007 328i come pre-wired for alarm systems. You might want to call a dealer, give them your VIN number and they can tell whether or not it does come with an alarm or if it's just pre-wired.

Also, I think they all come with "antitheft" but not "alarm" (i.e. chirp, panic button, alarm sound)

[firecloud5]

I know this thread has some history, but the same thing happened to me. The dealer showed me the list of options for the car I purchase, 2008 328xi Sport Package certified preowned. It clearly stated engine immobilizing alarm yet it doesnt chirp. If the car doesn't chirp does it still have the security deterrent?

Do I need to worry and buy a car alarm? If it has imobilization security but just doesn't chirp than I agree the chirp is pointless and i'd rather not pay for it.

[mryakan]

If the car doesn't chirp does it still have the security deterrent?

Yes


Do I need to worry and buy a car alarm? If it has imobilization security but just doesn't chirp than I agree the chirp is pointless and i'd rather not pay for it.
For most people an alarm is a pointless device IMO.

[Leo 325i E90]

No it is either there all the time or not. You probably do not have it. What description says it has it? You know sales people lie, right? Also the manual has everything, including optional equipment like the alarm, so the fact something is in the manual, doesn't necessarily mean you have it.

What you can do is see if you have the module under your headliner light. I cheated and I did not. I purchased one and the clown nose stared blinking.

[bzoGs]

I have to admit that I was caught off guard by the lack of a car alarm...especially when the dealer repeatedly told me there was an alarm (wish I had thought to check wether it was installed).

I do question that if BMW thinks the Car Alarm is unnecessary, why would they make such a gigantic notification light so visible? To me, having lived in high crime neighborhoods, it just screams "alarm shut-off, this car". Makes me nervous.

[mryakan]

The clown nose is not there anymore on LCI cars, not on my '11 at least.

[Leo 325i E90]

You can take off the driver side rear wheel and you will see if there is a alarm siren. That might help.

[Carmel Valley]

I have a 2011 328i w/o an alarm. I do like the confirmation chirp when locking/unlocking the door. It is also handy when you have forgotten where you parked . . . I just wander around the parking area clicking and clicking until I hear the chirp.

What can I do to get my chirp?

Thanks!!

[mryakan]

I have a 2011 328i w/o an alarm. I do like the confirmation chirp when locking/unlocking the door. It is also handy when you have forgotten where you parked . . . I just wander around the parking area clicking and clicking until I hear the chirp.

What can I do to get my chirp?

Thanks!!
Install an alarm.

[mudd46738]

You can buy the factory alarm and install it in less than 2 hours. All of them are prewired for the alarm. When I bought my 335 they told me that all BMW's came with alarms. Being a sucker for a nice car I didn't care. But did miss the chirping and what not. I did find a DIY online and was simple. The hardest part was jacking up the car, lol.

[KSMarto]

I need help... hello i have a 2011 BMW 323iCanadian car i went to my local future shop to get installed a Compustar Remote Starter and Alarm. $700 i get a call from Future Shop saying that my car is missing wires... so basically it will cost to get it installed $1600 and up with labor... just wondering what missing wires are they talking about
any help would be great

- - - Updated - - -

hello i have a 2011 BMW 323iCanadian car i went to my local future shop to get installed a Compustar Remote Starter and Alarm. $700 i get a call from Future Shop saying that my car is missing wires... so basically it will cost to get it installed $1600 and up with labor... just wondering what missing wires are they talking about? i need help

[cheech1]

Those aftermarket remote start & alarms have been known to create havoc with e90's.

[bsfarrar1]

I can totally see somebody missing this. I cannot think of a car/truck I have owned in the past ten years that did not have an alarm.

As for the effectiveness of said alarm.......like everybody else said they are pretty pointless.

You can however set your car up to chirp the horn when locking if you wish.

Chris

As a first time owner of a BMW, I am interested to know how to turn the "chirp" on in my car. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[WoLF]

As a first time owner of a BMW, I am interested to know how to turn the "chirp" on in my car. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Buy a BMW alarm and get the dealer to activate it.

woo pig sooie

[d21spike]

Doesn't apply to everyone but useful to note ...


Since 3/09 the 3 series cars are not prewired for the alarm and can not be added.

From ...

https://www.bmwcca.org/forum/index.php?threads/bmw-anti-theft-alarm-system.4491/#post-30576
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5511289&postcount=12
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5574351&postcount=14

...