Does anyone know what this is?

[JasonMHorn]

As the title states I’m wondering if anyone knows what this is. It’s in my 1994 325i.

https://imgur.com/gallery/yL4GbQR

[TheElite]

The comments are pretty funny but looks to be above the LED for the alarm, if it’s a button and aftermarket, may be the Valet switch


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[TheElite]

Try and pry it out with a small flat blade and trace the wires


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[JasonMHorn]

The comments are pretty funny but looks to be above the LED for the alarm, if it’s a button and aftermarket, may be the Valet switch


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That LED is for the alarm. It’s not a switch or a button.

[TheElite]

Yes, but your question is towards what is located ABOVE the LED which I have stated is the LED for ALARM in my above post, correct?


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[JasonMHorn]

Yes, but your question is towards what is located ABOVE the LED which I have stated is the LED for ALARM in my above post, correct?


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Yes, my question is that I’m trying to figure out what the round metal thing about the LED for the alarm is. I wonder if it’s some kind of sensor for the alarm.

[mslevin]

Yes, my question is that I’m trying to figure out what the round metal thing about the LED for the alarm is. I wonder if it’s some kind of sensor for the alarm.

I have the same thing and it is attached to my OEM alarm module. Pretty sure its some kind of sensor.

[Moron95M3]

It's a glass breaking sensor, it goes with the LED light for the factory alarm/RKE. Don't rip it out, it doesn't hurt anything. ...actually a good thing to know your car is alarmed whether you have the fob or not.

[JasonMHorn]

Thanks for the replies guys. I got very lucky when I bought the car because it came with all of the original manuals and whatnot. I actually was looking through the manual for the alarm the other day and noticed that it mentioned a sensor for the windows being broken. With that I kind of had a strong feeling that it was that and you guys just confirmed it. Thanks again!!

[mnguyen84]

I have that weird thing too. I thought i was related to the alarm, and so I called up the BMW dealer to ask if my car had a OEM alarm system. The dealer did a search for my vin and said no. Then I got an aftermarket alarm installed.....does that mean I have 2 alarm systems?

[spyderg0d]

alot of cars where retrofitted witht the factory alarm at the dealer location. so the factory wouldnt necessarily know if the car was sold with one. just like standard factory alarms or aftermarket, even 5 disc changers in the trunk or hi fi speaker systems. theres even been a few "modded" e36 sold from showrooms with aftermarket upgrades like cams and power seats, ect.

[mnguyen84]

I wish you worked at the dealership... could have saved me some $$

[mnguyen84]

I went to the dealer today to pickup some parts. I showed the parts guy the picture to inquire about the oem, and he said it looks aftermarket

[MParallel]

alot of cars where retrofitted witht the factory alarm at the dealer location. so the factory wouldnt necessarily know if the car was sold with one. just like standard factory alarms or aftermarket, even 5 disc changers in the trunk or hi fi speaker systems. theres even been a few "modded" e36 sold from showrooms with aftermarket upgrades like cams and power seats, ect.

No car was retrofitted with the factory system. The alarm offered in the US was the Alpine made one.

The factory system is totally different and was never offered in the US market. Let alone that dealers would retrofit it.

[Moron95M3]

I went to the dealer today to pickup some parts. I showed the parts guy the picture to inquire about the oem, and he said it looks aftermarket

your parts guy is a moron lol.
Here's more info and pics: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...s-Alarm-Thread

- - - Updated - - -

No car was retrofitted with the factory system. The alarm offered in the US was the Alpine made one.

The factory system is totally different and was never offered in the US market. Let alone that dealers would retrofit it.

Your definition is correct as usual MPar, but not the way it's typically discussed here in the US. (we are bigots, right?)
The ONLY option the US could get was a dealer added system. (two different versions - Alpine 2 button, and 3 button). So we refer to it as 'factory' as it was an option at the dealer.

[spyderg0d]

My 95 325ic was sold by a dealer in new Jersey on November 14th 1996 with dealer added sport leather seats, hi fi system, leather stearing wheel, a viper alarm system with added convertible security sensor, and chrome bent "race" exhaust tips. Added to the original sales receipt of the car, not on the manufacturer order list. As stated by the dealer. There's been many cases of dealers upgrading options on cars that where ordered before hand lacking. Security systems being a large one at the time.

[MParallel]

... So we refer to it as 'factory' as it was an option at the dealer.

We call that a dealer fitted option over here

[JEC928]

Both "factory fitted" and "dealer installed" count as OEM, but it's still good to know the difference.

[Deus Ex Machina]

Dunno, but it is off center to the left side, so someone added it.

[Rooster man]

I think it is a turbo button

[M3AN]

I think it is a turbo button

I suspect this is correct.

What happens when you press it when you're doing exactly 88mph?

[MParallel]

I suspect this is correct.

What happens when you press it when you're doing exactly 88mph?

Some Doc will randomly shout "Marty" out of nowhere.