E46 M3 owners: Factory alarm? Good enough?

[alkemyst]

How good is the factory alarm?

My alternative is a DEI Viper system which I'd fab up with windows, shock/glass/tilt, 2 way comm...

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I have the factory alarm and I like it. It's fairly extensive, and I believe includes a convertible module which will go off even if someone reaches in your windows. It also has a hood pin alarm.

You really can't stop the type that break in to steal stuff, the most you can do is hope it makes a bunch of noise. If they're taking the the entire car then the alarm won't matter - just insurance.

 

[manimal]

go stock/low deductible if you park it in areas of risk. I drive a shop truck when its going anywhere questionable.

 

[SSSnail]

The factory alarm also has tilt sensor, for when someone is trying to tow your car...

But don't worry, E46's aren't known to be on the likely-to-be-stolen list, they're almost impossible to steal.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I have the factory alarm but honestly learned much more about it in this thread then I already knew. I don't really think alarms are worth much with today's cars, since modern cars are so tough to steal without a flatbed. I would not be inclined to get an aftermarket alarm because I'd be concerned about electrical gremlins, but I don't pretend to have much knowledge on the topic.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Although the 2 way stuff is really nice if it reaches your office from the parking lot. Also the factory alarm range tends to be terrible, mine stops working after about 15ft away

 

[foghorn67]

How good is the factory alarm?

My alternative is a DEI Viper system which I'd fab up with windows, shock/glass/tilt, 2 way comm...

nah. You're good to go.

 

[alkemyst]

wow...OT in garage.

Don Vito has the only real response here.

I travel alot and would rather know about vandals/attempts rather than making insurance claims.

 

[SSSnail]

Is there any thread in which you are genuinely appreciative of answers given, regardless of how little information you give in your OP? Or do you always come off as an ass? (don't answer that)

As for vandalism? Look up crime map.

What I noticed for the past decade is that you always come off as a wise ass know-it-all, but then why do you post questions?

 

[alkemyst]

Is there any thread in which you are genuinely appreciative of answers given, regardless of how little information you give in your OP? Or do you always come off as an ass? (don't answer that)

As for vandalism? Look up crime map.

What I noticed for the past decade is that you always come off as a wise ass know-it-all, but then why do you post questions?

I am appreciative of good answers brah. Hence the credit to Don Vito...

How much more freaking information do you need on a factory alarm kit?

It's clear you are not qualified to answer most of my postings, so I am not sure why you continue to just crap in them.

 

[arcenite]

wow...OT in garage.

Don Vito has the only real response here.

I travel alot and would rather know about vandals/attempts rather than making insurance claims.

LOL you really are a prick aren't you. Every single post between both of yours had a sincere response.

 

[saratoga172]

LOL you really are a prick aren't you. Every single post between both of yours had a sincere response.

My thoughts exactly.

Not sure why akly is being such a dick.

On topic. Just keep the factory system. If someone wants to steal shit, it won't matter what system you have. They won't be deterred. Only thing maybe worthwhile is the range notification on the fobs.

 

[alkemyst]

I don't have the factory alarm installed yet.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Not sure about the ZCP, but most of them are basically plugging in the brain, plugging in the hood pin, and then using the bmw scantool to program the car with it.

This is also a good time to figure out what other programming you want.. I like the flashers signaling 3 times when I bump the signal, locks lock after 15mph+, no beep when you arm/disarm and seat belt chime disabled. There are charts out there with all of the options for your year/model.

 

[alkemyst]

ummm no...it's more like placing the glass sensor in the roof, the tilt sensor in the trunk and the siren in the engine compartment.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

In fairness I think a number of posters (particularly SpatiallyAware and SSSnail) here have contributed more than I did. I have the OEM alarm but don't know much about it. I haven't had anyone mess with my M3, though I have had a number of people comment favorably about it. I think the E46 M3 is one of the most beautiful modern cars, and my black over black car has a certain sinister charm (though it would not have been among my first five color combo choices).

 

[SpatiallyAware]

ummm no...it's more like placing the glass sensor in the roof, the tilt sensor in the trunk and the siren in the engine compartment.

IE Why I said 'basically'.... There's not any wiring to mess with and no chance of the alarm install coming back to bite you later. It's a plug and play sort of thing other than the programming.


Alky... Seriously... Stop being such a colossal dbag to everyone who is only trying to help you. You make a post, then get pissy when one of the regular 4 or 5 people post (who have been routine posters in garage far before you) you try to rag all over them. You have to realize by now that no one is out to get you or whatever, this place is handled differently than OT - lots of people come in here while searching for non-specific advice, just because a comment doesn't 100% have to do with you or just because you don't like the person posting does not mean it's inappropriate.