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alarm
I searched a few threads on this, but they didn't seem to have a conclusive answer, so I'm wondering if anyone else would know.
It appears the cost of having a dealership in Germany install an alarm is rather expensive, to the extent that I would forgo doing it.
If I were to buy it on line for a couple hundred dollars, take it with me, and install it myself over there, would I be able to find a dealership that would update the software on the car to recognize the alarm? Would they have the s/w module that is compatible? How much might they charge to do so? If I don't get the alarm activated over there, once State side, I probably wouldn't bother with the expense of getting it. It is only because I'm traveling into Eastern Europe that I'm considering starting out with one. Any thoughts?
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Dunno how much they will charge you, if you are concern w/ the car in Eastern Europe, then I would say just pay the piper, whatever it is, so long as it makes you sleep easier at night. A word of wisdom from my friends in Germany, "the russian mafia's system to defeat BMW security system is down to perfection.." installing that alarm would just add more cost to you when the car is taken.
cheers,
beewang 
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I'm not too concerned with the probabilities of outright theft of the car. I won't be staying in large cities and not long in any one place. If my car is spotted by a scout who calls his boss, who in turn contacts a couple of technicians to perform the operation, there's a chance I'll have moved on by the time they show up. If the odds catch up with me, there's insurance for that dramatic case, so I can sleep well at night. I'm more bothered by the larger number of less sophisticated opportunists who pick locks, brake windows, ruffle things around (there's got to be something in the trunk of a car with tourist plates). But if I'm charged $600-800 for an alarm to quasi-protect contents of not much more value, I'll feel just as robbed. Thus my original question, if I install myself a unit that I bring along, would a dealership activate it over there?
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I have done quite a bit of research on the alarm as I have an M3 going to the Eastern block in less than 2 weeks  . I will install the alarm myself and have the dealer activate it. The dealer near the ED delivery center asked for full payment (install and activation) even though he was doing only the activation. Reason: They need to double check my install anyhow. So, complete ripoff.
I spoke with a dealer in Vienna that is willing to activate it for 30 minutes labor charge. This is ok with me. Let's hope they honor the deal once I get there.
I am installing the alarm just because I have it already. Personally, I think the alarm is useful only if YOU can hear it and be able to get out fast. In all other situations it will not help at all. Your car can be unloaded in less than 30 seconds. Use common sense and do not leave anything in the car. You can end up with a busted window just because some idiot decided that your umbrella color will match his wallet.
An OEM alarm on an expensive car in Europe is the same as the lock on a high school locker.
.Trex
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Trex,
Thanks for the info. By chance, when you contacted the European dealerships, did they confirm that the activation code for your alarm is the same for either a European or USA alarm version? When I called my dealer and the BMW offices, I was told that it wouldn’t work; that the frequencies are different (I was also told I would void the warranty if I installed it myself…I think also, if I pop the hood and refill the windshield washer fluid myself, or if I sneeze near the vehicle, I immediately void all warranties too!). Whereas the FCC and ETSI allocate different frequency bands for these kinds of devices, I would reckon the enabling codes are the same, regardless of the transmit frequency, modulation or protocol. Yet, it wouldn’t be the first time they reinvent the wheel and make them different, depending on how dissimilar the s/w modules start off being.
I agree that these alarms have limited value and are to be used only in conjunction with other safeguarding principles. It’s one of the reasons I’ll pass on it if it’s more hassle that it’s worth. BTW, how much did the dealer in Munich quote you for the entire job?
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dsbmw,
Hmm..something does not add up with the info that they provided you. The alarm and all related electronics are already configured for your car. Activating it is a trivial exercise in enabeling the car computer to recognize the alarm and its features. There is no frequency programing and such. You need to have the corect alarm unit, the US version. Like you are thinking, it looks like someone is blowing smoke.
Absolute total BS the warranty issues. My best friend has an M3, he did the install himself and had the dealer activated it. Once at band camp, he adjusted the tire pressure and cuased his warranty to be voided.
The dealer in Munich wanted ~400 euros. The one in Vienna is going to be ~45 euros. Both dealers did not raise any issues with activating it.
.Trex
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