DIY: E92 M3: OEM Alarm Install

H8cold wrote

Installed my alarm had it activiated, but no motion sensor? why?

I don't think the vert has a motion sensor built in for the alarm. It works in my sedan if I leave the windows down, activate the alarm and then stick my hands in the car. The siren is not very loud but enough for people close by to hear.

JohnnyRoaster wrote

I don't think the vert has a motion sensor built in for the alarm. It works in my sedan if I leave the windows down, activate the alarm and then stick my hands in the car. The siren is not very loud but enough for people close by to hear.

All models have a motion sensor. In the coupe, the windows (and sunroof) must be completely closed for it to function (this is unlike my E46, where you could trigger it by sticking you arm through an open window). I'm not sure why the sedan would be different. In the convertible, the interior is monitored up to the height of the seat cushions even with the roof open (meaning it can be triggered if the roof is open and there is a falling leaf, etc.). The motion sensor can be switched off if you press the lock button on the remote immediately after first locking the car. It resets when the vehicle is unlocked.

I had the alarm activated by my dealer this morning, and it works like a charm. Great DIY.

I'm just installing the siren for now. Don't want to mess with the hood sensor or break the light area installing the motion sensor. This will at least make the doors beep on exit? And after I take it to the dealer tomorrow I can install the rest if I want at any point? Would it need to be reprogrammed?

The light area is really a no-brainer and easy to do without risk of damage. You could be pretty hamfisted and still not bust it. Assuming the wiring is there for the hood, that should be quick as well and you shoudl just do them all. Not sure what happens when trying to program a half-installation.

Also, I thought there was an issue with the '10 cars that made putting this in after production more problematic? I could be wrong.....

Georgeair wrote

The light area is really a no-brainer and easy to do without risk of damage. You could be pretty hamfisted and still not bust it. Assuming the wiring is there for the hood, that should be quick as well and you shoudl just do them all. Not sure what happens when trying to program a half-installation.

Also, I thought there was an issue with the '10 cars that made putting this in after production more problematic? I could be wrong.....

I had heard the same. I really want an alarm but with my '09 don't think I'm prewired. Anyone know if I am? I'm gonna go look for the hood switch...

You should be pre-wired in an M3 regardless of year. If it were an '08 I'd say maybe not. Any ideas if I just install the alarm and motion sensor, it will work without errors? Don't care about the hood sensor.

Engle wrote

I had heard the same. I really want an alarm but with my '09 don't think I'm prewired. Anyone know if I am? I'm gonna go look for the hood switch...

Here is the hood switch, at the front corner of the driver's side cabin air intake housing...

will this work for the 2010 models?

unclejesse1 wrote

will this work for the 2010 models?

If not prewired, evidenced by the hood switch pictured above, you're out of luck. The cut-off date was somewhere in '09, I believe, so some '09s were still prewired. The only option after that was to get the factory alarm, which was a stand alone option, until it became part of a package in '11 models, I think. Do a search for more precise information.

And a side comment, the hood switch is monitored even when alarm is not installed. Disconnected it on my car, and got an error; had to reconnect it again, but I rerouted the wire a different (and much better) way, without the clip that attaches it to the cover, so now I can just remove the cover when bleeding brake fluid, etc., rather than having to flip it due to that stupid wire. Good day.

elp_jc wrote

If not prewired, evidenced by the hood switch pictured above, you're out of luck. The cut-off date was somewhere in '09, I believe, so some '09s were still prewired. The only option after that was to get the factory alarm, which was a stand alone option, until it became part of a package in '11 models, I think. Do a search for more precise information.

And a side comment, the hood switch is monitored even when alarm is not installed. Disconnected it on my car, and got an error; had to reconnect it again, but I rerouted the wire a different (and much better) way, without the clip that attaches it to the cover, so now I can just remove the cover when bleeding brake fluid, etc., rather than having to flip it due to that stupid wire. Good day.

tks for the advice

I have a 2006 325i, can anyone explain to me why my rear dome light housing's louvers are not cut out? Without them open there is no motion sensor. For those still looking I just bought a BMW alarm on ebay for 225.00 from a dealer. My dealer here in Chicago would not match the price. Install and programing was three hours, programing alone was two hours.

Installed mine 6 months ago. It took me 45 min while the dealer wanted 4 hours (3.5 installtion and 30 min activation). I ended up finding a dealer who charged me only 1 hour for activation.

so on the M3 alarm is prewired for 08s and some of 09s?

Subscribed! Will be doing this soon!

GregW / Oregon wrote

Here is the hood switch, at the front corner of the driver's side cabin air intake housing...

sorry, what are we looking at? The black things sticking out in the center of the pic?

mdosu wrote

sorry, what are we looking at? The black things sticking out in the center of the pic?

Yes, I should have marked it - the black button to the right of the strut bolts.

hey greg im looking to do this on my 08 where is the best place to get the alarm now? i was told some 08s come with a different dome light set up that wont work with the alarm motion sensor and would require a new one at a cost of 200?

chriszeh wrote

hey greg im looking to do this on my 08 where is the best place to get the alarm now? i was told some 08s come with a different dome light set up that wont work with the alarm motion sensor and would require a new one at a cost of 200?

I have not looked for the alarm units lately - you'll have to search around. I have not heard of the difference in dome units, either - mine was a very early '08 and worked fine. Sorry I can't be more help.

i just ordered one from circle since that was mentioned earlier in this thread. 259$ so still not too bad. got a quote of 122 for the coding at bmw seattle.

what actually triggers the Alarm on the E92?

i believe a door, hood or trunk being open, jacking up the vehicle to steal wheels or tow sets off the motion sensor and movement in the cabin sets it off as well.