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3-Series (E46, E90)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1999 to Current. Models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318Ci, BMW 320i, BMW 323i, BMW 325i, BMW 330i, BMW 328 Ci, BMW 328i, BMW 325i/xi, BMW 330Ci, BMW 320d, BMW 330d, BMW 335d.
Basically, you can get the lights programmed to flash when locking or unlocking as well as have the clown nose blink. The computer basically is programmed to act as if there is an alarm present even if it's not. I had this done on mine. A nice bonus is that doing this means that if you add the OEM alarm later, it is already activated and doesn't require another trip to the dealer.
I had this programmed at delivery. If you have not already had some key programming done or you are going in for some other type of service, many dealers will do this for no extra charge.
__________________ 2004 325CiC Convertible; Silver Gray Paint, Gray Leather, Black Top, Sport Package, Premium Package, Xenons, heated seats, but too cheap to buy the nav...
Dealer quoted me 98 dollars to program the key. I had wanted toget the day time running lights activated, the blinkers to work when I remote lock the car, and the lock to lock themselves at the 8 mph mark, but those jerks were just running me for a loop. Whatever.
__________________ Silver 2000 323i with sport package
The dealer was able to program daytime running lights, auto lock at 8mph, etc. However, they told me they could not program my clown nose to blink when locking the doors with my keyless entry. They told me that since I do not have an alarm, activating the clown nose to blink would cause some misreadouts (due to not have the actual alarm). Not sure if this was a cop-out response or what. In the meanwhile, I will call another stealership to see if they can get my clown nose to blink with keyless entry.
I just picked up my 04 325Ci last Sunday, and went back to the dealer today to have the computer reprogrammed. I had them switch on my autolock @5mph, single turn signal blink for lock, twice for unlock. I asked the tech and the repair manager about the clown nose blinking after locking (I dont have the alarm either)... the tech said being able to make it blink depends on what year the car is. He said some can be made to blink, others can't without the alarm. He said he would try, and and hour later I got my car back with all 3 features activated for both keys, and they washed the car. All free. Now I have a fake blinking light, so dont steal my ride!
Outstanding! Glad to hear that your dealership was able to make your clown nose blink w/o the alarm. I have two more dealerships (out of three) which are fairly close to see if they can make my clown nose blink sans the alarm. Hopefully they will not charge me much.
My dealer did this free of charge too. If you live in the SF Bay Area, I recommend the good folks at East Bay BMW. They have always treated me well when it comes to "menial" little requests like this. I was surprised that my 'clown nose' is activated, as well as the turn indicators -- don't believe anyone that tells you it can't be done!
My co-worker told me that East BMW has a great service department. Luckily I work in San Ramon. I will give them a ring in a few to see if they can fix me up. It was Weatherford BMW that told me that activating the clown nose would not be a possibility without the alarm (sounds like they were trying to make a sale?).
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