Bmw Alarm Vs. Viper Alarm - BMW Forum

dugies25 · 03-16-2005, 08:10 PM

i just bought a 2003, 330ci...the dealer said there was an alarm, turns out there is not alarm. the dealer is going to install free of charge and has asked if i want the bmw alarm or a viper alarm? i don't know much about either one. my car is prewired for the bmw alarm. i would like it to be controlled via my bmw key and not another key fob. any suggestions, comments, or input?

da_bull · 03-16-2005, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dugies25@Mar 16 2005, 08:10 PM
i just bought a 2003, 330ci...the dealer said there was an alarm, turns out there is not alarm.* the dealer is going to install free of charge and has asked if i want the bmw alarm or a viper alarm?* i don't know much about either one.* my car is prewired for the bmw alarm.* i would like it to be controlled via my bmw key and not another key fob.* any suggestions, comments, or input?

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Welcome to the forums

The Viper alarm will have more range and features but if you want your key to work like it was meant to go with the factory. I personally like aftermarket just because you only have to pay 40-50 for a fob instead of 50-100 the first time you drop your keys in a puddle of water.

Rooz · 03-17-2005, 02:08 PM

Depends on which alarm from viper they put too

da_bull · 03-17-2005, 09:47 PM

Thats true Viper make some cheap alarms now. Ask them what they are going to install and call around for retail pricing. You can also ask about different features available. You will probably be pleased with the aftermarket.

Cruzin 323is · 03-18-2005, 11:15 PM

aftermarket all the way!! having a stock alarm sux, IMO, it has no sensors.. the only way the alarm goes off, is it u break the window, and unlock the doors from the outside!!

atleast with an AM, u can set the sensitivity level!

Vegas_330i · 03-23-2005, 09:20 PM

My 2002 330i came pre wired for a BMW alarm. I had the BMW system installed. The features that it came with are:

motion sensor inside (if you leave your window down and someone puts their arm in)

tilt sensor (if someone tries to tow the car)

if someone opens the doors from the inside (through open window)

ignition kill unless the BMW key is used

it also senses if someone is trying to short the system out.

can use the key fob to open and close windows (instead of having to put the key in the door).

Seems like a good alarm to me. Good luck with your choice.

Furious · 03-24-2005, 12:17 PM

to be on the safe side ask what features are on both systems that you have the option to. than decide which one has the better features for you, if you want post what both do and we can decide for you

Davey8ter · 03-24-2005, 12:59 PM

Before I install anything aftermarket It may pay you to find out if this voids any BMW Warranties....Sometimes it will and if there is an electrical problem later then they can say it is not under warranty...

dugies25 · 03-24-2005, 03:48 PM

Thanks for all the input...I have decided to stick with the BMW alarm. I don't want to void any warrenties, and the features that it has are enough for me. Plus I like the idea of being able to control it all by me key, instead of another fob. I am also a little suspicious of the quality of the viper alarm that the dealer would have picked for me. This way i know exactly what i am getting and i am happy with it...thanks