Security Alarm System '05 Mini Aftermarket or OEM?

[squint]

So I have a 2005 Mini Cooper S. I'm starting to have to leave my fancy toys like my laptop, ipod, etc in it a lot more often lately. I don't have a security system, but not I want one. For SOME peace of mind.

Has anyone put in an aftermarket one? If so, which one?

Can I put the OEM one in by myself or do I have to pay the outrageous dealer install prices?

[Berthil]

I have put the alarm kit in myself in my 2003 MCS. With al the wiring etc. If you don't have two left hands its not hard to do. Just don't be afraid of ripping of all kinds of plastic body panels, and putting in the wiring into the existing plugs can be a bit tricky since they only go in with some force.

But could well be that your 2005 MCS is already prewired, then it's a breeze. Some even already have the ultrasone sensor on the headliner.

Here's the official DIY on Motoringfile
Here a homemade DIY for a prewired car

[squint]

I dug around a bit on the net, with no luck. Would I have to order directly from the dealer or is there anyone who sells the alarm kit?

[Berthil]

You have to order from the stealer.

[squint]

Alright, I called them up. I need the basic alarm kit at $195 AND the indicator switch which is ANOTHER 100 bucks. THEN I have to have them program the darn thing for $120.

This sucker ain't cheap!

[Benmk]

just dont leave it in the car??

is it worth the risk.

My friend made the mistake and lost his sony headunit, lap-top and digital camera.

And he only left the car for 5 minutes!!

[beken]

I recently had a stereo installed in my wife's car by a friend who installs car alarms as a profession. So he is well aware of the different price levels of alarm systems for cars.
When I asked about alarms for the MINI, he found it hard to match the price/feature ratio of the MINI alarm system. He felt the MINI's factory alarm system installed by the dealer was good value.

I'm still deciding myself, whether or not to alarm my car. But if I did decide to add an alarm, I would add the factory alarm to my 05 MCS. it's just, there's other things I would like to spend my money on at this time.

Good luck in your decision.

[Berthil]

It was hard work to put in all the wiring but the satisfaction is even greater seeing the red light flash



(my pre-facelift, yours may be on the left)

[mGP]

A local MINI dealer Quoted me £395 for an Alarm fully fitted; Which was a lot cheaper than I anticipated, athough I never got round to booking my car In.

[aDeLoreanGuy]

Quote: Originally Posted by squint (original)

Alright, I called them up. I need the basic alarm kit at $195 AND the indicator switch which is ANOTHER 100 bucks. THEN I have to have them program the darn thing for $120.

It sounds like they are charging you a full hour of labor to program the alarm. It only takes them a few minutes, so try asking another dealer. Most others I hear of will do it for half that amount. At least you don't have one of those dealers that like to charge $200-$400 in labor to install the whole thing! I hate flat rates like that.

[Berthil]

My dealer charged me 30 dollars for checking and programming the alarm. Seems to me 120 dollars is far too much.

[DaFlake]

I have the OEM alarm as well and think that it is a great alarm for the price. Here in Germany I paid even more for the install.