How much does the MINI security system cost?

[jrozario]

I am waiting for my '06 MCSc to be delivered late this month. I went to the dealer and added the MINI security system They are charging me $895 for parts and labor. The parts, i.e. the security system lists for $399 on the MINIUSA site.

My question, is $496 excessive for labor? How much did you pay for your cabrio MINI security system installed?

[ayde_bury]

It comes as standard equipment in the UK, I'm very surprised that you have to pay extra in the US - very poor show.

[sfgrunge]

That option has been bugging me too. On the hardtop it is listed as $295, but I have been quoted anywhere from $795 - $995 (installed). I have read that all of the US MINIs greater than 2003 are all pre-wired for the security system at the factory, which I'm beginning to believe is true since you can have the alarm fully installed at the factory on a UK MINI.

Here are some links about the alarm installation.
1) http://www.motoringfile.com/howto/Alarm.PDF -- This is the old installation instructions that say to install the alarm components AND the wiring harness takes 3-4 hours.
2) http://home.comcast.net/~sfconnell/mods/alarm/home.htm -- individual who installed the alarm components himself and then took it to his dealer for the computer update (a whopping $45).

[ayde_bury]

Both of those links are for the hardtop Alarm system. I've had a look around too, and can't see any info on installing as a retrofit in the soft-tops.

[Madeira Jon]

I had the BMW system fitted to my Series 3 convertible It cost £530 fitted by the BMW dealer. It is the highest security grade available in the UK

[fjpatriot]

I struggled with this too, and came to the following conclusions. First, I did find the convertible installation instructions near the above links and they are pretty intrusive for being pre-wired at the factory. I did not want my car interior to be taken apart by my dealer to install the alarm, knowing there might be squeaks or other things later. Second, the car comes with a computer chip key. It cannot be started without the key. If they have the key they have the alarm remote too, so it is redundant. So essentially the only people who can "steal" your car is someone with a tow truck or flatbed. I have had cars stolen in the past, and believe me if someone has a tow truck they are serious and I don't want the car back. This also convinced me to ignore lojack - since all it would be doing is helping out the insurance company getting back the stripped car.

So your left with not preventing theft, but possibly preventing/ scaring someone off who is going to steal the contents of your car OR damage it in some way. My third conclusion was people in general ignore car alarms going off, and I will not leave things in my car to steal. So yes, maybe a teenager with a key could key my car without getting a beep going off, or they could try and steal the tires - but again, my experience today is no one is going to pay attention to these people anyway if an alarm is going off.

I really struggled with this ( my current car of 12 years has an alarm ) but I felt better not getting it because of feeling like I was screwed for installation. My other alarm on my current car, with a remote start, cost a total of $250 installed. Anyway, these are my reasons - totally understand if you don't agree or want to get the alarm. Hope you find a way not to pay $1000 or even half that. Good luck.

[dogpaddler]

Ok, I must chime in here. I just picked up my MCSc 4 weeks ago and was also waffling on the alarm. I had it on my 03 MCS hardtop and wanted it for the cabrio. The dealer wanted to charge me $1100 (parts and install). Apparently, the cabrio requires special sensors that costs a little extra and a bit more labor intensive work. After discussing the pros and cons with my MA, it was decided that for what you get in the factory alarm, it is overpriced. I skipped the alarm and was contemplating lo-jack, but after some thought, I came to the conclusion as fjpatriot did above.

BTW, in the 2 years I had my 03 MCS, I never heard the alarm go off, not once...

[jrozario]

Thank you for all of your insightful comments. I am worried about the nuisance tampering or vandalism. I want to know if someone is reaching in my car if I leave the top down, or when I park it near my house. I do think the noise of the alarm going off has a deterrent effect, if they are small time thieves. I also ordered wheel locks to deter stealing my precious web spoke wheels.

I never considered Lojack for a variety of reasons. I was just taken back by over $500 installation when the car supposedly comes "pre-wired" for the alarm.

Also, for the rattels and squeaks, I do have 3 years to complain and hopefully get it fixed, right?

[dogpaddler]

Quote: Originally Posted by jrozario

Also, for the rattels and squeaks, I do have 3 years to complain and hopefully get it fixed, right?

For what it's worth, I had one door rattle problem when I had the alarm in the 03, but I'm not even sure it was due to alarm intall. Problem fixed itself after 3 weeks and 3 trips to dealer.

[ayde_bury]

Us UK owners normally get a discount on our insurance for having a Alarm & Immobiliser installed in a vehicle, which is sometimes another incentive to get it installed.