[sharpski]

I tried using the search function, but I didn't find what I was looking for. Is the dealer installed alarm the same as what was available from the factory? I'm interested mainly in the flashing red light on the end of the stalk (oh, and having an alarm too ). If it's not integrated in such a cool way, I'm not sure I see the benefit of it over an aftermarket option for the money.

[miniqueen]

What kind of alarm did your dealer install into the MINI?

[OBsminiS]

There isn't a whole lot of info out there. It was a 400 dollar option that was offered in starting in June.

here is the email response I got from MINIUSA whe I asked about the alarm:

Certainly! Here's the information I have on the alarm, I found it to be quite impressive, I hope it helps!

The alarm operates with perimeter and interior sensors, which detect the unauthorized opening of any door, tailgate or hood. It also includes a separate battery back up (in case the car's main battery is disconnected) and a tilt sensor to detect if the car is being lifted or towed away. The alarm system is activated/deactivated via the remote central door locking device or if the door lock is used. The interior and tilt sensor can also be deactivated by closing the car twice within two seconds via the remote car central locking device or the door lock. When the alarm is triggered, the alarm will sound and hazard warning lights will flash for 30 seconds or until the alarm is deactivated. If the alarm has been activated while the driver was away from the car, the LED on the column stalk will flash differently to alert the driver. The LED gives a TAMPER flash following disarm. When armed, the alarm will trigger 10 seconds after opening the door, giving the driver time to disarm the alarm from the ignition transponder.

LET'S MOTOR.
Jen Schuelke
MINI Division
Customer Relations

[monica]

Say what!?! English please. I got to alarm sounds if someone breaks in or tries to tow car away. Is the owner in some way notified that their alarm has been tripped if they are away from the car? Sorry for my ignorance in this matter.

[MINIjewel]

Quote:

Originally posted by monica
Say what!?! English please. I got to alarm sounds if someone breaks in or tries to tow car away. Is the owner in some way notified that their alarm has been tripped if they are away from the car? Sorry for my ignorance in this matter.

Not ignorance. I had to read it several times before I got it.
Basically I think what happens is that the LED light on the column stalk flashes in a different way so that when you get back to your car you can tell if the alarm had been triggered while you were away.
Hope that makes more sense.

[monica]

Quote:

Originally posted by MINIjewel


Not ignorance. I had to read it several times before I got it.
Basically I think what happens is that the LED light on the column stalk flashes in a different way so that when you get back to your car you can tell if the alarm had been triggered while you were away.
Hope that makes more sense.

Maybe I live in a bad area but chances are good that if the alarm had been tripped the car would be gone when I got back to it. (Probably already chopped or awaiting transport OUT of the country via Port Newark) If some hacks had tried to break in I'm sure the crow bar marks on my door or the smashed window would give it away. I guess that's why I never looked into alarms much, oh well

[floothecoop]

Did I understand correctly that the Mini comes with an engine disabler?
If that's the case, I dont' think I'm going to care for an alarm... no one pay attention to them anyhow.

[OBsminiS]

Glad I wasn't the only one not to get it all. Still the concept of an alarm is really to keep relatively honest people honest. If a pro wants your car they will get it

[jaycbird]

Quote:

Originally posted by monica
Maybe I live in a bad area but chances are good that if the alarm had been tripped the car would be gone when I got back to it. (Probably already chopped or awaiting transport OUT of the country via Port Newark) If some hacks had tried to break in I'm sure the crow bar marks on my door or the smashed window would give it away. I guess that's why I never looked into alarms much, oh well

Same here, Monica. In fact, here in San Francisco, between the BAD parallel parking and the sound and fury of 18 wheelers setting off alarms (SF doesn't have a freeway running 'over' it), nobody pays attention to car alarms anyway.

It is sort of cool to hear them all go off during a nifty little earthquake...