Alarms

[lucialia]

Is it better to have an alarm fitted by your dealer or by an independant specialist?

[DaFlake]

The MINI alarm is a very good integrated alarm, but it is pricey. There are other options out there, but they are typically not integrated solutions. This is the reason that I went with the MINI solution.

[eggtruck]

the dealer is likely to contract it out to an alarm specialist anyway - and charge you a premium for the privilege

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by eggtruck (original)

the dealer is likely to contract it out to an alarm specialist anyway - and charge you a premium for the privilege

They won't outsource it.... The OEM alarm is just that and is installed at the dealership. Actually it is pretty easy to do if it is an 05/06 model as it is pre-wired. Lastly, the dealer has to code the car if the OEM model is installed to let the computer know it is there.

[spf]

I got the dealer fit one as presumably, if you later have some sort of electronic / wiring problem and the car has been apart to fit an alarm somewhere else, you may have a problem with warranty.

[aussie11]

I have got two alarms on my Mini, the BMW one and a clifford with a dual prox sensor only the BMW one will lock the fuel cap for some reason . Was told by the the clifford guy that the BMW is very good because it shuts down the ecu so with out the key the car wont start.

[mikeythemini]

Some dealers do outsource their alarm jobs

[eggtruck]

if they outsource it often takes longer to get jobs done than it would if you go direct

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini (original)

Some dealers do outsource their alarm jobs

Didn't know this...

[eggtruck]

its the same with vinyl graphics. Most dealers use a local sign writing company to fit them. So often it is cheaper to buy the grapic and then find someone to fit it independently.

Chandlers in Hailsham use a company called Vinyl Designs to fit theirs. They also get a local in-car audio company to fit thier alarms, aftermarket bluetooth equipment and sat nav. They also outsource their body repair work to a local coach company. So you think you car is being repaierd by BMW but its actually being done by a third party.

[DaFlake]

That I was aware of as they are a bit difficult to fit and most dealers don't have someone on site to do this. Thanks for the info...

[lucialia]

Any idea of a price to have an alarm fitted ny the dealer?

[lucialia]

Phoned my dealer today & they want nearly £600 But did advise to try a local fitter who may be cheaper,found someone online who will supply & fit a cobra alarm system(thatcham cat 1) incorporating the factory keyfob for £200 all in!

[DaFlake]

600 pounds sounds really expensive!

[lucialia]

Thats what I thought so i'm having the £200 one fitted!