[2phun]

I'm hoping to take delivery of my MINI cabrio in the next couple weeks, and one of the first additions needs to be an alarm. After reading many posts here regarding the OEM alarm system, its oversensitivity to rain, and lack of sensitivity to hands etc coming in the windows/through the open roof, I was looking for some feedback. Anyone out there got any stories (good and bad) to share? And has anyone installed or looked into a good aftermarket system? Would also like input on price differences. Thanks for any info you have...

 

[2phun]

of more concern for you...

THERE ISN"T AN OEM ALARM FOR THE CABRIO IN THE US!!!!

My MA has zero information on why there isn't. Picked up my MCSC about 2 weeks ago and nervously driving around without even a basic alarm.

Haven't been able to find out any information from other sources, either in regards to what is going on. Or not going on as the case is...

In the meantime, I've found that if I put one of my cats in the car, he's annoyed enough at being trapped in the car, to seriously deter anyone trying to open the door..

Guess OEM wasn't quite right, rather the dealer installed one...but i think the guard cat idea sounds like a good option. might have to look into that!

 

[2phun]

Interesting feedback. Called my dealership and they confirmed what maganoo stated, that the dealer installed one is actually an aftermarket one. I'll check with some of the local shops and see what they have to offer. The dealer install is way to expensive for the options it offers. Otherwise, I'll likely do like you and wait for an OEM version covered with warranty etc.

 

[2phun]

Update

Finally got a chance to speak directly to my MA, and he gave me some more info regarding the alarms for the cabrios. He went to a training in MINIapolis last month and, while there, they discussed the alarms. Apparently there is no current OEM alarm for the Mini, because they were having issues with the sensors and where to put them. The setup on the tintops was not working with the cabrios. Currently one is being developed for the convt that has sensors below the doors facing upward so that hands coming through an open window (or worse, a knife through the roof) will cause the alarm to go off. From what I remember from previous posts, there was only one sensor before that was at the rear of the car? and was not going off because it was blocked by the rollbars? Whatever the case, the new OEM alarm being developed should answer that problem, but has not been finalized just yet. The cost also will apparently be a bit more than for the tintop, due to the extra sensors. Didn't get much more specifics than that just yet, but glad to know that they have something in the works.

In the meantime, for now I'll either hook up umberto's fix or look into borrowing my neighbor's cat.