I thought '99s came with alarm systems...

[John_in_VA]

Hoping this is the right forum for this:
A friend just picked this ti up on Sunday. There is no (obvious) siren/horn under the hood near the passenger's headlight like we saw on others, but there is a contact switch near the edge of the fender. No red LED near the ashtray area either.
I guess we'll pull out the glove box and see if anything is there. Are these units still available new (might find someone parting a car, too) or is it better to go aftermarket? Thanks in advance!

Type 318TI (USA)
Dev. series E36 (5)
Line 3
Body type COMP
Steering LL
Door count 3
Engine M44
Cubical capacity 1.90
Power 103
Transmision HECK
Gearbox MECH
Colour TITANSILBER METALLIC (354)
Upholstery STOFF MILLPOINT/GRAU (D7TT)
Prod. date 1998-09-11

Order options
No. Description
243 AIRBAG FOR FRONT PASSENGER
260 SIDE AIRBAG DRIVER/FRT PASSENGER
315 REAR WINDSCREEN WIPER
337 M SPORTS PACKAGE
401 SLIDING/VENT ROOF, ELECTRIC
441 SMOKERS PACKAGE
481 SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER
494 SEAT HEATING F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER
498 HEADRESTS IN REAR, MECHANIC. ADJUSTABLE
520 FOGLIGHTS
530 AIR CONDITIONING
540 CRUISE CONTROL
550 ON-BOARD COMPUTER
676 HIFI LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM
692 CD CHANGER I-BUS PREPARATION
704 M SPORT SUSPENSION
710 M LEATHER STEERING WHEEL
818 MAIN BATTERY SWITCH
925 SHIPPING PROTECTION PACKAGE

Series options
No. Description
214 AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL+TRACTION
354 GREEN STRIPE WINDSCREEN
410 WINDOW LIFTS, ELECTRIC AT FRONT
687 RADIO PREPARATION
850 ADD FUEL TANK FILLING FOR EXPORT
853 LANGUAGE VERSION ENGLISH
992 NUMBER PLATE ATTACHEMENT MANAGEMENT

[familytruckster]

there was a few new ones on ebay for some absurd price.

Some used ones too. I just bought a complete used system for 100 bucks.

[John_in_VA]

I know it's pre-wired for 3 things, according to the plastic plugs on the tailgate - phone, CD and one other item. Will have to check. I didn't see a loose cable/plug in the vicinity behind the passenger's headlight - thought it might be obvious. If he'd had this before the MD gathering it would have been easier to compare!

[1996 328ti]

Alarm is an option, as probably was the cruise control and on board computer.

Aftermarket alarms have their problems.
You can lock your keys in the car whereas you can't with a factory alarm.

[Marv17]

i don't know if you want just OEM stuff but there is a company up in New York that makes an aftermarket alarm that includes a new style key, like the E46 have. It is an alarm and keyless entry. Its about $150-$240 depending what options you want.
Company is called United Auto Security I think.
I bought one and works great. Key and alarm buttons on one key... everyone here always ask me where i got it from.

[John_in_VA]

Marv17,
Did you have to change any of your lock cylinders? Do you have any contact info for the vendor? You knew that was coming!
Found it:
http://unitedautosecurity.net/BMW-E3...aspx?sid=13867

Thanks!

[Marv17]

No. i didn't have to change any lock cylinders. no need and i don't know why you would (?) But yeah, its a good product. I've liked it since I've installed it... easy install. Its a plug and play. No need to wire anything what so ever. And everyone that sees my key thinks its neat.

[mohaughn]

I have a used one that was in my car. I'd have to go back and doublecheck what all I still have left, but I'm pretty sure I have everything that was in the car. Not so sure I have the key fobs anymore.

[John_in_VA]

I guess I need to verify that the car is, indeed, prewired for either factory or the United Auto unit. Any idea of what I'm looking for once the glove box is removed, plug or wire wise?
The UA unit sounds slick, and is more of a keyless entry device that also disables the starter & fuel pump vs the factory unit that honks/beeps when the car is disturbed, I think. Not having the siren underhood sounds good to me! I didn't see any unused wiring/plugs on the car for this.
Am I correct, Marv?

[1996 328ti]

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/int...ol_module.html
Scroll down and you will see the factory alarm module.
Maybe that will help?

Edit: Also, factory alarm install instructions
http://www.318ti.org/files/showentry.php?e=3&catid=1

[John_in_VA]

Thanks Steven, but ouch! That factory alarm file made my head hurt!!

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by John_in_VA

Thanks Steven, but ouch! That factory alarm file made my head hurt!!

I don't write em. Just upload em.

[Marv17]

if the car is prewired which should be if its in the newer years all the plugs should be there. I believe there is a 12 pin square connector under the glove box and there is a 2 pin connector under the hood for the horn to work. Everything was straight forward and easy... i even pluged it in myself, so you're able to do it too. believe in yourself. and just DO IT.

if i can do all the mechanical, electrical, and body work that i've done on my own so far with my ti not having much knowledge in the beginning then you can do this too.
Its not as hard as you think. don't over think it and it'll be possible.

[L84THSKY]

I bought the same system back when they were called BMWALARM.COM. I don't have the combined key and alarm, but the system is basically the same. Very easy to install, just plug the wiring harness right into the connector under the glove box. Mine is the premium package with many features that the stock Alarm doesn't have.