Advice on Alarm Systems

[m3f_WViper16]

Would you all recommend which alarm systems you think are the best for a 98 M3 4D. I have been thinking about a Stellar RTX, but am not sure. Any thoughts? Keeping in mind cost, ease of install, RELIABILITY, functionality..etc. Also where you would buy the system. Thanks in advance!



Charlie

1998 Hellrot/Black M3 4D



:help:

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

talk to audioman.. he installed an alpine alarm (similar to stock but more gizmos) and i blieve he got it for something like 99$.. for the price and ease of install this is probably the way to go.. but talk to him first...

[m3f_00poop6x_6dca3456a4]

First of all.....this is a BMW, make sure you KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING.... if you don't then it would be hard...



If you really don't know what you're doing, stellar is the way...



If you kind of know the wires but don't want to tap into your car...there's a site that sellf the wire harness for the OEM port....i forgot the site name but ask audioman or ESP; one of them had the link...



If you know what you're doing....Alpine is good or any for that matter; Clifford....higher end Prestige's....Viper(maybe) not a fan of viper....but they are now the same company from Clifford whic is from DEI....





I installed mine throught the OEM port by hard-wiring with a meter....I have a Prestige APS-800, got it to double lock, windows roll up and sunroof to close...took me a while

[m3f_CrazzyM3]

Originally posted by 00poop6x

I have a Prestige APS-800, got it to double lock, windows roll up and sunroof to close...took me a while



Dam that's pretty cool...........so was the install pretty hard? That's the way I'd want mine set up too.

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

00poop6x is right, if you don't know what you are doing then get the stellar. Otherwise run some searches. I got the alpine for $99, but install was not that easy. If you want to double lock, go to www.understeer.com and follow those directions. Run some searches for alarm to find out the site of the harness and cheap alpine alarm. It works great, but you really have to know what you are doing when installing. You also need a relay to negive pulse the hazards vs. positive. The alarm is not switchable so that was extra fun.

[m3f_00poop6x_6dca3456a4]

Originally posted by CrazzyM3





Dam that's pretty cool...........so was the install pretty hard? That's the way I'd want mine set up too.



Well, I had a choice between buying 3 different window modules for 2 pairs of windows and one sunroof or; since our BMWs (sedan, not sure about coupe) have the "turn the key to the right to lock and hold it there" function, the windows and sunroof close....



I basically bought a timing module prestige has and set it for 8 second pulse so that it keeps the pulse on "lock" for a full 8 seconds; therefore rolling my windows and sunroof up too....I might take this off because sometimes I don't even leave the windows down and it will still try to run the motor on them, making them burn or what not....

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

00poop6x, maybe you can use the module as an assory button, so they will only roll up when you want them to.

[m3f_BlkBimM3R_4c5ffa766f]

for alarms the installation is as important (if not more) than the specific alarm brand/model #.. I'm not saying to get a cheap ass no name alarm.. but I'm saying you can have a top of the line alarm w/ a lot of funtions (both convenience and security) but if its installed bad/generically.. then its not going to do very much when it comes down to its REAL intended purpose.. .to secure the vehicle...



most installs/basic installs where they have the alarm for a set price w/ "quote" free installation or whatever.. their just going to do a very basic/generic install.. basically you get what you pay for.. the alarm brain and starter/ignition kill relays will be pretty easy to access and rip out/re-wire for a theif... so its important that you hide the brain, associated wiring and relays well.. try to make the brain as hard to access as possible.. and hide the wiring either blend it into stock wiring harnesses, or just snip everything short from the brain/harness.. then use all black wiring so the theif can't tell (by factory wire colors on the alarm) what wire is what... hide the brain well, relays and wiring to make his job harder...



also make sure you know what your doing.. otherwise a simple alarm install can turn into a real nightmare... I would stick with Alpine, Clifford, DEI/Viper or Compustar... my family has used Cliffords for the past 2 decades back when the remotes had 1 button... and they have been reliable and have good features...

DEI makes all those snake and bug branded alarms (Viper, Python, Rattler, Hornet, etc) .. and also owns Clifford now...



my Clifford (Avant Guard) has lots of functions.. aside from all the basic parking flashers, keyless entry, starter kill, etc.. it also has window and sunroof closure, ignition controlled door locks, multipoint starter/fuel interrupts, shock/impact, tilt, proximity sensors, automated headlight activation (w/ wipers too), headlight delay (to light your path after you park), remote start (supports manauals), pager (I added this..it didn't come incl w/ the alarm), remote adjustable sensors, etc.. just to name a few features...

[m3f_CrazzyM3]

GSRaCeRbOI



How much did that all cost?:???:

[m3f_WViper16]

GSRaCeRbOI,



Avant Guard 4?



How much were the modules? (or were they included)



Total Price? Did You install yourself..?

[m3f_WViper16]

What type of pager...Does clifford make it, I didn't see it on the DEI website

[m3f_BlkBimM3R_4c5ffa766f]

replies to Crazy M3 and WViper...



I didn't do the install myself.. but it was done by my friend (meaning I didn't pay a shop $$$ to do it) but he knows what he's doing....



it cost me around $700 for everything.. my friend hooked me up (w/ both the parts AND the install..).. it took him about an entire day (sunrise to sunset.. + a few cigg breaks, lunch and dinner hehe)... to get all these components (Clifford Avant Guard III (IV wasn't out at the time..this was in late 90's), Clifford smart windows modules, Clifford digital tilt, Clifford digital dual stage proximity, and Clifford shock/impact sensor, along w/ ALL the labor involved to hook up the alarm, remote start, pager, headlight automation, trunk pop, batt back up, underhood and internal/in-cabin siren, all the sensors, hide the wiring, etc....... this kind of quality of an install (alarm brain hidden, stealth/black out wiring, etc) it would cost over a G at a shop easily...



I guess it was good for me that me and him go way back (from elementary) so I pretty much paid for the parts, lunch, dinner, and ciggs :thumbsup:



as for the pager it WAS made by Clifford.. but I think it has since been discontinued.. its pretty old school.. not the new models w/ the icon of a car and LCD display and all that it looks pretty much the same as *I THINK* the DEI 795 (not sure if this is the exact model number)...



I'm pretty happy w/ my alarm because its so convenient for the doors to lock, windows and sunroof to close.. and if I forget to arm the alarm.. 30 secs after I close the last door.. it auto arms, auto closes the windows and sunroof and auto locks :thumbsup:



theres some new DEI and Clifford alarms that come w/ the 2 way communication LCD remotes much like the Compustar 2 way alarms.. you guys might want to look into those...