Flashing Red Light under rear-view mirror (Alarm)

cobra · 10-31-2008, 02:55 PM

Just wondering, if you don't have an alarm installed... is this still supposed to blink after you lock the car?

Mine doesn't seem to blink.. just wondering if this the way it supposed to be. Be useful to deter theft.

thurst0509 · 10-31-2008, 03:27 PM

Yeah, mine doesn't blink either - I wish it would.

My understanding is that the circuitry to control the blinking light is contained within the alarm system "brain", which isn't present unless the vehicle is retrofitted with the alarm kit.

qstix · 10-31-2008, 03:29 PM

Do you guys not get the alarm as standard in the States. We do over here in the UK..

So what security do you get as standard then, if any..

I think the red alarm cap would look alot better if it was smaller though..

thurst0509 · 10-31-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qstix

Do you guys not get the alarm as standard in the States. We do over here in the UK..

So what security do you get as standard then, if any..

I think the red alarm cap would look alot better if it was smaller though..

Nope, alarm isn't standard. It's a dealer-installed option over here.

All of the security bits are pretty much the same I think, and all cars are pre-wired for an alarm. We just don't get the blinking light, impact/motion sensors, and siren by default.

ARES45 · 10-31-2008, 03:53 PM

Yeah, you can get it put in for around 3-500. They have the software all jacked up though and sometimes it won't recognize it. I am waiting to get mine reprogramed. The light starts blinking once you install the hardware though.

bimmerfile · 10-31-2008, 04:20 PM

We had multiple discussions on the Z4 message board 5 years ago about this topic - i.e. can you get the clown nose to blink even if you don't have the alarm system?
Most said "no way"..
The real answer was/is "yes way".
Back in 2004 I took my non-alarmed Z4 into the dealer and asked them to program a number of things (e.g. auto lock the doors when car reached 5 kmph) as well as to get my clown nose to blink whenever I left the car and locked the doors. The dealer did that in less than 5 minutes.
But a lot of dealers at the time were still telling other Z4 owners that what my dealer did for me (and others), could not be done without an alarm system.

I don't see any reason why we can't get the clown nose to blink on a non-alarmed 1er.

Mad Dragon · 10-31-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnut

I don't see any reason why we can't get the clown nose to blink on a non-alarmed 1er.

The Z4 does not have the same electrical system as the E82/88. The LED is powered directly from the alarm system, and it can only be activated when the alarm is installed.

turner23 · 10-31-2008, 10:21 PM

i've been fighting with my dealer to finally have the bloody alarm installed on my car for over two months now; the current software is no good and they can't seem to get the upgrades. There is no audible 'chirp' or sirens, however, the red 'clown nose' DOES blink every time I lock the car.

10-31-2008, 02:55 PM	#1
cobra New Member 6 Rep 17 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	Flashing Red Light under rear-view mirror (Alarm) Just wondering, if you don't have an alarm installed... is this still supposed to blink after you lock the car? Mine doesn't seem to blink.. just wondering if this the way it supposed to be. Be useful to deter theft.
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10-31-2008, 03:27 PM	#2
thurst0509 Private First Class 8 Rep 146 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Yeah, mine doesn't blink either - I wish it would. My understanding is that the circuitry to control the blinking light is contained within the alarm system "brain", which isn't present unless the vehicle is retrofitted with the alarm kit. __________________ 135i - Sedonarot, black leatherette, gray poplar trim Sport package, comfort access, HD radio, iPod/USB
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10-31-2008, 03:29 PM	#3
qstix New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0)	Do you guys not get the alarm as standard in the States. We do over here in the UK.. So what security do you get as standard then, if any.. I think the red alarm cap would look alot better if it was smaller though..
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10-31-2008, 03:53 PM	#5
ARES45 Major 34 Rep 1,002 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Yeah, you can get it put in for around 3-500. They have the software all jacked up though and sometimes it won't recognize it. I am waiting to get mine reprogramed. The light starts blinking once you install the hardware though. __________________ "Don't run, you'll only die tired" ~ Gunship Pilot
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10-31-2008, 04:20 PM	#6
bimmerfile Colonel 621 Rep 2,067 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X2 F39 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: GTA, Canada iTrader: (0)	We had multiple discussions on the Z4 message board 5 years ago about this topic - i.e. can you get the clown nose to blink even if you don't have the alarm system? Most said "no way".. The real answer was/is "yes way". Back in 2004 I took my non-alarmed Z4 into the dealer and asked them to program a number of things (e.g. auto lock the doors when car reached 5 kmph) as well as to get my clown nose to blink whenever I left the car and locked the doors. The dealer did that in less than 5 minutes. But a lot of dealers at the time were still telling other Z4 owners that what my dealer did for me (and others), could not be done without an alarm system. I don't see any reason why we can't get the clown nose to blink on a non-alarmed 1er. __________________ 2019 X2
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10-31-2008, 10:21 PM	#8
turner23 Second Lieutenant 19 Rep 218 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	alarm i've been fighting with my dealer to finally have the bloody alarm installed on my car for over two months now; the current software is no good and they can't seem to get the upgrades. There is no audible 'chirp' or sirens, however, the red 'clown nose' DOES blink every time I lock the car.
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