BMW alarm, should I make a how to?

[avboden]

I will be installing my factory BMW alarm on the bike soon. Is anyone interested in a how to for it? If so i'll be careful and take pictures all the way. If not then,, I won't!

[de100kb]

I think that would be an excellent addition to the hall of fame avboden so please do!

[Pat H]

Doesn't it just plug into the loom and get screwed in place?
Also doesn't the on board computer need to be programmed to work with it.
But you just can't have too many how to examples so go for it.

[avboden]

Okay, so it was super easy to install. Didn't come with a manual though so I used one from the K1200 found here

http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11418

I found that you had to follow the instructions to link the remote first and then go through the initial programming steps. It seems to be working now, I'm not sure. I'll be taking the bike to the dealer for the breather tube thing soon so i'll ask them and make sure its all done right.

[alikesj]

Hello
I also have purchased the alarm, but I could not get it to start up. Did the other installation instructions work for you? Did you take photos?
Help.

Bike without Alarm in Boise

Jeff in Boise, Id.

[avboden]

First thing you have to do is link it to the remote. Download the instructions here, still work

http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11418

Pages 18 and 19 are linking the remote. Than you can go do the initial programing. One thing I noticed, sometimes when it says press 3X it takes 4X or two takes 3, that kind of thing. Also, hold down the button for a second for each press, a tap does not register.

Also, do you have a TPM? Installing the alarm messed mine up and the shop has to do some programming thing.

Photos aren't needed because there is only one place it can be installed and one wire.

[avboden]

Let me know if you have any more trouble, i'd be happy to walk you through it on the phone some time.

[alikesj]

avboden
Thanks for the reply. Can you tell me from the photos I have attached which alarm you have?
I do not have the TPM system, I have heard that the alarm does mess that up. I was also told I would need a different alarm if I had that.

Thanks
Jeff

[avboden]

Yep alarm looks the same as mine. I wasn't told i'd need a different alarm with the TPM. I'm going to be pissed if I need to get a different one. Its a the shop for warrantee work right now and I was having them fix the TPM.
So, I may have a non TPM alarm box for sale soon...

[alikesj]

Can you tell me which one you have, left or right?

[avboden]

Right, the one without the big sticker and has the siren on top.

The one on the left is the stock box.

[alikesj]

what is a stock box?

[avboden]

Its the stock computer box. The one you took out of the bike. I just said stock box because its stock and looks like a box...kinda. I believe that controls the turnsignals, and occasionally the TPM. Thats why the security box is kinda expensive, its not just security. But it makes interfacing the security into the lights and turn signals amazingly easy for BMW.

Edit: Not the main computer

[alikesj]

I actually did not take this out of my bike. It was sent to me as an alarm. At my local shp they showed me a bike with this "stock box" installed and said that was the alarm. You mentioned in an earlier post that I could phone you, would you mind sending me your phone number so we chat. Also please let me know the best time to get a hold of you. Thanks for you help.

[avboden]

the smaller unit with the big white sticker and "Schraderr electronics" is not the alarm. This is the ORIGINAL computer unit.

The larger unit on the right, w/o the big sticker is the alarm. You can see where the siren is.

As far as I know they don't make an alarm without a siren.

[roberttran]

Do you have a part number for the TPM compatible alarm?

[avboden]

Do you have a part number for the TPM compatible alarm?

Not as of yet. I'm taking my alarm out and putting the original box back in. The dealer couldn't get the alarm to work with the TPM. Computer said "Unknown error, contact BMW support"

So, they are contacting BMW support, and I am contacting another dealer. I'll keep you posted

[roberttran]

Thanks!
I don't want to pay my dealer MSRP + labor to have one installed if I can do it myself.

[avboden]

As of right now, the one I installed myself does not work with the TPM. There has to be some software or something the dealer is supposed to put on.

The security system is great though. HELLA LOUD. If I were a thief and it went off, i'd get the heck outta dodge. Even if the thief disconnects the wire to the box, it has a built in battery and will continue to sound. Even if you have to have the dealer install it, its worth it. Its only a 2 min install normally. Take seat off, undo 1 wire and 1 screw, replace with new box, re do one wire and one screw. They'd most likely charge you for an hour though :-(

[elchino]

What is the cost of the BMW alarm? Seems like an easy install! Does this alarm also disable the engine when it is tripped by the theif?

Does this alarm when the bike is moved or kisckstand is retracted without the alarm being deactivated by the remote?

[Pat H]

What is the cost of the BMW alarm? Seems like an easy install! Does this alarm also disable the engine when it is tripped by the theif?

Does this alarm when the bike is moved or kisckstand is retracted without the alarm being deactivated by the remote?

Not sure I purchased when I bought the bike. The bike does have to be hooked up to the dealers computer I believe to tell the bike about the alarm.
The alrm is motion sensitive but you can disable that when setting if you want (but I can't remember how right now)
The alarm will sound if the ignition goes on before it's reset but as the bike has an immobiliser that's separate the alarm doesn't need to stop the bike starting.

Hope that helps.

[avboden]

What is the cost of the BMW alarm? Seems like an easy install! Does this alarm also disable the engine when it is tripped by the theif?

Does this alarm when the bike is moved or kisckstand is retracted without the alarm being deactivated by the remote?

1: Its about $300 US
2: Very easy install if you don't have TPM (still working on this one)
3: Yes the alarm does immobilize the bike.
4: With the motion sensor on, if you even stand the bike up from the kickstand, it will go off. VERY VERY LOUDLY
5: The alarm automatically deactivates when you put in the authorized BMW key and turn to the on position. Nice feature
6: The alarm will arm automatically after 20 seconds of the key being removed from the bike.
7: There is a 15 second "arming" period for the alarm. If you press arm one more time on the key fob, it will de activate the motion sensor. The bike will be able to be moved, but all the other protections stay in place.

It really is a great system! Plus if you tell your insurance you have an alarm they usually give a discount.

[Pat H]

The automatic arm after ignition off (after 20 seconds) can be turned on or off (via a convoluted setup sequence)
I have mine off as the bike is parked in an internal garage and I don;t need the alarm.
So I set mine when I park it and need it on.

But it's integrates really well.

If you start the bike it flashes the rev limit LED to tell you of any alarm trips that have occured. the flashes tell you the type of trip but I can't remember them either.

[elchino]

avboden

I have the TPM so will wait further news from you prior to purchasing one for myself. I ahd looked at an aftermarket alarm assuming that the BMW one would be pricey and a nightmare to install.

If it works with TPM then I am in!

Thanks

[avboden]

Elchino, heard from my dealer. it should work with the TPM. You just won't be able to install it your self. The dealer has to install it while hooked up to the big computer. Ask your dealer, I have no idea what install costs should be but it really is simple and they'd only charge for the computer time.

[roberttran]

Just talked to Chicago BMW and they said that the alarm part number for TPM and non-TPM bikes is different. They even said to go to my local dealer to buy it and have it taken care of.

[Pat H]

Just talked to Chicago BMW and they said that the alarm part number for TPM and non-TPM bikes is different. They even said to go to my local dealer to buy it and have it taken care of.

This would figure. There are three possible configurations.

No TPM and no alarm = no unit at all under the seat.

Alarm only (with alarm unit under the seat)

TPM only with unit similar to alarm unit but TPM only

and finally Alarm and TPM unit.

Basically the TPM units in the tyres send a signal that is picked up by the Alarm/TPM unit. This is the same as the alarm key fob.

[elchino]

Very interesting.

So did avboden get the "wrong" alarm that can be made to work via the computer at the dealer?

What are the part numbers for each - then we can see which avboden got and try to sort this out

Perhaps if you have tpm and get the indicated alarm then you don't need the dealer to install etc. - which would be heavenly!

[avboden]

Well, i've been dealing with service this whole time.

Time to deal with the parts department. I'm going to call tomorrow and have them look up the actual part numbers. Don't know why I haven't done this until now.

Update tomorrow

[Redshift]

Do you think the BMW alarm is better than other aftermarket units that are out there? My bike won't have the factory alarm but my service manager assures me it's an easy installation later on and costs roughly the same as ordering it with the bike.

[elchino]

Judging by the fact that it integrates so easily into the bike especially without cutting wires - I would pay for the BMW alarm instead of an aftermarket whether you get it with the bike or add it later through the dealer.

One thing to think about is that if the dealer needs to install it - then cost is not the same - as they will hit you with labor later. Also, if you get it with the bike then it comes with the 3 year warranty versus the 1 or 2 years you get over the counter.

[Redshift]

Judging by the fact that it integrates so easily into the bike especially without cutting wires - I would pay for the BMW alarm instead of an aftermarket whether you get it with the bike or add it later through the dealer.

One thing to think about is that if the dealer needs to install it - then cost is not the same - as they will hit you with labor later. Also, if you get it with the bike then it comes with the 3 year warranty versus the 1 or 2 years you get over the counter.

I forgot about the warranty - good point. I'll call and see if they can order it for me.

[roberttran]

Just talked to my dealership service and parts department and they said that the part number is the same and the only difference is that the TPM bikes need the computer to be recoded for both TPM and the alarm to work....

[avboden]

Just talked to my dealership service and parts department and they said that the part number is the same and the only difference is that the TPM bikes need the computer to be recoded for both TPM and the alarm to work....

Okay cool.

I just called my dealership and talked right to parts. Two units came up for security. One called "Retrofit" and the other was just something or other control box.

I checked my numbers, I have the retrofit box. I guess i'll have to take it to a dealer and get it installed sadly.

Anyways here are the part numbers

Retrofit:

6575-7-705-863


Other one that popped up.

6575-7-697-695


CONCLUSION!!!!!

BMW alarm will work with or without TPM. However, with TPM will require the dealership to do the install due to computer work.

[roberttran]

The dealer couldn't install an alarm. They plugged it in, but the Modic unit couldn't recognise it. They think the alarm unit was defective and they didn't have another to try. They are going to investigate with BMW and call me back :(

[elchino]

Okay cool.

I just called my dealership and talked right to parts. Two units came up for security. One called "Retrofit" and the other was just something or other control box.

I checked my numbers, I have the retrofit box. I guess i'll have to take it to a dealer and get it installed sadly.

Anyways here are the part numbers

Retrofit:

6575-7-705-863


Other one that popped up.

6575-7-697-695


CONCLUSION!!!!!

BMW alarm will work with or without TPM. However, with TPM will require the dealership to do the install due to computer work.


Avboden

Did they get the alarm to work?

[avboden]

Avboden

Did they get the alarm to work?

I haven't actually taken it in. Its gonna wait until school starts again because its closer to the dealership.

It should work... or it better. If not the dealership is paying me back for the security because I bought it from them while buying the bike.