best alarm system

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Z3LINCS
Joined: Sat 15 Dec, 2012 19:42
Posts: 77

  Z3 roadster 1.9

best alarm system

Post by Z3LINCS »

looking for a decent alarm system for my 1997 z3. what would you reccomend.

anyone got one for sale or know any good fitters / suppliers
billz
Joined: Mon 22 Mar, 2010 20:09
Posts: 1240

  Z4 roadster 3.0si
Location: nottingham

Re: best alarm system

Post by billz »

If its aftermarket then either Clifford or Toad Cat 1 systems.
bill
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Z3LINCS
Joined: Sat 15 Dec, 2012 19:42
Posts: 77

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: best alarm system

Post by Z3LINCS »

Any idea how difficult it is to fit a toad cat 1?

I am fairly SHI7e at doing wiring - just about managed to instal a new stereo...
walter05
Joined: Wed 25 Aug, 2010 19:12
Posts: 39

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: belper,near Derby

Re: best alarm system

Post by walter05 »

Toad alarms are very good (and expensive) but if I remember correctly they have to be installed by a recognised Thatcham Insurance electrician.
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TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
Posts: 5488

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Stafford

Re: best alarm system

Post by TitanTim »

I have the genuine toad stickers on the door glass, would a thief be non the wiser? :|

Tim.
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gookah
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Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: best alarm system

Post by gookah »

TitanTim wrote:I have the genuine toad stickers on the door glass, would a thief be non the wiser? :|

Tim.
he just won't steal the glass...... :D
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TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Stafford

Re: best alarm system

Post by TitanTim »

gookah wrote:
TitanTim wrote:I have the genuine toad stickers on the door glass, would a thief be non the wiser? :|

Tim.
he just won't steal the glass...... :D
It might be a she :lol: for sexual equality :D

Tim.
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6 pot roadster
Joined: Thu 06 Aug, 2009 12:07
Posts: 107

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Macclesfield

Re: best alarm system

Post by 6 pot roadster »

I fitted Clifford alarms in the 1990's. I don't think anything CAT1 or 2 is a DIY fit unless you are quite handy. First issue is the insurance, if it's not dealer installed with a certificate then they will must likely deny it's existence and second there's safety, I have never seen a fitter do this but there was always the worry of triggering the airbag while fitting it, and of course if your immobiliser install fails when driving thats inconvienient / dangerous. Lastly, the trim, it's generally quite hard to put the trim back to OE standard.
I will never stand up to defend an industry cartel, but not everybody is an auto-electrician, good luck.

J

P.S. Clifford all the way, I never liked the old Toad alarms.
billz
Joined: Mon 22 Mar, 2010 20:09
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  Z4 roadster 3.0si
Location: nottingham

Re: best alarm system

Post by billz »

I used to fit the toad alarms for a living, Cost around 350 fitted but used to be around 160 to buy at trade price. If you are not very good with wiring then best get some one else to fit it, as you will need to find the isolation wires to the ignition and crank starter. If my mind serves me right (getting old now) i think they changed from two circuits to three. You will also have to cut into the central locking and indicator circuits. You will need to tape all cables with black tape in with the existing wiring loom. You can buy a Pirahna Cat 1 from Motormania basicly fits exactly the same but programming is more awkward. Once you have installed it you will have to get it signed off by a vehicle technician or alarm installer to get the certificate signed.
bill
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billz
Joined: Mon 22 Mar, 2010 20:09
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  Z4 roadster 3.0si
Location: nottingham

Re: best alarm system

Post by billz »

Whats wrong with the existing alarm ?
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6 pot roadster
Joined: Thu 06 Aug, 2009 12:07
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Macclesfield

Re: best alarm system

Post by 6 pot roadster »

I'm still using the OE alarm, but the problem with it is the beeps, it screams "don't leave meeeeeeee" when you arm it day or night.
I can see why anybody would want a programmable after market alarm. Although I've had my Z for 4 years now and still not fitted a replacement alarm.....
DC
Joined: Tue 15 Sep, 2009 17:31
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  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Inverness-shire

Re: best alarm system

Post by DC »

Z3LINCS wrote:looking for a decent alarm system for my 1997 z3. what would you reccomend.
Flashing LED with non obvious on/off switch. Fit carefully to look the part, about a fiver and an hour or so to install.
No false alarms, no hassle.
Don't leave things on view when parked and try to leave glove box empty and open.
Dave.
Dave. 1998 Arctic Silver Z3 M44 1.9 Automatic
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TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
Posts: 5488

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Stafford

Re: best alarm system

Post by TitanTim »

Does the factory alarm make a sound when arming as mine doesn't :? I just get a flash of the indicators to tell me the car is locked. I've never heard the one on mine so no idea what it sounds like, will borrow the other halves tights, over me head and go out and give it a try :lol:

To be honest you could spend a couple of hundred on a decent alarm for people to ignore it, I mean whoever takes any notice of them?

Tim.
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billz
Joined: Mon 22 Mar, 2010 20:09
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  Z4 roadster 3.0si
Location: nottingham

Re: best alarm system

Post by billz »

I am still using the original alarm but i have put the addition of a perimeter alarm on it, just to warn people when they get too close. It is also handy for letting me know if anyone has knocked the car as i have it set to a level too pick that up. I was thinking of adding a pager system but that is for later.
bill
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TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Stafford

Re: best alarm system

Post by TitanTim »

I will admit, much to the amusement of another forum, I bought a mobile GPS Tracker which I charge up and hide in the car, it has a SIM card so you can ring the number and it sends back its grid co-ordinates and google map link pinpointing the cars location. You can also set it up with a Perimeter so if the vehicle goes outside it the device will call your mobile. The only thing I've found is you have to keep charging the GPS unit up every few days unless you hard wire it to the car. It did say battery life would last upto 3 months but I think that is when its switched off :head:

Tim.
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gookah
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Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: best alarm system

Post by gookah »

TitanTim wrote: much to the amusement of another forum, :head:

Tim.

You need to stop winding people up on there Tim..... :D
Attention seeker......
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I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
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TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Stafford

Re: best alarm system

Post by TitanTim »

gookah wrote:
TitanTim wrote: much to the amusement of another forum, :head:

Tim.

You need to stop winding people up on there Tim..... :D
Attention seeker......
:D I don't know what you mean :wink:

Tim.
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gookah
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Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: best alarm system

Post by gookah »

TitanTim wrote:
gookah wrote:
TitanTim wrote: much to the amusement of another forum, :head:

Tim.

You need to stop winding people up on there Tim..... :D
Attention seeker......
:D I don't know what you mean :wink:

Tim.
snake....
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Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
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TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Stafford

Re: best alarm system

Post by TitanTim »

[quote="gookah
You need to stop winding people up on there Tim..... :D
Attention seeker......[/quote]

:D I don't know what you mean :wink:

Tim.[/quote]
snake....[/quote]

Far less stressful on here :lol:

Tim.
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gookah
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: best alarm system

Post by gookah »

TitanTim wrote:[quote="gookah]
You need to stop winding people up on there Tim..... :D
Attention seeker......
:D I don't know what you mean :wink:

Tim.[/quote]
snake....[/quote]

Far less stressful on here :lol:

Tim.[/quote][/quote][/quote]

dont say I didnt warn you..... :D
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Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
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TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
Posts: 5488

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Stafford

Re: best alarm system

Post by TitanTim »

gookah wrote:
TitanTim wrote:[quote="gookah]
You need to stop winding people up on there Tim..... :D
Attention seeker......
:D I don't know what you mean :wink:

Tim.
snake....[/quote]

Far less stressful on here :lol:

Tim.[/quote][/quote][/quote]

dont say I didnt warn you..... :D[/quote][/quote][/quote]

:D I remember, with a little luck I might get banned :squeeze:

Tim.
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: best alarm system

Post by Southernboy »

I think alarms should have recordings of a pack of hounds on a hunt.....connected to the ICE system !!! (With sub "woofer")... :D
"Normal is overrated"
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gookah
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Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: best alarm system

Post by gookah »

I reckon alarms are a total waste of time nowadays as no-one takes any notice.

My brother-in-law had his car broken into and all the ICE stolen.
How? they went to the car during the same night several times and set the car alarm off by rocking the car.
My brother-in-law kept resetting it, after seeing no-one near the vehicle until he got fed up, and thinking the alarm was playing up, he just left it off and unlocked, bingo....


An imobilizer and a flashing light are the way forward. no amount of shaking will set them off and the thieves probably wont risk the next step of breaking a window to see if it does.
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Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
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g8jka
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Joined: Sun 18 Apr, 2010 21:16
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Telford

Re: best alarm system

Post by g8jka »

gookah wrote:I reckon alarms are a total waste of time nowadays as no-one takes any notice.
So, what did you buy me for Xmas then? :head:

Muppet! Hurry up and fit it for me :-)
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Badman gee
Joined: Sun 14 Nov, 2010 10:45
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  M roadster S50

Re: best alarm system

Post by Badman gee »

I agree alarms are ignored my most people.

Immobilisers are the way forward.

:)
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billz
Joined: Mon 22 Mar, 2010 20:09
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  Z4 roadster 3.0si
Location: nottingham

Re: best alarm system

Post by billz »

Thats why its best to get a cat1 system then you have both.
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Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
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  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: best alarm system

Post by Robert T »

Er, the Z3 has a built-in immobiliser regardless of which alarm system you have. :head:

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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gookah
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: best alarm system

Post by gookah »

g8jka wrote:
gookah wrote:I reckon alarms are a total waste of time nowadays as no-one takes any notice.
So, what did you buy me for Xmas then? :head:

Muppet! Hurry up and fit it for me :-)
an engine starter.. door locker and immobiliser
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Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
billz
Joined: Mon 22 Mar, 2010 20:09
Posts: 1240

  Z4 roadster 3.0si
Location: nottingham

Re: best alarm system

Post by billz »

The BMW range of Alarms are classed as Factory Fitted which falls into the Cat1. It depends if you feel this is adequate, It is also advisable if you fit an aftermarket cat1 system to disengage the Alarm side of the Factory fitted Alarm as they can conflict with each other. The only trouble with the Factory Fitted systems is they have no perimeter alarm. Which means that with the top down and because the sensors are in the footwells anyone can lean in and do whatever they want without triggering the alarm.
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: best alarm system

Post by BladeRunner919 »

billz wrote:I am still using the original alarm but i have put the addition of a perimeter alarm on it, just to warn people when they get too close. It is also handy for letting me know if anyone has knocked the car as i have it set to a level too pick that up. I was thinking of adding a pager system but that is for later.
bill
Is that a separate system? I'm interested - do share details.
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Devon Z
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  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Brixham, Devon

Re: best alarm system

Post by Devon Z »

Another ex alarm/audio fitter here for 15 years in the late 80s and 90s!! still got the bad back to prove!

The interior sensor on mine works really well, the sirans are crap and I've not found an output from the control box to operate a seperate one, I'm not even sure if its battery back up.

I did find an output to add an extra flashing led to the underside of the rear view mirror similar to later bmw's.

My 98 Volvo V70R has a superb factory system with dead locks, two sets of sonic sensors, glass break sensors on rear windows, jacking sensors, loud battery back up siran and it all still works.
99 2.0 Topaz Individual
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