BMW alarm & independent recommendations?

[komis]

Hi all

I recently bought a used Z3 which came with a factory-fitted alarm (I believe it is the factory installed one, judging by the remote). However the alarm had stopped working a couple of days before I bought the car and the guy didn't have time to get it checked out, so I paid him less and decided I'd get it checked myself.

The alarm remote has a new battery but nothing happens when you press any of the buttons. A status led in the centre console does nothing but blink momentarily when the engine is switched on. I tried the procedures at MZ3.net for re-learning the remote code but the alarm doesn't chirp or anything. The car has an after-market stereo but i don't think the sensor behind it is the problem as the alarm is not working at all.

I'm wondering if anybody could recommend an independent garage around Glasgow that could have a look for me, as I need to have a couple of things checked on my Z3 on top of this (some creaking from near the glove box and a few shwishy noises from behind the seats when going over bumps).

Also looking for an audio specialist (the prev. owner chose to disconnect the amp and the subwoofers don't work -doh), and a muffler shop (i hate the look of the exhaust, something fatter and shinier would be nice).

BTW- pity I missed the scottish Z-meet but I was at Loch Lomond- promise to post a couple of nice piccies tomorrow ))

Cheers )

[komis]

Update:
After fiddling with the LED (hopefully without breaking it), it now flashes very quickly for about 2-3 seconds once the engine is switched off and the key is removed. At the same time I get a kind of three-note sound that goes off for three times.
Neither button on the remote does anything (still), nor does the procedure mentioned in the MZ3 article...

Any ideas appreciated Piccies of the car taken with my P900 are attached.[/img]

[MW-]

Found this you may want to try::

http://www.totalbmwmag.co.uk/HandsOn/TechMay04.pdf

on another note, hello zroadster forum, first useful post from me

[komis]

Thanks, I was hoping not to have to remove the glovebox but seems there's no avoiding this
I will give your instructions a go and let you all know how I get on.

[Joe]

Hi,
I bought my Zed about 7 months ago without a key fob for the alarm. Last month I was told by the stealer it would cost me about £150 for a fob and to get it coded, then I saw this post. £45 and 2 hours later I have a coded key fob, im well chuffed with the £105 saving!

One problem though, on testing the alarm with the lid down it does go off but the siren/horn does not sound. Does anyone know where the harness to connect the horn can be located?

Thanks
Joe

[AndyBass]

Does your siren work at all, it may be duff, I've had to change one and its under the washer bottle bolted to the inner wing. Thats a factory fit 2000 model 2.8

[komis]

Ok I have found this and I will check it out tomorrow...

I have booked an appointment at a local specialist but hopefully I might be able to get this sorted on my own.

Next, fixing the subwoofer.. and drilling holes for speakers behind the seats BMW says it can be done, can't see why it shouldn't ))))

[komis]

Unfortunately the tech came back with a conclusion that the main control unit for my alarm needs replacing as for some reason it is unable to receive a signal from the key fob... :/

This is a good chance to replace the alarm altogether for a better system, tough luck I have to pay for some home repairs this month so I wont be able to afford a new system for at least a couple of months..

I hate the idea of leaving the car without even basic protection, so does anyone have a spare 2nd hand unit they would like to get rid of?