Hello all,

I am a new member (as of today) and have a question. I have ordered (w/ time to change) an 06 w/ the dealer installed security system. Is the system installed for $650 worth the cost or would you recommend having a security system installed elsewhere?

Thanks and happy holidays!!

Sciff

 

That is entirely a personal decision. Some people are happy paying the money. Others are happy going aftermarket while others dont want any alarm.

If you look around, try to find a single MINI stolen without a key. If you can find one, please let us know because we cant seem to find a single one.

My personal opinion is that alarms are so ubiquitous that nobody pays attention to them. They go off in Mall lots and nobody even looks. Thats just my opinion

 

I ordered the alarm retrofit kit from the dealer Classic Mini out of Ohio, mentioned my NAM membership, got a 20% NAM discount (look in the vendor area for Classic Mini) with a price of about $236 USD, and installed it myself, and paid a local dealership to activate the alarm in the BC1 General module for a whopping $46 USD. That would save you depending on your dealership alarm activation charge $350 USD.

You just have to install the sensor in the ceiling/headliner, and the tilt/battery backup siren in the engine area, and replace the wiper stalk with the one with LED. These components are all in the price for the retro kit.

BTW, Classic Mini Ships quickly and I can't wait to order from them again....

 

My '04 has it (we got it off the showroom floor), my '02 doesn't. Neither car has been broken into, but your mileage may vary.

My personal opinion is that while alarms don't prevent a break-in, they do introduce a slight deterrent, or at least an incentive for someone to try another car. If I'm boosting cars (or items in cars) and I see a little red light flashing on a dashboard, chances are I'm moving to the next car.

$650 is awful steep, but there are a lot of Mini factory options that I think are phenomenally overpriced. I have some, others I've skipped. Entirely up to you.

 

Sorry to disagree but if the only deterrence is a little blinking light, why not just buy one for $5 and a battery?

 

This will sound pathedic...

I ordered the MINI security system just so my car would chirp when it locks...so like chow4us said its up to you.

 

There's a common consensus in the Nav & Audio forums regarding the Mini alarm.

The stock security features are well enough to keep your Mini from being stolen.

A MINI alarm doesn't increase that security. What it does do though, is protects whats INSIDE your Mini, quite a bit better.

And I'd also suggest the do-it-yourself option to save $400, if you decide you want it.

 

Actually, I didn't say that the "only deterrence" was the blinking light. The blinking light isn't the deterrent, in and of itself; rather, it's evidence of an alarm system's presence (the real deterrent).

A fair number of "fake alarms" have been sold, and if you're comfortable with that, cool. As I said, I have one of each, and the choice is up to the person in question.

 

Agreed, sensible point. Alarm systems just help keep people out of your car. The kind of person who's looking to steal things from inside a car will just go to the next car. The kind of person who would steal the car itself is willing to assume that risk, because the 'payoff' is much greater.

 

And weren't you one of the ones giving me crap about 'wasting' my money on the Hey Horn???

Anyhoo, I really don't think that the alarm is necessary for the MINI, but YMMV!

-Paul!

 

I wouldn't call it crap. I was jealous .

 

We couldn't decide if we wanted to spring for the alarm system or not. When I called the insurance company to see what difference it would make on my premium, they noted that the MINI already has anti-theft stuff on it standard. The additional alarm system would have lowered my premium by less than $5.00 per year. We decided it was not worth it and that it would more than pay for the LSD (even after less than a month, I can say that was definitely worth it).

Still, this may depend on where you live and park. I've had two cars broken into in my life, and both times it was an aftermarket stereo that was stolen. If you're gonig to load up the interior with visible stuff that is attractive to thieves, then maybe the alarm system will be worth it to you.

 

Thanks findude and others that have replied, I appreciate it. I know what LSD used to mean in my world...had to stop. What does LSD mean in your world...sorry for being naive.

Thanks

 

LSD in car terms means Limited Slip Differential... although you will find plentiful jokes making fun of the identical acronym to the LSD you were thinking of!

 

SCIFF,

Wow 14 posts and no one has said HI Welcome

Glad to have you here. My security device will tell me when my MINI is moved and where it is at any time. All I have to do is log into the internet and I can find my MINI

No lights flashing, no horn blowing, and not sirens.

Earl

 

As far as the security system, I highly recommend the factory system. Several factors I think make it preferable:

1. designed specific for the car (this is sorta obvious though)
2. integration with cars existing electrical and computer systems.
3. The flashing red light on the turn signal stalk! (Best Reason )
4. Factory warranty coverage.
5. The arming/disarming 'beeps' are subtle and more acceptable than the loud chirps or horn tooting that many aftermarket systems use.

While the cost may be a bit more than an aftermarket kit, I think the above points justify the added cost.

Factory alarm -