I was looking at the wiring diagram for the factory alarm, and its easy to install, but do I really need Mini to program it for me? Has anyone installed their own factory alarm?

 

Yes I believe that Mini has to program in that system to the cars computer.

 

u think i can install it and have them program it? Im not tryin to pay 190/hr when I can do it myself except the programming.
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Installing the component parts is easy and can done by the DIYer. However, unfortunately, the BC module has to be reprogrammed to recognize the new sensors and to enable full alarm functionality. This is often done by a 'good' dealer for a half hour's labor time.

 

What ^ he said.
I installed the OEM alarm (on an R53) then had the dealer gouge, er, charge me for 1/2 of labor to 'program' the BC1 (basically letting the computer know the alarm is there.)
Definitely a DIY. The R53 was plug and play - I'd assume the R56 is as well. Install it and let us know!!

 

thanks for the help guys, i will be installing it in a couple weeks when my car gets here, its just some dealers here and **** and wont program it unless they install it to get the money.

 

Can someone guide me where to find the PDF for the '07 factory alarm? I bought it last month and and finally doing the install but no instructions were included.

I did manage to do the same install on my R53 a couple of years ago, I hope the R56 is just as easy.

 

http://motoringfile.com/files/R56_alarm.pdf

 

Dude, you're a lifesaver. Cherry Red, of course!

Thanks, lots.

 

not a problem just let me know if u install it, how much they charge u to program the car, and take some diy pics while your at it.

 

I installed the R56 alarm two weeks ago. It's a PITA with out the right tool... to do the job right you'll need a BMW/MINI wiper blade puller. I ended up wrapping my hands in duct tape to keep them from becoming raw resemblances of hands. The hardest part is getting the tilt/speaker part into the space under the cowl. Oh - but I do like the pulsing alarm light

 

Paul, I'm there right now.

What a PITA! I casn't believe MINI did it this way. You do know its only so that only they can do it at the dealer and deal out some $$$. Its so frickin unfair. My hands are bleedin' raw and I still don't have the damn wiper off.

I'm just going to try to bend the stupid plastic cowl back enough to try and slip in the speaker/ tilt sensor.

 

Well. I got all in.

You know I did the install in my R53's alarm. This is nothing like that. That damn cowl is just wrong. Its in my opinion MINI just made it more complicated so you have to go through the dealer for the install. Its about 95 deg. F. out here today as well making it a bit more difficult.

Oh well, now I just have the lights to deal with.

 

I knew the blade is gonna cause some problems, what if I have a girl with small hands put that section in? Were all the plugs in the diagram there? How long did it take you to install it? Did you have to get it programmed at the dealer? How much did they charge you to program it? And PICS PICS PICS of the install. Anything else you guys need to let us know when installing it?

 

Be prepared to have the girl break up w/ you or divorce you if you make her stick her hands in there. All plugs were there. Install was maybe 1.5 hrs, probably less now that I know where everything is and how it comes apart.

Yup, you need the ddealer to program. I'm hoping it'll be cheaper to do both lights and alarm at one time. Last time it was $50. Sorry no pics, I was in a rush. All I can say is if it weren't for the damn wiper. I could have been in and out in 1/2 hour.

 

Light? You mean to have them blink when the alarm goes off? Any pointers besides the "raw hand" anything I should know now beofre I install mines? Any special hidden bolts? Are the directions very simple and install friendly? Im not tryin to stay in the sun to long and melt.


Yup, you need the ddealer to program. I'm hoping it'll be cheaper to do both lights and alarm at one time. Last time it was $50. Sorry no pics, I was in a rush. All I can say is if it weren't for the damn wiper. I could have been in and out in 1/2 hour.[/quote]

 

Uh, sorry sirr6. No there is no alarm light activation charge. I'm also doing the Rally lights at the same time. The dealer may charge separately for the alarm and Rally lights activation in my case. Sorry about the mix-up.

I never got the damn wiper arm off but ended up bending the heck out of the plastic surround. it just bent back afterwards. Just be sure not to break the tabs of the snaps when you're forcing them.I just stuck something solid in there to hold the plastic panels apart enough to stick my hands in there.

The only other thing I can think of was the inside overhead panel needs to come out and there are two phillips screws kind of hidden within that will release the plastic panel where the sensor fits. Be gentle.

 

chili s, +1 !

My hands are just now about fully recovered. If anyone else does this, a 2x4 to keep the plastic vent/cowl pieces apart and a good metric socket wrench will help.

 

This sucks, dealers over here are still going to charge my for 1 1/2 of service, that sucks, anyone from nor cal/bay area know a place that can code the alarm?

 

Dude, I'm sorry to say, thats probably going to be a dealer only coding.

I got charged $50 last time.

 

I just had the dealer install the OEM alarm They charged 408 with tax for the kit and labor. Pretty good since the factory price was 400. You guys scared me with the DIY install issues
Did anyone get any documentation with the alarm? Dealer said he did not think there was any manual but I thought there should be a way to disable the ultrasonic

Thanks

CaptC

 

I ordered my alarm kit from Classic. Included all the manuals and install documentation.

If I recall, the way to disable he ultrasonic is to press the lock button on the remote a second time.

 

Thanks Paul I will check with the dealer and see if I can get more info


CaptC

 

CaptC, The manual part number is:

01 41 0 036 273
(2/2007)

And I just verified the double button press - it will disable the tilt and interior movement detector.

 

which dealership are you taking it to that will charge you the full service cost? based off a few of your other posts... im assuming Niello...

I also plan on installing the alarm system myself eventually but need to find somewhere that would program it at a reasonable fee...

BTW, where are you guys buying the kits? ive looked online but i cant really find anyway.. i also want to get the JCW shift indicator for kicks.