So - I have a relatively bare bones 04 MCS in terms of factory equipment and am entertaining a couple of retrofits that require activation from the dealer. I figure I'll one stop in conjunction with my inspection II.

What am I missing out on? Basically, car has DSC, xenon, heated seats and rain sensing wipers.

I was looking to add the OEM alarm, the full switch block for occasionally foggy days, enable the OBC if possible and add an AUX in on the boost system.

Anything else I'm missing out on from a DIY perspective?

 

Sounds like a good list to me.
Note that the Aux-in does not require activation - it works immediately, as do the OEM driving lights (mounted on the bonnet)

 

OEM alarm isn't worth the money or hassle. There are far better solutions to that.
What is "enable the OBC"? Haven't heard of that. I have an 04, so just curious...

 

Here you are......

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=103313

 

And those would be??
I like the OEM alarm because it's plug and play. Do you really want to be hacking into the wiring harness unless absolutely necessary?
It's pricey (unless you can find one on ebay $150) and the install is a piece of cake.
In the end it may not be much more than a flashing red light, but if that makes one thief choose someone else's car over yours, it's money well spent.

 

Doest the AUX in occupy the same hook up as the ipod connection - or can they coexist?

 

Oh... if you have an MCS you should already have all the functions available. MPG, MTE, Temp, Speed, Etc...


As far as alarms go, my thought is that the factory alarm from the dealer is pretty $$$$. Add in the $100+ per labor hour for the install and it's going to add up. A simple alarm from any one of the DEI affiliated companies and a competent installer will be much cheaper. The aftermarket install process these days doesn't exactly hack into the wiring. Most have harnesses that are compatible per vehicle and some tap into factory points.
Besides, alarms are overrated. How many times have you heard the familiar woop-woop of a car alarm and just thought to yourself "moron"....

 

Dunno why, I only have temp & speed available for display. As for the alarm, I was just going to tinker around and install it myself since the car is prewired. Jury is still out given the kit & stalk are going to run close to $300. One thing I favor on the factory alarm, no extra fob to carry around. Trivial - yes.... oh well.

 

My car is a MCS & did not have the OBC. It was available as a stand alone option for $200 or available in the premium package. I chose not to spend my $$$ on those items. For free I find the OBC a deal however.

I'm with you on the factory alarm. Plug & play makes it very atractive to me. As far as cost goes, call Classic MINI in Ohio. They offer a nice NAM discount.

 

iPod connection uses the CD changer hookup, and it can coexist with AUX.

By the way, you can go cheap with a decoy alarm by installing only the alarm stalk with flashing light. It flashes when the car is turned off, even if you don't have the actual alarm system installed. I believe for a 2004 the light is on the wiper stalk and switched over to the turn signal stalk from 2005.

 

Yes in 2005 the red light moved to the turn signal arm.

I love the idea of the decoy light. Are you sure that will work?

 

Can the factory alarm be dissabled?? I bought a used MCS, and it has the red light in the middle of the dashboard. But, I can click the remotes and it doesnt activate. Can anyone chime in?

 

Thats not an alarm light, thats a sensor for the HVAC.

 

It definitely worked on my '04.
I installed everything and the light flashed before I had the alarm 'activated' by the dealer.

 

"DSC, xenon, heated seats and rain sensing wipers" is relatively bare bones?!?! I must have a fleet special!

 

I've seen it mentioned a couple of times in the forums. People who installed the stalk first and found it flashing before installing the rest of the alarm system. I've contemplated doing it on my own car, but even just the stalk is $100 and it is way down on my priorities.

 

Thanks for that. Yes $100 is a lot for a flashing light. It's good to know that it is doable.

 

After seeing the lists on the boards - it's practically naked ;-)