Just ordered a MCS today from Long Beach Mini, estimated delivery s/b Oct/Nov. I ordered the oem alarm which on-line is listed at $295. When I went to the dealer the MA tells me that the installation will be another $500. $795 for a car alarm sounds extremely high to me. I saw a few write-ups on the installation of the alarm and is seems relativley simple given that the car comes prewired for the alarm. I can't imagine that it would take a mechanic 5 hrs. to install the alarm. Is the $795 in the ballpark considering what others have paid? Can anyone recommend an after market alarm?

TIA

 

All of the options in step 5 (Accessories) of MINIUSA's configurator are dealer-installed options, and the prices listed are for the parts... just the parts, not labor. In fact, there is a disclaimer when you enter that step, which says:

"IMPORTANT: All of the prices listed for MINI Motoring Accessories are estimated retail prices and are subject to change. Actual prices may vary and depend on your MINI Dealer. Prices DO NOT INCLUDE installation or painting, which may be required for particular items. Please check with your authorized MINI Dealer for complete pricing accuracy."

...and you have to "accept these terms" in order to continue on the configurator.

So don't worry, you weren't misled, you just didn't read the legalese.

Now on to your question. The fact is that 5 hours of labor is almost certainly on the high side... an experienced dealer mechanic who has installed the alarm many times before would probably do it in a fraction of the time... but naturally the dealer is going to charge the "fixed" price to install it.

Some people here on NAM chose to buy the parts and install the alarm themselves, since the car comes pretty much pre-wired for the OEM alarm. If you are up to that, you could save a bunch of money that way. However, even once it is physically installed, you'll still have to go to the dealer to have it activated. The difference is they shouldn't charge you much to do that - ideally no more than a half hour of labor, but certainly 1 hour at the most (depending on how scrupulous your dealer is).

I can't recommend any specific aftermarket alarm, but keep in mind that no matter what alarm you buy, installation is part of the cost. I have the OEM Alarm myself, and yes I paid the dealer to do it (prior to taking delivery of the car). I am quite happy with it, it isn't fancy but it works well with the car, and it's nice that the car's key also activates the alarm - no need to carry a separate fob!

 

Installing the OEM alarm is a piece of cake - there are several threads on it. It's all plug and play, with just a few screws to remove to install the lighted stalk.
That said, if you really don't want to do it yourself, and can't find a local NAM person to help out, you can probably find a better deal at another dealership. As Edge said, you'll get charged at least 1/2 hour of labor to 'program' the alarm, but that's still several hundred dollars for not a whole lot of work. IMO, of course.

 

The early MINI's did not come with the alarm wiring installed, it was part of the kit, and had to be put in along with the alarm, hence the 4 hrs and install price quote of $500. As of present, all MINI's have the wiring pre-installed, nd the alarm installation consists of simply plugging in the modules, and then having the system coded to recognize the alarm. It took me just about a half hour to install the kit I purchased from the dealer, then had it coded, which I believe was about $50.

Check this link for a good write-up on the install

http://home.comcast.net/~sfconnell/mods/alarm/home.htm

 

I used the link above when I installed my OEM alarm. It is extremely easy to install and would require about a half hour of dealer time to program. otherwise it is plug n play. the most intimidating part is swaping out the turn stalk but it was infact very easy as well. I think i paid $260 for the parts and about 50 bucks for my dealer to program it. Definitely less than the 8 hundo they want to get.

 

i did it just recently and the hardest part was actually the siren cause its in a wierd position and one of the bolts is down at the bottom with not much clearance. The stalk wasnt hard but some of the dash pieces were a little tricky. The proximity was the easiest part! Its funny of the 2 local dealers around me, one wanted a hour the other only half an hour. So i took the half.

 

For my 05, I bought the parts and did the install myself. No way I was paying an additional $500 for dealer installation. the half hour labor for activation was just fine. More money in my pocket.

The install was straight forward. When installing the siren, I put on some blue loctite on the bolts for peace of mind. BTW, you can unwrap the tape on the harness to get the power socket for the siren. Just takes some time and cussing. :D

 

I bought the OEM alam through a discount Mini Mail Order Dealer (lots of Mini dealers off this service) for about $230, installed it myself, and my dealer charged $70 to activate it.

 

i heard some dealers charging $35 for programing since its merely 10 minutes to do.

The factory alarm is the easiest on a 06. the tilt sensor is part of the siren module so one less item to install.

 

I've also heard some dealers charge more than $100 because they are greedy ###****$.

 

Yup,'round these parts Concord and SF Mini quoted me way over $100 for the programming. East Bay Mini was the cheapest at $75 (half hour charge)

 

In Canada, the OEM alarm for a 05 or later MINI costs $606CDN installed.
That works out to about $550US installed.

I noted that it costs a lot more if your car is a convertible or if you have one older than 2003.

 

Hello,

Would you somebody let me know where I can purchase OEM alarm for my 06 MINI?

Thanks!

 

Try Classic. I've order a couple items from them and I will order the OEM alarm set-up for my '06 MCS on Monday. They are a vendor on this site and are offering 25% off this month.- Bob

 

Thanks, Bob!
I guess they don't sell online, I need to call in, right? I will contact them on Monday.
Thank you once again!

 

I just went through this with my dealer, who was asking $801. Call Classic, ask for NAM discount and install yourself in 45 minutes or less. $50 to activate at the dealer...sometimes the greed is a little too much.

 

Thanks for letting me know about NAM discount!
My dealer quoteted me $995 for the parts, installation and activation. No way!!!!!

 

I think I paid $395 at MINI of Peabody for the alarm parts & install ...
http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive...ng_day_1.shtml

 

here's another alarm q:

does it audibly chirp on the first press of the fob, or only the second one as a confirmation? i like the audible verification of locking, but only if i want to be sure, sometimes i want to lock the car quietly, and hate alarm systems that chirp on the first press.

 

On GBMINI, it chirps on first press

 

Here in Germany I paid 450 Euro for parts and install (without VAT). I only elected to get the alarm because I tend to travel to France, Italy, and a few other countries where crime is higher. Here in Germany I don't have to worry about such things.

Mine also chirps on first press and when locking.

 

I was told by NAM that the alarm for a convertible is different from for a hard-top and the parts cost around $320 (after the discount). Does anybody install the one for a convertible by yourself?
Thanks!

 

ive purchased the oem alarm from Classic too. They are one of hte sponsors here and offering a 25% discount on all accessories!

My dealer programmed mine for $45 and it works great. Best mod yet

 

Late to the party, but want to contribute. I went with the Viper 350, had it in the previous car, it works great, it was $225 installed in Charlotte, NC, US, and the only drawback is the second fob (sp) on your key chain...

 

Easy to install, although the siren was a bit of a pain because I dropped the bolt and had to fish it out. Other than that, the install was relatively simple.

I highly recommed buying from Jayson @ Classic Mini. They have the best prices and great customer service. Cheers.

Also, thanks to Hassel Mini service for activating the alarm.