Hey can someone recommend a shop to install the alarm?? if you done it before did you buy a factory alarm system and ask them to install it or just just whatever they sell

 

If you purchase the factory alarm, it is a snap to install. The docs that come with it make it extremely and all the wiring is in place. One part installs inside the car and two parts install in the bonnet. I have the factory docs, PM me and I will send them to you. Once installed, you will have to go the dealer and get the computer updated so the alarm is activated.

 

If you want an aftermarket alarm system you can always check out my buddy's shop in Pleasanton. He has done tons of high end cars as well as mini's. The shops name is Kartunz and ask for Tommy.

Jeff

 

Morbius, could you give some more detail on the factory alarm? Does it honk the horn when doors are opened, etc? The MINI web site doesn't give a lot of detail on their system but am interested in it myself. What did the dealer charge you for getting the computer updated? Also, if you don't mind I would like to get the install info as well if you don't mind sending. I'll send you a PM. Thanks!

 

Hello, I do not have mine installed yet. I tracked down the docs and searched the car for the all the connection points to make sure it was a DYI and it is. The exact details of the what the alarm does I can not help with you yet since I do not have one. It does have its own horn and aux battery to prevent tampering with car battery and horn. Once enabled you should have the ability to have it beep when unlocking/locking the doors. It should alarm when trying to arm and door ajar.

Hopefully someone here that has one installed can jump in .... If not, check with the UK mini site. I know many folks there have it installed.

As for dealer charges to enable things, that varies by the ton ! If the car and computer is current and up to date, should take 10 to 20 minutes to enable and test. If not, could take hours. If you call around, tell the dealer the version info found in your computer that displays on the tach info area and they possibly give a you better idea on cost to enable.

Strongly recommend to people to become good friends with the service folks ...... great things happens on the side .....

Cheers.

 

If you want to go aftermarket I know a few places. My buddy recommends Audiomobile in Oakland:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/audiomobile-oakland

I used Custom Car Alarm in the past:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/custom-car-alarms-san-francisco

Cutom Car Alarm does clean setups, but their service can be hit or miss.

Hope this helps...

 

i would be weary of installing an aftermarket alarm in the MINI. The car is just so complicated electronically that i would be worried about messing something up. Thats one thing i hate about new cars... EVERYTHING is controlled through the computer from the door locks to the foglights.

That said, make sure whatever dealer you take it to will program the car for you if you do install the oem alarm yourself. I asked the SA at MINI and he said they will not reprogram it for you if you install yourself. Although they have changed SA's since then so i dont know what to expect.

 

Have to agree with ghosthound. Also modding the factory wiring to that level for sure will kill your warranty and any electrical/computer problems, MINI will just point fingers that way and the pissing match will begin.

It makes no sense to go after market when the car is completely wired for a very good alarm system. and when installed will fall under factory warranty.

I Bay Area dealers will do the programming. East bay has had no issues on the factory options I have installed when they turned them up.

 

finally installed the alarm

I called mini of concord to get a quote from them ... at first they quote me 600+ for the alarm + labor... then I told them I have the parts already and the quote for labor drop to 200+ (I dont remember the exact $) .. so I thought its ok if its 200 something dollar and I brought my car in the next day.... end up paying $180 for labor and $180 for the parts ... a total of $360 instead of $600+ in the original quote....

I am happy now