When I ordered my cm I did not add an alarm system. I was torn between Lojack and a "static" alarm system. And now I think Lojack is not for me.

I asked my MA and he said they could install the alarm but the countryman kit for the alarm is not available for order as of yet.

I was wondering if any one has information on any after market alarms that would integrate with the key fob. I hate carrying an overloaded key chain, it already has the fobs to other vehicles.

Thanks.

 

i am in the same boat as you. so i have begun to do research and have found out that for $500 you can actually get a much better alarm, albeit not a factory one. i was looking at a viper or autopage alarm, which had a little screen on the fob that tells you if the alarm is armed, which/if any alarms have sounded and in which area of the car, etc. because i ALWAYS forget whether i have set my car alarm, this feature itself is worth a lot to me. although i guess i will have to settle for having a double fob, which will be a pain for sure. hopefully someone will tell me one of these alarms will integrate with the CM?

 

Are you sure the mini alarm system isn't available yet? I would think they would be using the same factory alarm system as used on all the other mini / bmw models. I would think your SA is trying to sell you the Lo-Jack because there is more direct profit on the sale versus the factory alarm system. JMO...

 

he actually did mention that they have the hardtop cooper kit but the service department thinks there may be a countryman kit as there is a clubman kit.

i am inclined to think the MA is a pretty cool guy. I asked him about a clear bra installation and tinting windows... he only gave me a 199 quote for the tints. It was more like a wink and nod that i am better off with the clear bra installation elsewhere.

Lojack is a little cheaper than mini alarm since i did not order it, for them to put it on, will add an installation charge to the cost.

i am hoping the sales manager does not try to sell me the lojack.

 

I have been told that ANY alarm, factory installed or after market, is useless in the hands of a "professional" car thief intent on obtaining a vehicle. I'm interested in everyone's take on LoJack. I decided to go with it and the remote alert option which notifies you immediately if the car has been moved. The latter avoids the issue of not finding your car many hours after a heist. I have yet to have it installed (scheduled for Friday). My insurance company said, 'sorry, no discount for LoJack', but I did get a discount for the CM's 'passive security system'. What are they referring to? I'm confused.

 

They may be referring to the key?

 

I guess, but I didn't question them as I didn't want to jeopardize my 'discount'...LOL. The VIN must provide info that they are referring to. Looks like the insurers have been sold something, but I'm not sure what. Makes one wonder about why Mini has the alarm option at all.

 

@miniobx
Oh I totally agree with you... I have had my car broken into with an alarm... But fortunately it was the repo guys who mistook my car for the one they were looking for... they left me a note... but stole my pen

The thing with lojack is that they give you a 2 year warranty and then after that there is nothing. It has its own battery, so who knows when it dies and that thing becomes useless. The claim the car thiefs do not know where it is, then how do i replace the battery. Also in 2018 or 2016, i cannot remember when, you have to get your lojack replaced because of radio frequencies switch etc. Who is going to remember to do that.

 

Yipes. Good points! I'll have to think about this a bit. Thanks.

 

No alarm is foolproof. Many smash and grabs take 15 seconds or less if something is in plain sight or easily accessible. If a thief does this at 3am the chances of a person waking up due to the alarm and getting to the window or outside to see the person are extremely slim. This happens all the time.