Just picked up a 2005 R53 which previous owners did not equip with an alarm. Is the OEM alarm still available, or am I out of luck since production of the R53 ended 5 years ago?

 

Just call your dealer and see if there is one sitting on a shelf somewhere...and be sure to ask the $$ and the +$$ for the retrofit. I bet 100 to 1 that you can get an aftermarket alarm for less $, with more features....

 

Someone, somewhere, has an OEM alarm. As Zippy said, you can probably get aftermarket for less. For me, I appreciate the integration of OEM. The key is to get the current holder to believe that you're the last person who is ever going to want a R50/53 OEM alarm. FWIW, I got mine for $150 (+$70 BCM reprogram)

 

It's still listed in accessory sales, and dealers can probably still order the parts from MINIUSA. Here are the prices at Morristown MINI: http://www.shopminiusa.com/PRODUCT/5...CenterId=30253

In addition to the alarm module itself, you also need to purchase a turn signal or wiper stalk with the blinking light, and have a dealer program the alarm into the computer. Here are installation instructions if you want to do most of the work: http://motoringfile.com/files/alarm_retrofit.pdf

 

My intention is to do the install myself, and have the dealer do just the programming. I understand that aftermarket is the cheaper option, but I prefer plug and play, and not having to add an addition remote, since the OEM is integrated with the ignition key. If I chose aftermarket, I would probably end up doing the install myself anyway.

Thanks for all the info, especially the links. Having the associated part numbers help immensely in my search.