Hello,

I bought a 2010 MCS a few weeks ago, last owner told me there was an alarm on the car. Seen as how I haven't seen the LED on the tachometer blinking after locking I began thinking he was incorrect, so I shook the car after locked, pretty hard and no noise .

Question is: What's the easiest way (other than the shake method) to confirm I don't have an alarm in the car ?

Second thing, I know the factory installed alarm is different than the retrofit alarm, but I can't find anywhere what the difference would be.

 

Does it chirp when you lock or unlock the car?

 

No, it doesn't. Makes sense, but I thought I read that wasn't a sure sign. Thanks

 

I would confirm the alarm with the previous owner - the LED on the tach is the main indicator - I have the chirp shut off on my '12 MCS, but the tachometer LED remains.

That being said, I am assuming the '10 is the same...

 

The chirp can be turned on or off and set using the BC stalk button, similar to the 1 or 3 blinks, lock setting, light setting, etc. If the option for the chirp isn't in there and no LED...you def don't have an alarm from the factory.

 

The best way to tell is to pull the roof console off above the mirror the MAIN module for the alarm system is up there. It is a black box that snaps into the plastic under the cover.

Item #2 in this picture is what sits up there.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...66&hg=65&fg=60

And it sits up inside Item #3 in this picture.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...00&hg=61&fg=35

If it is not there then there is no OEM alarm installed.

You may want to check with the previous owner about and aftermarket alarm though.

 

Set the alarm with the windows rolled down and have a June Bug fly through. Worked for me!