I popped this off cause it was rattling and discovered a wired plugged into nothing. Can anyone explain this?

 

it's for the factory security system.. tilt sensors etc

 

What he said.

 

I figured it was for something that was an option like a rear cabin light or something. Is the alarm something I could find in NAM and is if a plug n' play kinda deal?

 

It's the cover for the ultrasonic sensors for the alarm. It looks like you are prewired, you'll need the retrofit kit which includes a siren. You'll also need an LED, which is different depending on your vehicle year.

 

And programming....
....
Makes the retrofit about 3x the cost of aftermarket.

 

You may install the siren and sensor for about 95.00 from ECS, the stalk with the LED is optional, it will work without it.

I did mine 155.00 programming and shipping included, installation is easy about 30 minutes I didn't buy the led and it works fine, that's an extra 120.00 or so.

 

I just did mine on a cabrio. Did the coding myself with NCS expert and added the switch/LED too. It goes beep when I lock it.

 

Yeah I would just like a simple hand effective alarm system. I'm minimalist and don't need interior bells and whistles. So what's is the best bang for the buck in a simple install? Can I set it up through the ignition and trip timer or do I need a module?

 

OEM system is nice as it's plug and play. Add siren/tilt sensor under bonnet, ultrasonic module, and flashing light stalk. It's activated when you lock the car.
If you just want it to LOOK like you have an alarm, the stalk flashes whether the alarm is coded or not.
I found mine on ebay years ago. Still see them now and again. For cost effective, you might want to try wrecking yards.

 

This is what they look like: thanks for the mention minibx

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/65730403439/ production R50 R53 : 8/2003 - 2006



Then the corresponding stalk with red light end for year and options. In 1/2005- the stalk on the right got the yellow nose treatment ( washer fluid light ) so then the alarm goes on the left stalk like this one. Before 1/2005 the red end is on the right stalk.

 

When I did mine I was thinking about going the aftermarket route but I was afraid that an aftermarket alarm would open a can of worms Tthe car was pre wired for the factory alarm mine is an 05 so the alarm kit came with the tilt sensor integrated in the siren so that was one step less to think about so the installation was very quick, place the motion sensor in the area that you were showing in the pic, it's a clip on sensor so 5 minutes there then expose the connector hidden near the ABS unit under the bonnet on the passenger side this could take a bit of time since you have to use an sharp knife to cut the electrical tape covering it or you could do it by hand but it takes more time its up to you :-) then bolt the siren on, and you are done, have friend or some Indi shop do the coding for you or if you know how to do it and have the cable even better, I had someone code it for me for 50 or 60 bucks I can't remember but he included coding the windows, fog lights,euro flashers, DRL etc... For a flat fee. Some dealers will charge 1/2 hour of labor or a full hours then it gets expensive. Here's the link to the alarm m

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-C...larm/ES182916/

I don't know what year your car is or built date but the kit changes according to the built date, like I said before I didn't buy the stalk with the LED I didn't feel like having it, it's a personal choice but Eric_Rowland said if you buy the stalk with the LED it will flash regardless of coding.

This is a good installation guide for the alarm.
http://www.billswebspace.com/MiniR53Alarm.htm

Good luck

 

Exactly what I needed. It's a 03 MCS I think specifically a 7/03.

 

I'd rather not get the stalk light. Less money to spend.

 

PM ECS they are very helpful, all you need is just the alarm kit, 93.00 or so when you install the motion sensor make sure that the arrow is pointing towards the front of the car after you get it working test the sensor by locking yourself in the car and activate the alarm wait for about 1 minute or so, I think it's one minute but it could be more and the motion sensor will activate, then move around that should trigger the alarm an you will know that is working.
Here's the PDF from MINI