I'm curious about experiences with the security system. I'll be picking up an '06 in about ten days. I had an '02 without it and never had a problem. Meanwhile, I've been wondering about the pros and cons and would appreciate some of your thoughts.

 

I don't think it does to much over the stock car. Biggest thing is it chirps when you lock and unlock the car.

It will make a siren if the car is lifted. Car will siren if windows are down and car is locked (due to motion sensor).

 

I have it and like that it chirps when you lock/unlock the doors. It's never gone off except the one time I had my windows open and reached inside to set it off to see what it sounds like.

 

Pardon me for adding a stupid question to this thread. Without the OEM alarm, what (if any) security features does the standard MINI include? I'm used to new cars coming with some basic alarm system standard these days (honking the horn and disabling the ignition upon forced entry.) Does the mini include any of this satandard?

 

My dealer said "no mini has ever been stolen" in the US except for one where the thieves stole the key first. My 06 MCS came with no security system at all.

 

it's ok, you're still a newb. jk


it comes with a lock. (with immobilizer)

but it all depends on how you use the car. my cars are garaged and
never park anywhere other than at a gas station, dealer, or at meets.
so i don't really need a security system. my garage has a
ADT system with battery backup inside and out so they'll call my
home/cel/office/wife/police if there's a breach or fire.

if i need to go to the grocery or airport, etc. i just take my beater...

 

I'd say your dealer is outright lying to you!

 

I would agree...I bet more than a few have been sucked up on a flatbed and whisked away...lol

 

actually, without an enabled key, the only way that car is going anywhere is on a tow truck.

 

Other than the immobilizer (car won't start unless the chip with the matching code to the ECU (DME) is near the ignition), there are no standard security features besides the door lock.
The alarm provides a siren that sounds based on input from a tilt sensor (protects wheels, or flatbedding) or motion sensor (protects interior). Along with the chirp on lock/unlock, you get the 'clown nose' security light on the end of the stalk (left stalk for '05+, right for '04-).

I didn't fret about my MINI being stolen, but I like the alarm light and the chirps. FYI, if you install just the stalk, the light may flash, even if the BC1 is not coded for the alarm - mine did, and others have reported the same.

 

I have the alarm in my 06 here in Germany. Although car theft is not huge here, I wanted it as I like to travel to other countries and as an American, our cars tend to be targets. Overall it is a decent system that integrates with the car. I highly recommend it as it is a seemless installation.

FYI, there are ways to bypass the immobilizer in these cars. It may take a little longer to do, but I promise you that your car can be started without the key.

 

Hey daflake, did you have to order yours from a stateside dealer? The BMW Military Sales dude I got my MCS from said that there was an issue with the frequencies that the German Security System used and that I'd have to order mine from back home Sound familiar at all?

Thanks

 

Rubbish... I ordered mine from Pentagon Car Sales. The installation of the alarm was done via BMW Niederlassen in Mannheim. No problems with anything frequency wise. However, it was more expensive than the instalaltion in the US. 500 Euro...

 

A dealer lie?????? C'mon

He said something about the key being the only way to start the car...

 

Thanks for the info guys. I'm opting for the security system in my '06 just because of where I live.

 

Great, that opens up a few more options for me Thanks
Now I jusy have to stock up on JCW "Bits" before I head back Stateside

 

same, same. Worth every penny. It's all about deterence.

 

I only paid 295 Euro for mine at Autohaus Schafer BMW/MINI in Kaiserslautern. That included the VAT discount. That's also the everyday price. Also bought mine through Pentagon Car Sales.

 

Okay, so you may have convinced me on the alarm. For those do-it-yourselfers out there, on a scale of 1 to 10 how tough is a self install of the OEM alarm?