Hello,

I will be getting my MINI in about a month and a half. I would like to get an after-market alarm system installed (haven't picked the make/model yet, but, I really need impact/shock sensor). I am also looking to add a CD changer (which is why I chose the tape deck option).
Would appreciate any recommendations / suggestions about alarm systems and competent / reliable installers in the Portland Metro area.

The only possible dealer/installer I had in mind was CarToys. Any comments/opinions about CarToys and whether or not I can trust them with my MINI would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

MediocreFred.

 

Fred -
I've only had Rassmussen do my Mini work, but when I had my Mitsu Eclipse I had Car Toy's install a Clifford Alarm. They were a pleasure to work with (I'd been shopping around and this was the most pleasent place I found) and didn't pressure me to buy an "upgraded alarm" "right now". I'm not sure if they've done any Mini work, but I'd suggest giving them a call. See if you can get them to give you a Mini customer's reference and check them out. This may not be possible, but it's worth a shot.

Plus they let me add on a blue light for my alarm indicator. It was wicked!

CooperDriver on the OL had an aftermarket alarm installed, but I don't know who did it. She'd be someone to ask.

 

MediocreFred,
When I ordered my MCS, did a lot of research on CD-Changers for it. Cardomain had the same products as their competitors but lower prices. If you buy an aftermarket changer you will need a control cable to interface with the factory harness. Check out Cardomain they might have what you are looking for.

Cardomain.com Crutchfield.com

 

Hi Batgirl,

Thanks for the reply. Shall follow up with Car Toys - the most convenient location for me is the one on SW Canyon Rd - not sure if the quality of service / expertise varies with the location. "Asking for a reference" is a good idea. Shall do that as well.

Am debating between Clifford, Viper and Python alarms. Car Toys deals with Clifford and Python while Stereo King deals with Clifford and Viper systems. Since all three of them are made by the same company (DEI - www.directed.com) and seem to have largely similar features, it is getting really difficult to pick. Also, I am wondering if any of these can be operated using the buttons on MINI's key - one of the guys (on this or mini2 forums) mentions the fact that he has an Audiovox alarm that can be controlled using his MINI key.

Tried calling DEI, but, was asked to talk to their dealers; tried calling Valeo (who makes the original MINI key) to get a recommendation for an alarm system, but, couldn't get past the front desk!

Shall try to contact CooperDriver on OL. Thanks for the pointer.

-MediocreFred.

 

Hi Charles,

Thanks for the links - shall check them out. I know I can get the CD changer anywhere - my primary concern is locating a reliable installer.

Rassmussen said they'd do it; so, if I can't find anybody else that I feel comfortable with (as far as experience with MINIs go), I'll probably go to Rassmussen.

The wait for my MC is agonizing... another month and a half to go...

-MediocreFred.

 

If you're looking to get an aftermarket alarm, Clifford is about the best. (Intelliguard series) They have dual zone proximity sensors (Inside car/outside) plus you can get shock sensor if you'd like (Not really worth having if you have the prox. sensors) plus they have other options like a tilt sensor and blackjax (Which if you have turned on, requires you to enter a code when you turn on the ignition. If you don't enter the code, the engine immobilizes after a few minutes. Good for stopping car thies who try and jack your ride. You can even opt. for the optional data port so you can configure the alarm options w/ your laptop PC. They even have self powered sirens, etc. However, MINI's are pretty tough to steal without the key as they have a good built-in engine immobilizer (As do most other BMWs) I had the MINI alarm installed on mine just to give a little added security. (It includes a motion sensor (Inside) and a tilt sensor (If the car is jacked up.) Works nice, installs very cleanly and even has a cool alarm light on the end of the windshield washer arm on the steering column.

 

I've been looking at Cliffords as well - the thing I liked about the Viper 690x (and the corresponding model in the Python line) is the two way paging bit - where the remote fob is a pager that gets notified when the alarm goes off. It has a small lcd screen that shows which zone (door/shock/...) was activated. Seems like Vipers and Pythons are just as reliable (and a lot less espensive) than the Cliffords - don't know...

Am still feeling very uneasy about letting folks from Car Toys or Stereo King or others like them mess around with my MINI.

If only the standard MINI alarm had a shock sensor - I really need a deterrent as part of the alarm and the dual stage shock/proximity sensors do jut that.

I've actually witnessed thieves (misguided teenagers in this case) tentatively hitting a car door/window to see if an alarm goes off; when it didn't, they proceeded to break the window and grab the CD player.

I know that the MINI alarm has a motion detector which will be triggered when somebody sticks their hand in through a window. However, I'd rather warn them off before they break the window...

Thanks,
MediocreFred.