I picked up my new MCSC on Saturday and had what I thought was going to be the MINI alarm installed in the car. When I got to the dealer and got my keys there is this crappy Hornet alarm installed in the car and a cheap looking key pad. I didn't say anything at the time because I figured well I will try it out. I should have known it was crap when my MA set it off about 5 times alone when trying to deliver the car.
Later on delivery day I took the car to have some stereo equiptment installed. Out of curiosity the installer asked me how much I paid for the alarm, I told him $495. He told me he could have installed it for less then $200 and didn't understand why they hadn't programed it to work with the MINI key lock/unlock. The next morning when leaving my house at 5 am I think I woke up the whole neighborhood because the alarm went off at least four times before I could get into the car and start it. I have also come out to the car several times after setting the alarm and the doors are unlocked.
I just looked up the alarm online and it sells for less then $100.
I already have 2 calls into the dealership saying that I want this alarm taken out and replaced with what I paid for. When I talked to the finance guy about having the alarm installed I specifically said "How much is the MINI alarm." There is no way this POS is worth almost $500.
Can anyone explain to me why they would have this alarm installed rather then the MINI one? I would like to think the dealership isn't trying to rip me off, but I guess as it stands this is a possibility.
Am I being unreasonable to ask to have it switched out?

 

"Can anyone explain to me why they would have this alarm installed rather then the MINI one?"

Greed, profit, they are stupid, they don't care, yada yada yada. I'm assuming this is a MINI dealer you went to, right? And anybody would expect a MINI alarm at a MINI dealer. Take it back, get what you wanted, what you PAID for.

This is not to say that all aftermarket alarms are bad, some are down right awesome, but it sounds like you got crap, or at least not a system that you are happy with.

 

Why did you walk off the lot with something other than a) what you wanted and b) what you paid for? You lost a lot of your power to demand a change by taking delivery with the crap alarm.

 

My MA finally called me back. She agreed that the alarm was crap, especially since she knew because it had gone off so many times on her. She spoke to the salesmanager and they agreed to have the alarm removed and reimburse me. She said the MINI alarm isn't available for the 05's.
The alarm guy is supposedly on vacation this week, so she is going to call me next week to set up a time to have it removed.
This solution is fine to me. I can call Classic MINI and see if they have the alarm in stock, order it from them and have it installed myself, at a much cheaper price.

 

I'm confused. If the alarm isn't available, how could Classic MINI have it in stock?

The "build your own MINI" pages on miniusa.com has the alarm listed as an accessory (last page) for the 05s. My baby is sitting on a dock in Southampton, and I'd like to get the factory alarm installed when she gets here. Is the alarm available for 05s or not?

 

Guys, don't worry. I purchased my car at Classic Mini, shipped to CA along with the Mini alarm without having them install for me to save some $$. I did the installation myself, scheduled for an appointment at a local Mini dealership to activate it, charged half hour labor. That's it, it is now working. I am not sure the 05 has its own new Mini alarm, but I would think 04 and 05 are the same.

 

I guess it just depends on whether or not your dealer stocks the alarm and is willing to put it in. Apparently the dealer I use does not. She said they didn't have them for the 04's either.
Does anyone know the part number? This way maybe I can give it to her and see if they can get it.

 

Guess you can really call Classic and they should get you one without problem, since I got mine there. My MA there is Julie Saxa.

 

Thanks, I am gonna call the part dept at Classic as soon as this alarm is taken out.

 

Classic rocks!

Just got the OEM alarm from Classic and will be installing this weekend on my 2005 MCS (which I am getting this Friday!). And for a very good price, esp compared to what my dealer wants for parts and fitment... ready?... $700 USD!

Maganoo: Ask for Brian Flick in Parts. And tell him, you read about them in NAM (gee, do we sound like a commerical? ).

So, for less than half of the dealer price and a few hours of my time, plus a few extra accessories , I am still ahead of the game by $300!

What was also nice, Brian of Classic included instructions for fitment.

hey,"Life's a long song!"

 

I am now wondering if the alarm for the convertible is different from the tin top one. Cause I know there is a sensor that goes in the ceiling...hope they have the right one in stock.

 

Yes, the OEM alarm is available for 05 MINIs.......MSRP = $295. I was charged $225 labour for fitment.

 

My 05 S's MINI Alarm works great-- the proximity sensor is in the new light assembly where the clock used to be. $458 total inc install. And passengers LOVE the throbbing red stalk light Jimbo

 

Ah yes the legendary Julie, now we know her last name. Saxa, the queen of customer service Has any Classic customer ever snagged a photo?

 

Maganoo - i believe you're on to something...

but read this: http://mini2.com/forum/showthread.ph...ighlight=alarm