Maybe they made a change on the 09's...but my windows where down today and the alarm was set in the garage. I was just walking by it in some flip flops (making a flip floppy noise) and the alarm went off. Pretty sensitive...

 

Havnap, will the alarm go off with the windows up in the garage? Interesting.
That's a sweet, shrill alarm.

 

It hasn't yet...it was only when the windows were down.

I can tell ya, that will about make a person deaf too in an enclosed space!

 

If it has not been said already, have your dealer adjust the sensitivity. My alarm will go off when a vehicle with a loud exhaust goes by. The low frequency of the exhaust probably provides enough vibration on the windows to disturb the air inside the car and set off the alarm.

I have also had the alarm go off inside a parking garage when a diesel locomotive went past at a distance of about 40 yards.

 

Is the OEM alarm sensitive enough to get set off by loud exhaust? My other vehicle is a Harley, and I really don't want my alarm going off every time I take two wheels instead of four...

I opted to not get the alarm on my build. But as delivery is getting closer, I'm wondering if it would be a good idea... I've never owned a vehicle with an alarm, so it's a new concept for me. Maybe I'll just leave well enough alone.

 

Can someone explain to me what an "immobilizer" is/does, please? Are all MINI Clubmans so equipped. I just had my dealer install the alarm system and want to inform my insurance co.

thanks!
rt

 

It is exactly what it states it is. It imobilizes the car so that it can not be started. It basically just disables all the starting circuits so that the engine can not run. According to MINI the car if a standard can not even be jump started by pushing an poping the clutch as the engine is immobileized (can't be started)

 

thanks, schatzy62.

I'm curious to know more on how the immobilizer works, and if it only is on alarm-equipped MINIs.

rt

 

I had the alarm installed shortly after I purchased the car. I don't regret it, for a few reasons.

1) While I agree it's not as effective as perhaps it should be, ANY protection or theft deterrent is a plus to me. It may not deter all thieves, but if it deters even one, it's worth the money, in my opinion.

2) The "beep-beep" that it makes when you lock or unlock the car makes it quite a bit easier to tell when you've done said actions. Otherwise, with no audio feedback, it's hard to tell in a loud and/or bright situation whether or not you've locked your car. I think it's a reassuring sound.

I'm glad I got it, and I will get it on my next car too. I live only a hop and a skip from Oakland, and even though I park in a secure garage, I don't want to take any chances. Like I said, if this alarm deters even just one thief from breaking in, it's worth it's weight in gold.