Anyone got Alarm for their R56 from dealer yet? How much are you guys paying? Thanks

 

My pricing sheet shows 400 from the factory as an original option. Not sure if this helps?

 

Rumor has it, the part is $225 and it is plug and play.

 

I know folks worry about first year faults and fixes but w/ R56 these have seemed minor. This, however, is the sticky part (as it was with R50)...getting options that aren't released immediately when the car is. English Oak trim, the manual tranny, clear bra templates, late-release colors, and more....not to mention the OEM alarm, of course...were all items that I personally had/have to figure out. And naturally it's even moreso with aftermarket offerings. So this has been the real source of first model year angst...the car's been pretty good actually!!! BTW, if this sounds like a complaint...it's not...just a reality. I've really enjoyed driving an R56.

 

According to my MA, it should be available this week, or at least the bulletin should be out . Hope this helps

 

I'm having mine installed next week. Cost of the alarm kit retails for $225, but I bought it through ClassicMINI for $190 shipped. Cost of installation is $210 from MINI of Peabody. So total price is the same as if it was installed by the factory.

 

BTW, it is plug and play but it needs recoding, which can only be done by the dealers.

 

I added it after car was built, insurance purposes. It's $400 if you order from factory $500 if dealer installs it. Still waiting on MINI to release them anyway.

 

I'm still waiting to hear from my MA on when the alarm will be available at Rasmussen MINI.

 

What is the benifit of an alarm anymore?. Just to get a flashing light. And for $500.00 wouldn't LoJack be better. It seems in most cars today the alarm is just a part of the system and included. I always like the idea of an alarm but I wonder about all the cars stolen every week, what percentage had alarms.

 

Yes, I want it so the LEDs on the top of my tach work. Seriously, in the case of the MINI, I like the interior motion sensors. No, an alarm will not prevent your car from being stolen if someone wants your car, but it can make it a less tasty target to some wino or druggie who wants to break in and see what he can find.

Plus, not all police departments are all that interested in recovering you lojacked car.

 

The impression I got reading through the R56 alarm instructionsis that pretty much everything is already there, the kit only includes the hood pin switch, siren, motion sensor and ultrasound units. None of those contain the actual processor, that'sdone by the car's computer.

The instructions also specified that the unit would recognize any sensors not working correctly and still work in a diminished capacity without them.

If that's the case, couldn't the dealership just "turn on" the security system, even without any of the additional equipment, and get the door pin switch and flashing light functionality for basicly free? Maybe buy the motion sensor and hood pin switch, maybe even the ultrasound unit seperatly? I for one would rather not have the siren going off, and if I could save some $ buy not even buying it in the first place, all the better.

More and more I can see the need to get a copy of the reprograming software and experiment a bit with just what about the car is software adjustable, and not just what the dealership wants to let me know is adjustable.

 

What good is the alarm without the siren? Personally, the more already on the car, the better. BTW, where did you get the alarm instructions?

 

As far as I'm concerned the siren is only useful after the car is broken into, and then only if anyone cares. Been my experience that a siren going off is almost exactly as likely to get your car keyed as someone to come help stop a thief.

The flashing light built into the tach would be equally as effective a deterant with or without the siren. After all, the perspective thief doesn't know if there's a siren or not. AllI want is for them to have a good reason to move on to the next car.

As to the instructions, I just asked nicely at the parts dept of my Mini dealership and they printed them out for me. Guess I could scan and post them somewhere, not sure where though.

 

Except, if someone is planning to break in and the alarm goes off, they are not likely to continue to stay there. Again, an alarm will not deter a pro. But most car thefts/break-ins are not by pro's. I agree that a siren that goes off for no reason may cause you to get keyed. But a decent alarm won't do that. I think it would be great if you scanned the instructions. Post them where you like. But this thread would be a good place.

 

It is released and available for purchase. My local MINI dealer has two in stock.

 

Morristown MINI just told me it has NOT been released. Typical MINI confusion.

 

I just called my MA. he got my cheque in today along with my order form. I also told him to spec the factory alarm and he said it wouldnt be a problem. I'm excited. Can't wait to get that production number.

 

The factory alarm is available. The question is whether the dealers have the alarm.

 

Having some other work done next week...Another tyre bulge on the same rim and the license plate lamps don't work (not so much of an issue except for the annoying notification every time you start the car)
Will see if I can get the alarm done as well

 

One thing I like about the interior is that the red gear light when parked is constant lit up red which kinda looks like a red car alarm. It just dosn't flash and me be more confusing to wood be burglar.

 

lowjack pretty good price from the dealer, installed today

beats the heck out of an alarm

 

I ordered mine from Classic MINI in Ohio today. Less than $200 shipped. I'll install it myself and pay the dealer for 30 minutes labor to recode the car.

I did it this way with my 2005. I like having the alarm. Now I just need the OEM Sirius and I'm set, unless I splurge for the Works Stage 1 kit.

 

I had mine factory installed for $400. The part price according to the configurator is $225.

 

LoJack is not available nationwide. For instance, it isn't available here in Oregon. The last time I asked a dealership about it, they didn't have a clue what I was talking about.