I have a 1999 BMW Z3 with an alarm problem. Every time I turn the ignition, the alarm sounds. It will repeat and continue until I disconnect the battery, then carry on a few more cycles before stopping.
I can drive the car, but I would get some people staring at me! Has anyone had similar issues with BMW alarms? Any suggestions welcome.
2007-07-17 06:07:59 · 3 answers · asked by Steve H 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ BMW
I should confirm, this is a factory-fitted alarm.
2007-07-17 06:15:03 · update #1
The situation you described sounds like you did not disarm the alarm (or at least the alarm doesn't think you disarmed it) when you started the car.
When the alarm sounds, you shouldn't even need to disconnect the battery, the alarm remote on the key should be able to disarm/slience it.
In fact, if the alarm was armed when you insert the key, the starter shouldn't even turn when you turn the key.
In any case, if you are unable to disarm the alarm via the remote and have to resort to manually disconnecting the battery, you should either disconnect the alarm or replace the unit.
A new factory alarm unit for your car isn't too expensive (around $200?). Call Circle BMW parts department www.circlebmw.com. They'll ship you a new unit together with installation instructions. You can actually install the alarm yourself with a few simple hand tools. And since you already have an existing factory alarm, you won't even need to install items like the LED, mic, siren or drilling any new holes...etc, just change out the "brain" of the system.
It's definitely cheaper than having the dealer to diagnose and fix the problem...with some dealers charging up to $110/hr of labor.
Simply cutting the wires to the siren isn't a solution, because your alarm will remain in the "triggered" state, with lights flashing and engine and starter imobilized.
2007-07-18 04:56:58 · answer #1 · answered by Snowie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on where you live (safe or unsafe neighborhood) you should be able to just "disconnect" the siren and continue to use the car as-is.
There should be a positive and negative wire. Just cut the positive wire and you will just disable the alarm.
==== OR ====
It sounds like an aftermarket car alarm. Often the installers of these units just TWIST tie the wires together. They are good for few years at most, but then they start having these kind of problems. You can try and follow the wires OUT of the alarm and see if you can find loose wires (or a short from broken insulator). Even if the connections look good, try reconnecting them (cut, strip and solder or use crimp connector). You will have to unwrap all the electrical tapes and check. But wrapping them again would not be a problem, just make sure you make a good connectin (solder or crimp the wires together).
For my money and time, I would just install another new alarm system. If you are good at wiring you can get a kit for about $50 to $100. And you'll learn a lot about how they work (and how to fix them.
===
Don't forget to vote for the BEST ANSWER - please - whoever it may be.
FACT: You also get +3 points when you vote for BEST ANSWER
2007-07-17 13:12:02 · answer #2 · answered by Lover not a Fighter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a ground problem, is it a after market alarm? check out some at the specialist and replace yours
2007-07-17 13:10:40 · answer #3 · answered by rich2481 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋