New BMW owner- do i need a car alarm?

[sonicsguru]

I just bought my very first Bimmer last night; a 2006 325i ZPP. Do you think I should purchase a car alarm? If so, what kind?

Thanks,
First time owner

 

[Big Daddy]

Do you park and or live in an area where you think you need it? I have an alarm system, but other than making a lot of noise most people do not pay attention to car alarms any more. If you decide to get one I would get the BMW alarm system.

 

[midtownkoi]

You might want to check with the dealer about voiding the warranty if someone else installs an alarm. On one of my previous cars, I was told that if they didn't do it (they actually subbed it out, but it was done at the dealership) and there were some type of electrical problem in the future, it might not be covered by the car warranty. I did have a problem with my radio, and the dealer did replace it with a new one. Not sure if they would have if I had someone else do the alarm install. With all the electronics and computers in new cars these days, it probably would be worth it to pay more to have the dealer do it.

 

[Tom]

I still think alarms are good deterrent against wood be thieves. I'm a big fan of Clifford alarms and have their system on all three of my cars.

 

[sonicsguru]

Thanks guys

I'll probably just go without the alarm and make sure the clown nose blinks.

-Proud new 2006 325i ZPP owner

 

[jrt67ss350]

You might want to check with the dealer about voiding the warranty if someone else installs an alarm. On one of my previous cars, I was told that if they didn't do it (they actually subbed it out, but it was done at the dealership) and there were some type of electrical problem in the future, it might not be covered by the car warranty. I did have a problem with my radio, and the dealer did replace it with a new one. Not sure if they would have if I had someone else do the alarm install. With all the electronics and computers in new cars these days, it probably would be worth it to pay more to have the dealer do it.

They can't void your warranty because of aftermarket part installation as long as the device was installed according to the installation directions. It's illegal for them to do that.