Factory Installed Alarm/keyless entry system wiring

[weezer]

I know that some, perhaps, most of our cars are equipped with factory installed wiring for alarm/keyless entry system. My Ti did not come with the system, but heard and read that it should come pre-wired for the system.
So, just wondering if anyone has done any installation of this type by themselves and want to know hard it is. And where is the pre-wiring/plug located?
Hope someone can help me.

Thanks,
WEEZER

[pdxmotorhead]

If you go to e-bay and do a search for 318ti there is an alarm specialty outfit that
sells a bmw/compatable system and advertises full support for installation. I bet they
could give you all the things to look for. I noticed they sell the ti alarm for like 189.
Which ain't bad compared to BMW.....

Dave

[weezer]

Thanks, Dave. Yeah, I think you and I saw the same site. What I really want to know is if the pre-wiring is under/inside the dash or in the trunk and easily accessible, etc. You know, just do a quick research before I actually plunge into investing on one and couldn't install or cost too much to have someone install it.

thanks,
WEEZER

[pdxmotorhead]

The box is behind the glovebox OR under the passenger seat is my understanding.

I was told the dealer only allows 30 minutes labor to put one in....

Dave

[aceyx]

the wiring for the factory alarm is behing the glovebox in the ti.

however, this doesn't mean it's just a plug and play operation. i think a siren must also be attached, and the LED must be fitted. however, it's still pretty easy.

[pdxmotorhead]

BTW, Near my LED is a little metal widget with a small hole in it,
I assume its for glass break detection?? Any ideas??

Dave

[bmrti]

Anyone know what volts the LED runs off of? What color wire is attached to it?

Thanks
Fred

[ZeroG]

Originally Posted by bmrti

Anyone know what volts the LED runs off of? What color wire is attached to it?

Thanks
Fred

Remove your sunglass tray and you will see the wire. It has a plug that is not being used at the end if you do not have the alarm installed. It uses 12 volt power.

-Chad

[bmrti]

My alarm (removed from a wreck) never came with the LED this is why I am asking where it would plug in and what color wire it's attached to

[Blackie]

Originally Posted by pdxmotorhead

If you go to e-bay and do a search for 318ti there is an alarm specialty outfit that
sells a bmw/compatable system and advertises full support for installation. I bet they
could give you all the things to look for. I noticed they sell the ti alarm for like 189.
Which ain't bad compared to BMW.....

Dave

I just installed this exact system in my ti. My car came pre-wired for the alarm system, check the trunk, it should say prewired for cd-changer, alarm system, and something else...

Remove the glove box and connect to the 12-pin connector underneath the glove box. It is a relative easy install, the hardest part is connecting the wires to the 12-pin connector, not much room underneath that glove box. Make sure you adjust the sensitivity on the alarm before put glove box back together. Mine was too sensitive and it keeps going off. I put my LED at one of those knock-out below the window switch at the shifter. I just drilled the 1/4 holes for the LED and the alarm over-ride switch and mount it there.

I follow these instructions. http://www.circlebmw.com/service/access/82111469444.htm

Its a great system! I dont have to manually opening and closing the door again! Now, if I can wire it up the open the trunk then I will be all set.

[SporTi]

Just got a 97 Sport. The wierd thing is that my console button locks/unlocks the passenger door and hatch and gas, but not the driver door. If I use the key in the passenger door, it locks/unlocks everything, so it is acting as a Master. If I use the key in the drivers door, it locks/unlocks the drivers door and (I think) hatch and gas, but not the passenger door so it is NOT acting as a Master. Anyone know what is going on?

Second question: I got no remote with this car. I have noticed a switch under the hood that looks like it would go to an alarm (just like on my 95). I haven't looked for the siren yet, and I see no led anywhere inside. Is it likely that my car didn't have the keyless option? I read through one thread on buying a system from ebay. I may have to pursue that route.