Where is the Keyless Remote/Alarm Control Box

[jgnichol]

I recently purchased a 1994 740iL that I confirmed with BWM customer service came with the keyless entry/alarm. When I check under the back seat, I don't see the control unit or even a wiring harness for one. Is it possible that the unit is mounted somewhere else?? Also, I understand that ebay is the best place for a transmitter (dealer here wants $114). Any advice on that would also be appreciated. Thanks for your help.

[ecangian]

On my 93 740IL it's located behind the knee bolster on the drivers side. Pretty easy to get to, all you have to do is pop off the wood trim, unscrew the pad and metal bolster that it's screwed to. Keyless Ride is where I got my key fobs. Also their sister site Street keys can cut ya a key.

[shogun]

click for pics here and details of original installation

[krogers42]

Is the control unit in the same place under the seat in a 1994 e32 740iL from Canada? Would it look the same as in your pics? (thanks for those!)

Also, I don't have any receiver type thing on the headliner near the sunroof switch. Does that mean no remote on my car, or just maybe no remote? I'm thinking there must be a remote the way the locks all go from the driver's door.

Thanks.

[shogun]

I am not sure about that. Maybe there are other regulations regarding frequencies of anti-theft alarms etc.
Maybe you try to allocate the parts with the online spare parts catalog by using your VIN.
In any case the 1994 model should have an RF remote, while the early models had the IF (infrared) remote control system. The RF receiver does not have this black rectangular fob under the roof near the sunroof switch. Should be inside the rear view mirror I assume.
You might also try the online wiring diagrams on my website.

alarm system on a 1884 740i without using a VIN (US version)

[jgnichol]

Thank you - as I am sure that it was factory installed and it is not under that back seat by the fuse box. Just to clarify before I pull apart the underdash, you think it is under the steering wheel where the drivers knees would touch if the seat is all the way forward. Is your's factory installed or aftermarket? Thanks. Jeff

On my 93 740IL it's located behind the knee bolster on the drivers side. Pretty easy to get to, all you have to do is pop off the wood trim, unscrew the pad and metal bolster that it's screwed to. Keyless Ride is where I got my key fobs. Also their sister site Street keys can cut ya a key.

[ecangian]

Thank you - as I am sure that it was factory installed and it is not under that back seat by the fuse box. Just to clarify before I pull apart the underdash, you think it is under the steering wheel where the drivers knees would touch if the seat is all the way forward. Is your's factory installed or aftermarket? Thanks. Jeff

That's where mine was and it is factory installed. Again, it isn't a big deal to get too. A total of 9 phillips head screws. Very easy. I'll post some pictures on Monday if ya need them bro. Here is a picture of what the unit looks like:
Alarm/Keyless Entry Box

[jgnichol]

mounted under the knee bolster for several production months in 1994. Appreciate your help. I feel confident to purchase the FOB now.
Jeff

That's where mine was and it is factory installed. Again, it isn't a big deal to get too. A total of 9 phillips head screws. Very easy. I'll post some pictures on Monday if ya need them bro. Here is a picture of what the unit looks like:
Alarm/Keyless Entry Box

[jgnichol]

You can call BMW customer service to determine if your vehicle came with a factory remote locking system. 800-831-1117. Mine is under the knee bolster below the steering wheel.
Jeff

Is the control unit in the same place under the seat in a 1994 e32 740iL from Canada? Would it look the same as in your pics? (thanks for those!)

Also, I don't have any receiver type thing on the headliner near the sunroof switch. Does that mean no remote on my car, or just maybe no remote? I'm thinking there must be a remote the way the locks all go from the driver's door.

Thanks.

[shogun]

Tks for sharing the pics. have never seen the Alpine unit, apparently only used in US and Canada specs.
Also the knee bolster is not installed in non-US versions.
Mine is japanese specification and I do not have these installed.