Alarm System

[biondani]

What is involved with fitting a new alarm system on an older 525i? I have a 91 (UK) model M50 non-vanos with EWS I (At least that's what the dealer said is in it) with the old analogue alarm which hasn't worked since a new battery was put in the car.

I have taken it back to the dealer where they spent 2 hours scratching their heads as the alarm won't program a new transmitter and gave up working out the problem and recommended a new alarm. They quote $500 for the alarm and yet another $630 to fit it. They say they have to strip the old alarm out but is that necessary as the new alarm should fit into the pre-wired fittings of the old alarm I presume. They also say the new transmitters would have to be programmed but isn't this just a case of putting the chip into the alarm and pressing the button?

If it isn't this simple I am inclined to go along a different alarm route as a local alarm specialist will fit a Toad Ai606 for $600. Any suggestions of where to go from here? new alarm from Toad, stealer install or home install for a BMW alarm?

Thanks
Ian

[DallasBill]

I put their (now discontinued) Intelliguard 700IQ in my car 6 years ago and it plugged right into the existing harness. Works great! See http://www.clifford.com/uk/default.asp

[biondani]

Thanks, I will contact the alarm dealer as they deal only in Clifford and Toad alarms. The salesman's suggestion was a Toad but I will ask about the Clifford.

Ian

[Tiger]

What do you mean they plug right in?