i have the stock car alarm on my 90 and i thought all i would have to do is get a new battery for my key. i got the new battery but the alarm still isnt working. anyone know what i would have to do? it looks like the alarm is hooked up but i need some help.

which "stock" alarm do you have. In 1990 there were two types...the IR (infrared type) and the RF (radio frequency type).

If you check some of the other current threads about keyless entry...I posted a link that has the instructions and locations for the RF keyless entry system.

If you have the IR type...you should have a small black nub/button next to your sunroof switch and the remote fob is the infamous "switchblade remote".

IR receiver location & switchblade remote:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/433000-433999/433594_210.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_96.jpg

If you have the RF type...you should have the 3 button square remote and the control unit is under the rear seat. You remove the chip from the fob and insert it into the control unit to "program" the chip...then place it back into the fob.

RF control unit & 3 button remote:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_36.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_31_full.jpg

...thought all i would have to do is get a new battery for my key. i got the new battery but the alarm still isnt working...

uhh...I went back to reread your post and I'm picking up something that I'm not sure about. You say that you replaced the battery in the key(?) The 1990 e34 didn't have an integrated key w/keyless entry functions. If you have somehow ordered or had a key made from one of the newer type keys (rubber head w/3 buttons integrated into it) like in the image below...that key doesn't work for your car. That key, though RF, was made for BMWs with the newer EWS/DWA anti-theft systems..the only e34 that used that system was the 540i and I believe the late production 530i.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_63_full.jpg

uhh...I went back to reread your post and I'm picking up something that I'm not sure about. You say that you replaced the battery in the key(?) The 1990 e34 didn't have an integrated key w/keyless entry functions. If you have somehow ordered or had a key made from one of the newer type keys (rubber head w/3 buttons integrated into it) like in the image below...that key doesn't work for your car. That key, though RF, was made for BMWs with the newer EWS/DWA anti-theft systems..the only e34 that used that system was the 540i and I believe the late production 530i.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_63_full.jpg

my key only has 1 button though. the button is the bmw emblem.

my key only has 1 button though. the button is the bmw emblem.

you mean like the key in the pic below?
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_36.jpg

If yes...the button on this key is not for the keyless entry...it is the illuminated master key...when you press the button it illuminates an LED so that you can see the lock cylinder in the dark.

you mean like the key in the pic below?
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_36.jpg

If yes...the button on this key is not for the keyless entry...it is the illuminated master key...when you press the button it illuminates an LED so that you can see the lock cylinder in the dark.

it looks like this one, except the emblem isnt colored and you push the button for the alarm

http://i5.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/82/54/d9_2.JPG

it looks like this one, except the emblem isnt colored and you push the button for the alarm

http://i5.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/82/54/d9_2.JPG

Thats not for your alarm. That should tun on a little light so you can use it at night to put your key in the door.

shit, thats it!? thats pretty funny, thanks man. its weird though, i have the car alarm horn under the hood and its all wired. kinda weird, im just gonna get a new one and hook it up.