Hey guys,

Can't seem to find a trustworthy shop to do an alarm install. I'm about to pull the trigger on a Stellar unit, but thinking that for $280, I could get a nicer non-pnp unit.

Anyone ever install their own alarm? How hard is it? I've recently installed and wired up my head unit plus hardwired a bunch of other things so I have the general skills (soldering) necessary.. just not the experience.

Here's the thread I started in the electronics portion of the forum for advice.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=673735

Thanks!

I bet you could do it yourself. Cars aren't usually as complicated as we think they are, especially w/ electronics like that.

ive heard mixed reviews reguarding stellar products. Im sure they are great for a factory like install, but i hear they are extremely unreliable. Maybe someone can chime in with some positive feedback on stellar products (because ive heard essentially none)

I would go for a viper or other well known universal system. The price for a clean install will be expensive but it will be worth it in the end. I would say that a BMW specialty shop would be the way to go as far as installation.

I bet you could do it yourself. Cars aren't usually as complicated as we think they are, especially w/ electronics like that.

Have you installed an alarm? I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, but not when it comes with electronics. The car stereo was my first major project that I'd done soley by myself.

Searched for some wiring diagrams on other car alarms, and it doesnt look *so* complicated. Just gotta figure out what is what in my harness. Dont have the confidence yet to go in and start splicing wires in the dash..

Have you installed an alarm? I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, but not when it comes with electronics. The car stereo was my first major project that I'd done soley by myself.

Searched for some wiring diagrams on other car alarms, and it doesnt look *so* complicated. Just gotta figure out what is what in my harness. Dont have the confidence yet to go in and start splicing wires in the dash..


I haven't installed an alarm but I have removed my friend's entire dashboard and unwired and rewired a lot of electrical things, including a new head unit and new speakers.

We also wired the brake lights to the cruise control lever, I guess he didn't want to be braking when he sees a cop and have the cop see him brake. Shrug. Give it a try :)