Anyone ever install one? My understanding is that both brands are the same, Python just being a little less expensive and maybe "missing" a couple features. But I know little, well nothing, of aftermarket alarms.

My 91 560 has no factory alarm. I would like to install an alarm system. And with SmartStart systems on can use an iPhone to remote start and have two-way communication with the car. Such as if the alarm goes off. Since the module uses cell towers, it works at virtually any distance.

The systems can be had for about $400. But before I buy I would like to know of any stories on these systems. If anyone has one.

__________________
1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car

I've heard of Viper alarms, they're a good company. Sounds like a really cool alarm, i bet it calls your cell phone if someone is breaking in too.

The Alarm kit usually consists of radio receiver, wires that you splice into your starter, ignition and depending on manual/auto trans a neutral safety switch as well as random stuff like dome lights door locks and so forth. If you have a good wiring diagram for your vehicle then its just as easy as splicing into specific wires on cars wiring harness when alarm manual calls for it. Most of the kits even have cool specialty splicing caps that you pinch onto existing car harness and they stab through the rubberized coating and pinch into your factory wires, so you don't have to cut and hack.

__________________
93 300 D 2.5 turbo

I would probably solder the connections. While they can leave the wires nearly unmolested upon removal, those quick connect things are notoriously unreliable.

It is a pretty neat system though. And yes its two-way, so incase of break in it will alert. There are a couple different packages. One is remote start only, the other is remote start with alarm.

I just am not looking forward to installing such system. Probably a half day project!

__________________
1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car

Few things...


Markup on those alarms is insane. Figure cost of the actual unit is half of what they advertise it for.



Second, depending on how the alarm is installed, it can wreak havoc on other electrical systems. Make sure you have the factory alarm disabled if you go with aftermarket.


Third, they are all made by DEI. The alarms in the same price group should have the same features, but under different names. The reason - competition amongst car audio dealers.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

Yup. Hence shopping eBay, etc. $600 is MSRP for the system I want. So far $350 is lowest price I have found. And I will keep looking.

Factory alarm is missing. I should not have issues there. I hope.

__________________
1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car