Should I buy a BMW?

[DownwardDog]

I assume it's OEM. It needs to go back to my mechanic to fix the temp sensor and reset the service warning so I'll ask if it can be disabled permanently. I just hope it doesn't leave me strandard somewhere with a flat battery first as it will be at least a few weeks before I can manage this.

All of the OEM alarmed BMWs I've owned, which admittedly doesn't include an E46 3 series, have had a seperate battery for the alarm siren to prevent disabling it via disconnecting the car battery. So the alarm going off shouldn't flatten the battery... in theory...

 

[UnderOpenSky]

All of the OEM alarmed BMWs I've owned, which admittedly doesn't include an E46 3 series, have had a seperate battery for the alarm siren to prevent disabling it via disconnecting the car battery. So the alarm going off shouldn't flatten the battery... in theory...

Well at least that's a relief. I can't even see the main battery opening the bonnet!

 

[twentythreedom]

Well at least that's a relief. I can't even see the main battery opening the bonnet!

It might be under the rear floor, it is in my car

 

[mauvais]

I don't know about BMW but some cars have a means (e.g. flashing LED sequence) of telling you why the alarm last went off, without the need for diagnostics. Have a look in the manual.

You can also turn off various bits of the alarm (e.g. tilt sensor, volumetrics) on most cars, as you would if parking on a ferry etc.

 

[Spymaster]

I can't even see the main battery opening the bonnet!

It's in the back under the recess on the passenger side.

 

[Farmer Giles]

You need to check if your model has the dreaded swilf flaps and if the swirl flaps have been removed. If not they have a nasty habit of being ingested into the engine causing it to self destruct.

BMW SWIRL FLAP INFORMATION

 

[chriswill]

Just to let you know that that link gives access to your entire Photostream and there are pics on there which seem private. You may want to delete it.

Thanks

 

[DownwardDog]

You need to check if your model has the dreaded swilf flaps and if the swirl flaps have been removed. If not they have a nasty habit of being ingested into the engine causing it to self destruct.

BMW SWIRL FLAP INFORMATION

The dreaded swirl flap condition habitually affects the 3.0 M57 engine. UAOSky's car has a 2.0 M47.