Convertible- Alarm problems. Microwave or Ultrasonic?
Discussion
Folks,
I've got a convertible E36 M3. Unfortunately the previous alarm/immobiliser simply wasn't working, so I've spent £300 with a local firm to supply and fit a Toad Cat 1 unit.
I had a couple of teething problems with the system. Firstly, when the roof was down and the "anti-hijack" system kicked in (When ignition goes on, doors lock), the system would apparently pulse slightly too long and would cause the roof to go up slightly.
Also, the alarm was going off when people slammed doors next to it.
Having been back to the shop, they have disabled the "anti-hijack" which, to be honest, I'm happy with as the autolock is a pain. They have also turned the sensitivity of the interior ultrasonic sensors right down.
Unfortunately this hasn't worked. Whilst parked in my underground CP last night the alarm has gone off, therefore the interior sensors are picking up minute movement of the roof. If it does it down there, it'll definitely be going off all the time if parked outside.
My question is, should they have fitted ultrasonic or microwave sensors in the first place? I don't want to get into an argument with them, but basically it seems the alarm is unfit for purpose when fitted to a convertible and whilst I accept the microwave sensors are generally an "extra" I don't fancy shelling out loads more money to cure what is, basically, their mistake...
Ta,
Sam
I've got a convertible E36 M3. Unfortunately the previous alarm/immobiliser simply wasn't working, so I've spent £300 with a local firm to supply and fit a Toad Cat 1 unit.
I had a couple of teething problems with the system. Firstly, when the roof was down and the "anti-hijack" system kicked in (When ignition goes on, doors lock), the system would apparently pulse slightly too long and would cause the roof to go up slightly.
Also, the alarm was going off when people slammed doors next to it.
Having been back to the shop, they have disabled the "anti-hijack" which, to be honest, I'm happy with as the autolock is a pain. They have also turned the sensitivity of the interior ultrasonic sensors right down.
Unfortunately this hasn't worked. Whilst parked in my underground CP last night the alarm has gone off, therefore the interior sensors are picking up minute movement of the roof. If it does it down there, it'll definitely be going off all the time if parked outside.
My question is, should they have fitted ultrasonic or microwave sensors in the first place? I don't want to get into an argument with them, but basically it seems the alarm is unfit for purpose when fitted to a convertible and whilst I accept the microwave sensors are generally an "extra" I don't fancy shelling out loads more money to cure what is, basically, their mistake...
Ta,
Sam
If it's anything like my alarm, the sensors can't actually be adjusted! Quite a few systems do an autocalibrate everytime they are armed, so never take into account the movement of a fabric roof.
I was told that mine had been adjusted, but then when I consulted the manual I found that this was not possible. (Also explained why the alarm continued to sound)
I was told that mine had been adjusted, but then when I consulted the manual I found that this was not possible. (Also explained why the alarm continued to sound)
Thanks, there is definitely a sensitivity control and they are better, but still giving too many false alarms.
ETA- I've spoken to the alarm place and they're going to order the microwave sensors in for next week. Top service and I'm really happy I went to the (very) local place!
ETA- I've spoken to the alarm place and they're going to order the microwave sensors in for next week. Top service and I'm really happy I went to the (very) local place!
Edited by carreauchompeur on Thursday 22 November 17:06
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