From digest.v7.n1443 Fri Apr 3 17:37:02 1998
From: Mike Frank <frank_at_intelligentacoustics.com>
Date: Fri, 03 Apr 1998 15:22:27 -0500
Subject: <E36> Alarm Install Instructions

I received many requests for the supplemental alarm install instructions so I thought I'd post them to the digest. I also tried to CC the individuals who requested them, sorry if I missed anyone.

The install is very easy as far as alarms go. Everything is prewired, except for the LED wire (easy). Therefore, the hardest part of a "typical" install is already done. All you have to do is mount the parts and plug them in. This leaves removing and replacing the glovebox as probably the hardest part (still pretty easy). The instructions supplied with the alarm are decent; however, after installing one myself I have a few tips that should help. Depending on how much experience you have with these kinds of things, I would expect to spend about 2-6 hours on the installation.

First, the instructions are somewhat vague as to the total number of screws holding the glovebox in place. There are eight: one in each vent, four behind the glovebox door, and two underneath. The two upper screws are covered with plastic caps that pry off. They don't come off easy and might get sufficiently deformed so that they are not reusable. I have also heard that these two screws have special heads to hold the caps in place better. I can't honestly say I noticed a difference, but maybe I would have if I had put the wrong ones in.

The two screws at the bottom are very close to the hinged edge of the glovebox door. A small right angle rachet screwdriver makes removing and replacing these very easy. Sears has a nice one with interchangeable bits. Without it, I don't know how you would get at these two screws. Also, a small flathead screwdriver slipped in between the latching side of the male and female ends of the molex connectors (for the lights) makes separation easier.

A magnetic screwdriver aids in the removal an replacement of the two phillips head screws hidden in the upper outside corners of the two passenger side ventilation ducts. When replacing the glovebox I would suggest putting these in last, right after the 7mm machine screw. These two screws may easily drop down into the vent, forcing you to fish them out with a magnetic wand, or pull off the glovebox and shake it face down to get them out.

Do not follow the instructions when they tell you to remove the OBC face to install the LED. It is much easier to remove the shift boot to access the knockout panel. If you squeeze inwards on the front and rear outside edges of the shift boot it should pop right out. Then push the foam insulation piece backwards and you can pop the knockout panel right out. A long piece of solid core wire can be used to pull the LED wire from the open area under the glovebox to the knockout panel.

Another little tip. I would suggest removing any loose metal trim clips that the glovebox screws thread into and squeezing them with pliers so that they are really tight when you replace them over the holes. This way they won't shift when you are positioning the glovebox back in place. It is frustrating to replace the lower panel, the glovebox, the lights, and most of the screws, only to find a clip has shifted and you have to remove the glovebox again to reposition it (ask me how I know). Another reason to save the 7mm hex screw and the vent screws for last.

IMHO, the instructions do a satisfactory job of guiding you through the other installation steps. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Regards,

Mike Frank
'97 M3
Hoosier Chapter - Indianapolis