From dices_at_ix.netcom.com Sat Jan 25 17:24:17 1997
Date: Sat, 25 Jan 1997 17:26:58 -0800
To: dale_at_unofficialbmw.com
From: dices <dices_at_ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re:

>Hi
> Saw your email on the E36 digest re the factory alarm install.
>Could you send me a copy of your tips?

Wow... It was quite sometime ago. I probably deleted the file already. Anyway. Let me try again.
I have a 97 328is (it may be different from your 95 M3 regarding alarm installation.) and intalled a factory alarm by myself. The stock BMW alarm came with all the instructions in detail. Anybody with proper tools will be able to install it himself. If you are afraid that you don't know how to install it, don't worry. The instruction is very very good. No problem at all. I followed the instruction and took off the glove box. When I tried to install the main unit according to the manual, I found that there was a compartment light installed in the exact location on the horizontal compartment cover. It was impossible to install it to that location unless you took off the light. I could not find any available space to put on the main unit because there was just no room for that except the space indicated on the manual. Anyway, I built two small brackets (fixtures) to create a 3/4" to 1" clearance so that I could keep the compartment light and installed the main unit at the exact location. If your 95 M3 has the same compartment light setup as mine, you probably will run into the same problem. You may want to check if there is a compartment light underneath the glove box.

        |                       |
        |    Alarm Main Unit    |
        |                       |
        |                       |
        -------------------------
        ---                   ---
        |                       |       two brackets on each side
        |                       |       3/4" to 1" clearance
        ---                   ---
      ________   Light  ____________    Horizontal compartment cover

I also used a doubled-sided tape to tape the antenna to the wall so that it won't make any noise by hitting the wall when the car was moving. Be careful of those big metal bars (dashboard metal frame). Their edges are very sharp. I got several cuts on my fingers. In addition, I had a difficult time to locate the single wire hood switch connector in the wire harness. Mine was not located near the alarm connection socket. It was located at the right lower corner and wrapped around by a black tape with the big trunk of wire harness. The color of that wire was purple, green and black. If you cannot find it, please look around. I found this connector when I was looking from the bottom. Not easy though. I also found that the hood switch funtioned very different from other sensor. After you arm the alarm, it takes the main unit about 5 seconds to store the current status of the switch. Then, if the status of the switch has been changed, it will go off. Therefore, if you arm your car while the hood is open, the alarm will go off if you close the hood (after 5 seconds). When you install your alarm, you need a special screwdriver so that you can release the two screws near the hinges of the glove box door. You can find it in Sears. This screwdriver is designed for tight space. It took me five hours to build the brackets and install my alram. I know. I know. I am slow but I do not expect to see that compartment light problem. By the way, I was very careful when I disassemble anything from my car because I did not want any scratch on my car inside or outside. If you have any question, feel free to write me. Have fun.

dices_at_ix.netcom.com
P.S.- By the way, do you know anywhere I can get the accessories cheap.

        I am thinking to get the M aerodynamic kit.  I am checking with the 
        Roundel.