<E36>REPLY-Alarm info

["Ron Browne" <rbrowne@xxxxxxxxx>]

Steven wrote:

I'm getting a '93 325is with no alarm system and will need to install one.
Sound Conceptions has a conversion harness for the E36 which appears to open
up a number of possiblilities with respect to installing an alarm system in
this vehicle.  I notice a number of the offerings have something called
engine kill output.
Is this more hype than substance? ie Is engine kill supported but not
supplied?  Can anyone point me to more definitive info?  Seems to me an
alarm just delays the theft of the vehicle and frequently annoys neighbors.
Immobilizing the car makes more sense.

=========================================

Depends on how you read into it.  '94's and up already have engine kill when
you double lock the doors, so in theory, you wouldnt use or need the engine
kill output portion of an aftermarket alarm.  As long as it double locks the
doors, your engine is disabled.
But that doesnt answer your question, 'cuz you have a 1993.  Engine Kill
Output usually means the alarm brain supports a seperately sold starter kill
relay.  One end of the relay plugs into the alarm brain, the other end has
wires which usually tap into your starter wires near your ignition column.
So what you have is starter kill.  (alarm companies are usually hesitant to
recommend engine kill, because there could potentially be legal issues if
the alarm malfunctions while you are in the middle of the freeway.)  So, if
you have an automatic, starter kill is great.  If you have a stick, the
thief could get in your car while the siren is wailing and your lights are
flashing, and attempt to hot wire the ignition while he has one foot out the
door, push starting your car.  This is of course after he has smashed your
window and climbed through the broken glass, because he cant open the double
locked door.  If you are like me, he also has to bring along his hacksaw and
make about 7 cuts to get the quadruple pronged club off of the steering
wheel.  Possible, but more often than not, he will move along to one of many
easier targets.

Sound Conceptions is a good business, Ive used them about 3 or 4 times
before.  They also offer good technical info.  Send them an email if you are
serious about ordering.  (Be sure to check out that crimestopper 9507FM
(sp?).  Thats the one that has the transmitter that also is a receiver.
Transmitter and received allegedly have over 1 mile range.

Ron Browne
1992 318is
Bowie, MD

------------------------------