More pre-purchase questions...

[Michael Reilly <mreilly@xxxxxxx>]

As you probably know by now, I'm ordering a 2000 BMW 328Ci soon, (tmw 
in fact!) and have been working on after market options. I have 
discussed with a reputable car install shop and it won't be cheap, 
but I can have a really nice install done without too much trouble.

I need to make sure the climate control unit can easily be moved to 
the slot under where it is now. The salesman says it's the same unit 
as the one installed in the lower slot to accommodate the GPS system 
and someone who knows what they are doing should be able to move it 
without too much trouble. The install shop guy said as long as the 
radio isn't an integral part of the car electrical system, and the 
climate control unit can be moved, it will be an easy install. But 
even if it isn't possible, he said there are ways around it. Can 
anyone comment on this? I would also be interested in hearing from 
anyone who was able to make use of the steering wheel stereo controls 
on an after market system. (It is possible)

Also I have been looking at alarms. I have noticed that there are 
many things in the car that may cause problems with this. For example 
the coded key system might have problems with the ignition kill 
feature of the alarm. The light flash feature may encounter problems 
with the daytime running lights and delayed-off feature of the 
headlights. I'm sure there are other considerations as well. So I 
noticed BMW has an alarm system of their own, but I can't seem to 
find online info on it. What features does it have compared to a 
regular after market alarm which usually includes door, glass break, 
and shock sensors, and offers light flash and siren alarm states. I 
would like the fact that the buttons located on the key already would 
be useful for this. But I want comparable protection. Any thoughts?

						-Michael

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