[jplev]

My current E90 has the factory alarm. I had automatically thought I needed one in considering an F30, but then I got to thinking if I really need it. My car is in a garage at night and for work, I park at an office in a good area. I can't think of any other areas I go where the car would be in particularly bad area.

Also, if you do not get the alarm, are there any other features that would be missing (ie does car still chirp when locking/unlocking, do lights still flash when locking/unlocking, etc)? I would still be getting comfort access.

Lastly, is there generally a discount on auto insurance if you have the alarm which over time will offset it's cost (and if so, approximately how much)?

[BMW_F30]

w/o alarm marker lights still blink, however no chirp.

I haven't tested the F30 alarm to see just how useful it is, but given that other posts here have shown that the doors can be unlocked fairly easily w/o key, its nice to make some noise if someone is bold enough to try that on your car.

I believe the F30 alarm also has a towing sensor that would activate the siren if car was towed. Kind of helpful if someone actually cared about the siren blaring.

You may get a discount on your insurance, but my experience is this discount is negligible. Like $5-15/year. I had asked about the blind spot warning and lane change warning discount before I got my car and insurance company told me something like $6/year each. Laughable!

Personally, I say get the alarm for piece of mind. You seem to be worried (at least a bit).

[Dan_335i]

Or u can get a viper security alarm