BMW alarm problem

[KarlC]

Dear all,

I have a minor but irritating issue with my BMW fitted alarm (fitted at new).

I can set the alarm with the fob and as long as it is only a few minutes later, deactivate the alarm with the fob or alternatively by inserting key into ignition and turning on.

However...if the alarm is left on for more than c. 30 minutes, the fob will NOT deactivate the alarm and I have to resort to inserting the key into the ignition first. The problem is the same irrespective of which fob I use.

This is only a minor problem but when you want to sling some stuff into the panniers/top box without frightening the neighbours and before riding off it is a bit irritating.

I have raised this with a tech at Vines and need to take it in for a proper look with both fobs (presumably to exclude fob error etc).

So anyone have any experience of this issue?

 

[SonicTheHedgehog]

Had that issue when I originally bought my '08 in February - I believe it was a CanBus power issue fixed in a later software update for the bike (as I've since had it reflashed and resolved).

I couldn't say what versions that relates to though, unfortunately, though you may get some mileage out of raising that topic with Vines.

 

[Fanum]

Dear all,

I have a minor but irritating issue with my BMW fitted alarm (fitted at new).

I can set the alarm with the fob and as long as it is only a few minutes later, deactivate the alarm with the fob or alternatively by inserting key into ignition and turning on.

However...if the alarm is left on for more than c. 30 minutes, the fob will NOT deactivate the alarm and I have to resort to inserting the key into the ignition first. The problem is the same irrespective of which fob I use.

I don't have a BMW alarm, mine's a datatool unit, so I have no idea if there's any connection whatsoever here, but this is what happens when the datatool is left on for a couple of days and it goes into 'power saving' mode so it doesn't flatten the battery......you have to disarm by triggering it with the ign key then turning off the alarm with the fob.

If (ind it's a big IF considering they're different systems) the 'sleep' phase is triggered by a set battery voltage, I'm wondering if your battery has got a bit low and it's sending the alarm into sleep mode almost immediately

 

[KarlC]

TQ for that - had a quick chate with Paul at Vines when I was passing and we discussed 'sleep' and also 'Ferry' modes. The device shouldn't go into sleep until it has been unattended for some days - so if it is going to 'sleep' - then the device is at fault.

As for battery, (empahisis) SHOULD be OK. The bike is only 1 month old. Have done c 1200 miles on it. Most recent journey was 90 miles. BUT worth mentioning when I take it in. Thanks.

Thx Sonic - as far as I am aware the s/w I have is the most recent - updated when 600 mile service completed - but again worth a mention to Vines.

Once it gets fixed I will report back. Love ya work.

 

[Fanum]

TQ for that - had a quick chate with Paul at Vines when I was passing and we discussed 'sleep' and also 'Ferry' modes. The device shouldn't go into sleep until it has been unattended for some days - so if it is going to 'sleep' - then the device is at fault.

.

Depends on what makes it go into 'sleep' mode doesn't it

If it's an internal timer, yes it sounds like its faulty if that's the prob.......but if it's from the battery voltage

 

[KarlC]

Depends on what makes it go into 'sleep' mode doesn't it

If it's an internal timer, yes it sounds like its faulty if that's the prob.......but if it's from the battery voltage

Point well made.

 

[Fredrik]

Had the same issue

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136492

Latest software fixed the problem.
Fredrik

 

[KarlC]

Had the same issue

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136492

Latest software fixed the problem.
Fredrik

Thanks Fredrik.

Suitably armed with information I shall head off to Vines (who by the way are really good in my opinion)

 

[wacits]

Better than being told that the backup battery in the alarm is dying / dead. you have 2 options remove alarm or buy a new one.

 

[Fredrik]

ehhhhh.It´s just to change the batterys..
/F

 

[Pukmeister]

I've just discovered my bike Alarm has the same symptoms too. Came back from the job centre, tried disabling the alarm with the fob, nowt happened despite many attempts.

Sounds like time for a software update.

 

[KarlC]

I've just discovered my bike Alarm has the same symptoms too. Came back from the job centre, tried disabling the alarm with the fob, nowt happened despite many attempts.

Sounds like time for a software update.

Pukmeister - how old is your steed and where did you get it from? Mine is a Dec 08 from Vines. Just asking in case there is a pattern emerging.

 

[M1KAZ]

In reply to wacits and others : Just had the same problem. Yes it is just replacing the two batteries ( I can confirm they are CR123A, Panasonic in my case) but BMW will not split the alarm so you have to do it yourself or buy a new alarm. I had my alarm removed. You HAVE to get BMW to do this a the bike "brain" will not allow the engine to start if it thinks there should be an alarm fitted, and it isn't. BMW have to update the software.

I got rid of the alarm because this battery going flat will stop the bike. The main anti-theft function is the ignition immobiliser which is not part of the alarm and is standard on all BMs. I think BMW could do a better job on this.

 

[Pukmeister]

Karl, mine is a very early one, March 2004 model. It was ex-dealer demo from Wollaston motors in Northampton. It could just be the battery in the alarm fob getting low, I changed them about two years ago so maybe they are due replacing again. Funny thing is I'm pretty sure it worked fine previously (since the last software update anyway). It's a pain in the ass to register the fob with the alarm again once the battery is changed so I'm reluctant to do it until I feel patient enough.

If that doesn't fix it, then it'll be back to the dealers for a software update.

 

[KarlC]

Karl, mine is a very early one, March 2004 model. It was ex-dealer demo from Wollaston motors in Northampton. It could just be the battery in the alarm fob getting low, I changed them about two years ago so maybe they are due replacing again. Funny thing is I'm pretty sure it worked fine previously (since the last software update anyway). It's a pain in the ass to register the fob with the alarm again once the battery is changed so I'm reluctant to do it until I feel patient enough.

If that doesn't fix it, then it'll be back to the dealers for a software update.

I am already booked in at Vines for Monday 0900 - new bike/alarm - and I know they will sort it. Doh! Just checked the weather for Monday - snow! Ah well the ride around the ranges could be entertaining

 

[Fredrik]

Seems strange if BMW doesn´t want to change the batterys.There is a article on the Reprom CD describing it /F

 

[Pukmeister]

Funny old thing, the alarm worked fine today. Maybe its the cold weather ?

 

[Drumacoon Lad.]

Alarm Issues on a 1200gs

I'm intersted in this as I've experienced a similar but slightly different alarm issue. With mine, if I switch the bike off and then, maybe 30 mins later, try to set the alarm with the fob it will not work. I have to switch the bike on and off with the key to reset it and then I can set it OK with the fob. This is a 2008 bike from June.

At the 600 mile service the dealer Bahnstormer initially said it should not work that way, but then said that I need to set the alarm within a few mins of switching off, or I have to reset it with the key before using the fob. I now wonder if this is a code/programming issue? Thoughts? Jim

 

[Rong]

I think that this may answer your query, taken from the Rider's Alarm manual:

If you decide to activate the alarm function more than one minute after switching off the ignition, you must press button 1 for longer than one
second.
If it is left unprimed for longer than approximately one hour, the anti-theft alarm shuts itself down in order to minimise the power drain on the battery. If
you want to reactivate the alarm function after this period of time you must switch the ignition on and then off again.

 

[Drumacoon Lad.]

Alarm Problem

Rong, Thanks, that seems to cover it. Seems like another case of RTFM, and maybe believing the dealer. Let's hope the other issue gets sorted by the visit to Vines!