Tech: Motion Sensor in Alarm - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Rezf · 12th May 2002, 19:25

Does anyone know how sensitive the motion sensor is for the E39 alarm??
I had my doors locked with the sunroof open. I waved my hand rapidly inside the cabin right in front of the sensor module. Nothing happened?? Seems kind of useless!

lear · 12th May 2002, 19:39

I remember reading that it can actually be disabled by pressing the lock button 2x. If that was not the problem try locking the car while in it and then move around, that should verify its operation. The disable feature is useful when you are going to lock it at a show or something and people will be walking by it with the windows open, can't think of any other occasions when I would use it though.

TCM · 12th May 2002, 19:48

Reza:

I was under the impression that the car had to be rocked or swayed to set off the alarm

. I do not think it is an actual motion detector or else anyone with stuff hanging from their mirror would have their alarms going off constantly. I could be wrong though.

atomic80 · 12th May 2002, 19:58

I don't know why it didn't work for you, RezF. I happened to reach in my M5 when the alarm was activated and it went off on me! How embarrassing!

greg · 12th May 2002, 20:19

I have had my car locked in my garage (which I don't normally do) - with the front windows rolled down - and just walking by set it off.

PaulMarin · 12th May 2002, 21:35

I like having the motion alarm completely disabled. I hate false car alarms and since a dog lives in my M5 it has to be disabled.
I remembered it took a couple of trys for my service guy to get it done.
Also I recommend diabling the key in ignition alarm. That one is pointless and very disturbing.

Jim Dolan · 12th May 2002, 22:43

I works great. Just don't lock it with the windows down or it's sure to go off. And like someone said hitting the lock button twice disables it.

Test just lock it with windows down and walk close by and clap your hands. It's motion and sound it senses like broken windows.

DZeckhausen · 12th May 2002, 22:47

Quote:

Originally posted by Rezf
Does anyone know how sensitive the motion sensor is for the E39 alarm??
I had my doors locked with the sunroof open. I waved my hand rapidly inside the cabin right in front of the sensor module. Nothing happened?? Seems kind of useless!

How long after you locked the car did you try to set the alarm off? I think it takes some period of time (e.g., 30 seconds to a minute) before the interior sensor is activated. Try locking the car with an open window and then reach inside about 5 minutes later. If it still doesn't work, then you need to visit your dealer to have it fixed.

What year is your E39?

Aussie2U · 12th May 2002, 22:56

I have found a problem completely opposite of the ole 540i. I can't get the M5 alarm to go off no matter what I do.

My partners son just bought a 325i and wanted to add the alarm module for it. He wanted to know how loud a BMW alarm was and asked me to demonstrate. I rolled the M5 windows down, locked the car once and then waved my hands inside rapidly. Nothing. I then reached in and tried to open the locked doors from the inside. Nothing again (and they don't open of course).

I've never heard the M5 alarm vs. all the time falses on my '97 540i so I really thought they tuned the sensors better. I'm wondering now if the alarm is setup at all? I suppose I'll put it on the list for dealer checking on the next service.

*** DZeckhausen, you may have something there. I now remember that delay. That may have been my problem in trying to set it off for my friend. Thanks ***

DZeckhausen · 12th May 2002, 23:03

Quote:

Originally posted by Aussie2U
I rolled the M5 windows down, locked the car once and then waved my hands inside rapidly. Nothing. I then reached in and tried to open the locked doors from the inside. Nothing again (and they don't open of course).

Don't forget you need to pull TWICE to get the door to open from inside when it is locked. Assuming the alarm is set, you'll most certainly trigger it on the 2nd pull of the interior door handle.