11 replies to this topic

[itsSamMiddleton]

Hi All,
Recently I've been looking at purchasing an alarm and central locking kit for my mini, is their any certain brands or systems that people would recommend?
I have had a look at a hawk alarm system widely used for motorbikes but now they have car alarms also, what do you think of this system (http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1423.l2649)? It's cheap but I'm pretty sure it should do the job?
Thanks in advance, Sam.

[Daniel_moody25]

Honestly I would go for one that is made specifically for the mini, I have the a series spares alarm and central locking system and I would highly recommend it

[itsSamMiddleton]

Have you got a link to the a series alarm that you recommend?
I've looked at a few of the a series alarms but they look very similar to universal alarm kits

[itsSamMiddleton]

Have you got a link to the a series alarm that you recommend?
I've looked at a few of the a series alarms but they look very similar to universal alarm kits

[Daniel_moody25]

http://www.aseriessp...prod_1172.html, that's the one that I brought and yeah the locking mechanism is the same but you get the mounting plates and locking rods that's will actually fit the mini unlike the universal ones which you will have a lot of trouble trying to connect it up, and will have a lot more features then some of the cheaper ones and will be much more reliable

[Jordie]

I have fitted the hawk alarm as linked in first post before, but not with central locking. The alarm works pretty well for a cheap device, yes its not CAT1 etc but it does a good job at immobilsing and scaring off any theifs etc.

[DomCr250]

If you are going to fit it yourself then one of the specific mini alarm and CL kits is probably best.  One of the mini mags did a feature on fitting the CL kit and it seemed to be a simple kit to fit as Daniel said above.

 

I think you need a professional install to gain CAT status as the installer signs and stamps the certificate.

 

The Clifford / Toad types offer loads of features (boot poppers, remote start, anti hijacking ...) but they make an MPI's wiring loom look simple to understand - hence why most people get them professionally fitted.

[itsSamMiddleton]

The a series alarm looks good to be fair, but it's quite pricy at the moment. I might have a look at how much a thatcham alarm system is to have one fitted by a specialist

[DomCr250]

Hi Sam, your looking northwards of about £250 for a professional to supply and fit - have a search on eBay and you will get an indication of how much they charge.

 

I paid about £400 years ago to get something decent fitted to a jap import, but that included getting it work with the turbo timer.

 

....Just had a quick look on ebay and looks like prices have gone down ...supply and fit starting at less than £200 fitted, but you wont get central locking for that - you can always reto fit it yourself later.

Edited by DomCr250, 04 February 2014 - 06:13 PM.

[itsSamMiddleton]

I'm looking at the hawk alarm system at the moment just to work as a alarm system, I might buy something better a couple of years down the line.
Thanks for the response though

[screech]

Mini central locking kits are around £40 now, have a look on eBay.
As for alarm, I wouldn't recommend anything other than a toad Ai606. It's what I've got and fitted my self and does everything you'll ever need it to on a mini, including control the central locking. I believe they're about £110 these days.

Not too difficult to install as long as you know how to follow instructions and a wiring diagram.

Hope this helps.

[brownspeed]

Mini central locking kits are around £40 now, have a look on eBay.
As for alarm, I wouldn't recommend anything other than a toad Ai606. It's what I've got and fitted my self and does everything you'll ever need it to on a mini, including control the central locking. I believe they're about £110 these days.

Not too difficult to install as long as you know how to follow instructions and a wiring diagram.

Hope this helps.

Screech- to clarify- by central locking; do you mean that the key opens both doors when activated? or do you mean there is a remote electronic "plip" unit which activates the door locks when pressed?

I'm looking at doing something similar when (if) mine hits the road.