Page 1 of 1
1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 9:09 pm
by M3KUK
Hi just bought a Burgundrot 325i Auto and have a few questions. Forgive me it's my first E30(I have an E36 and a E46). Should I have a remote locking key, like my E36 has?
My auto is not switchable, was this an option?
Thanks Mike.
Re: 1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 9:44 pm
by Mr-Lachs
Hi Mike, i too have an 88 325i. No your car should not have remote locking (unless a rare factory fitted BMW alarm was installed, even then I'm not sure the locking was remotely done) but no E30 came with remote locking from BMW as standard spec. My 325i has the Switchable auto but there were two boxes, the switchable was indeed optional.
Kind Regards
Mr-Lachs
Re: 1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 9:54 pm
by magpie
e30 remote central locking was a factory or dealer option , i have one on my car and it's on the spec sheet

.
as said switchable auto was an upgrade option .
Re: 1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 10:02 pm
by Mr-Lachs
magpie wrote:e30 remote central locking was a factory or dealer option , i have one on my car and it's on the spec sheet

.
as said switchable auto was an upgrade option .
Genuinely never knew that about locking, outstanding!! Must be a rare option as I've never seen one, but thats great to know it was present!!
Kind Regards
Mr-Lachs
Re: 1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 11:56 pm
by Brianmoooore
E30's came without any alarm/immobiliser as standard, but a BMW alarm and a couple of BMW approved alarms were offered as an option. In spite of the extremely high cost of this option, in my experience it was specified on most cars, and all the alarm/immobilisers incorporated a remote locking and arming facility from a transmitter fob intended to be attached to a key ring.
In short, if your car has an alarm under the bonnet that was fitted from new, it will also have remote locking.
Re: 1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 8:21 am
by Jesus325iTouring
My Touring had it also

Re: 1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 1:07 pm
by M3KUK
OK thanks!
Re: 1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 3:21 pm
by minesapint
Brianmoooore wrote:E30's came without any alarm/immobiliser as standard, but a BMW alarm and a couple of BMW approved alarms were offered as an option. In spite of the extremely high cost of this option, in my experience it was specified on most cars, and all the alarm/immobilisers incorporated a remote locking and arming facility from a transmitter fob intended to be attached to a key ring.
In short, if your car has an alarm under the bonnet that was fitted from new, it will also have remote locking.
Is this strictly correct.
I realise you are talking about remote alarms......but,
Mine came with what BM refer to as the "acoustic-signal thiefproofing system"
Activated and de-activated by inserting and removing the magnetic key at the magnetic lock on drivers door. If a door, bonnet or boot are opened when set, alarm goes off, if engine start is attempted, alarm and interruption of ignition circuit occurs.
This was standard on my car when new and is still working today.
Re: 1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 4:15 pm
by viz007
Mine came with what BM refer to as the "acoustic-signal thiefproofing system"
Activated and de-activated by inserting and removing the magnetic key at the magnetic lock on drivers door. If a door, bonnet or boot are opened when set, alarm goes off, if engine start is attempted, alarm and interruption of ignition circuit occurs.
This was standard on my car when new and is still working today.
My cab has this too but it doesn't work which is a shame. I've read a few posts on here about the magnetic key system and apparently it's quite rare to find one still working.
Re: 1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 5:49 pm
by Mr-Lachs
minesapint wrote:Brianmoooore wrote:E30's came without any alarm/immobiliser as standard, but a BMW alarm and a couple of BMW approved alarms were offered as an option. In spite of the extremely high cost of this option, in my experience it was specified on most cars, and all the alarm/immobilisers incorporated a remote locking and arming facility from a transmitter fob intended to be attached to a key ring.
In short, if your car has an alarm under the bonnet that was fitted from new, it will also have remote locking.
Is this strictly correct.
I realise you are talking about remote alarms......but,
Mine came with what BM refer to as the "acoustic-signal thiefproofing system"
Activated and de-activated by inserting and removing the magnetic key at the magnetic lock on drivers door. If a door, bonnet or boot are opened when set, alarm goes off, if engine start is attempted, alarm and interruption of ignition circuit occurs.
This was standard on my car when new and is still working today.
I like the sound of that!!

Re: 1989 325i Auto a few questions
Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 12:09 pm
by RetroAde
viz007 wrote:
Mine came with what BM refer to as the "acoustic-signal thiefproofing system"
Activated and de-activated by inserting and removing the magnetic key at the magnetic lock on drivers door. If a door, bonnet or boot are opened when set, alarm goes off, if engine start is attempted, alarm and interruption of ignition circuit occurs.
This was standard on my car when new and is still working today.
My cab has this too but it doesn't work which is a shame. I've read a few posts on here about the magnetic key system and apparently it's quite rare to find one still working.
The only working magnetic key system I've ever seen is on a friend's E24 where the key slot is next to the rear plate and not on the door - far better solution looks wise! That said the owner never uses it as the old school LED drains the battery!