which remote start / alarm to buy?

It's been a few years since I've been in the industry so im just looking for advice on which systems to look at. for a 2002 BMW 325i

I want a system with great range:  I work about 1/4 mile from where i park my car

2-way:  no lcd screen needed, confirmation chirps are fine.

small remotes: dont need a iphone hanging off my keychain. 

reliable:  when i hit a button to start it, I WANT IT TO START! 

I'm not really planning on doing anything too extreme with this one, I have a fewf DEI 530  window controllers so i may add that, and I want to be able to trigger the heated seats.

I almost always installed DEI products and never really had any major problems with any of them, they just seem overpriced.  I recently installed an Ultra system in a 2009 focus and was pretty impressed with it except for the fact that the remote is as big as my ipod.

so what are the best, reasonably priced systems out now?

Anything by DEI, Compustar, Prestige/Avox will work fine, remember you get what you pay for. You won't be able to use the 530t with this vehicle. You can get window close or venting.

how come the 530t wont work with the bwm? just curious.

you can vent or close if you extend the pulse on the lock and unlock wire.

I use compustar more than any other unit, and they are good. DEI, audiovox, autopage, ultra start are all good systems.

Ted

2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School

Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries

Compustar Expert

The Compustar 1WFM systems are great. This system will get you the range and reliablilty that your looking for as well as the options to control the windows via module or extended pulses.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Ted, waste half an hour removing the door panel only to find the processor bonded to the motor, you can't get at the motor wires! So much easier to go to the driver's kick panel or BCM behind the glove box and pick-up the BLACK/ white lock and blue/red unlock neg. pulse triggers. N.B. If you vent, you have to relock so I would extend via aux outputs rather than comfort close on the locks.

Just to clarify my last post, open all windows and roof if there is one then turn key in driver's door to lock and hold. Time how long it takes to close windows (and roof) it's about 8 secs on an E46, then add 2 secs. Now use one of your aux outputs, set to timed for 10 secs* and join it to the lock wire. Use that aux at any time (obviously normally after arming the alarm) to close the windows and simply press the aux button a second time so they stay open a couple of inches as a vent. *You can set the exact time with G5 Clifford and Compustar, Other DEI product needs a Bitwriter for the exact time.