There are some jobs that I really get a kick out of doing. Last week I had a 2015 BMW 3 series alarm to install.
Whilst I always aim to get things as close to perfection as I can, this install was a particularly pleasing installation to complete.
BMW 3 Series alarm installation
Cobra AK4615 CAN-BUS alarm in the 3 Series
When it comes to CAN-BUS alarms, the features available vary massively between vehicle makes and models.
Generally, most Japanese cars tend to have fairly basic systems with limited options, whereas some of the German cars are packed with features that simply need to be praised.
The Cobra AK4615 works really well with the 3 series, so it is my recommendation for the 3 Series.
2026 Update: The Vodafone Automotive 4822 Enhanced CAN-BUS alarm has now superseded the AK4615.
Window open detection
Intelligent car alarm
If a window is left open, then the alarm will warn the driver with an extra chirp of the siren and turn the ultrasonic sensors off to avoid a false alarm.
The factory remote also opens and closes the windows with an extended press of the remote buttons, (something my customer was not aware of before I showed him) so it’s super easy to close the windows after the alarm warns you they are still open.
Speaking of ultrasonic sensors, the 3 series has a factory option alarm. If this is not selected when the car is built, then the holes where the sensors go are left empty. The Cobra/Vodafone Automotive sensors simply fit into the stock locations, so look like they are factory installed.
Ultrasonic sensor installation details
With the ultrasonic sensors hidden, the only visible sign that I’d been in the car was the alarm LED control panel.
Great value for money
I believe that the factory option is over $2,000.00, so the AK4615 is a real bargain at $750.00 installed.
Note that the new Enhanced 4822 is $850.00, which now includes a built-in level sensor.
This 3 series was an F30. Wikipedia have a good page that explains the different generations of the BMW 3 Series.
A full ;list of models that the 4822 CAN-BUS alarm works with can be found here.
