I've searched these forums and the web for hours and hours, and I'm sorry if this has been done to death, but I can't figure out which alarm to go with .... As I wait for my S2k to arrive, I'm simmering in paranoia because I don't have underground parking and am trying to find a good alarm system to try and save myself some grief. It seems clear that Clifford (or maybe Viper/Python) and CompuStar are the two best out there, but I can't figure out which people are happier with. Anybody have suggestions? I'm most worried about them slashing my top or other otherwise vandalizing the car (vs stealing; I have insurance, of course!), so a good prox sensor is top of my list. A guy at Magnolia Hi-Fi said the DEI 508D is a POS and that the only good prox sensors which don't have tonnes of false alarms are the ones that come with the unit (like in an Avantguard). I realize CompuStar has the best range. I also realize that DEI products are easier to install; I could do it myself I bet and save myself some $$, but is it worth vetoing the warranty (and the strife)? Do CompuStar installs cost more 'cause their tougher, or is it just that they're not documented as well for the non-dealers?

I'm not rich, esepecially after getting the S2k, but it'd be silly to skimp on an alarm at this point. Any suggestions on what I should get? I'd like to keep it to ~$600 if possible ($1k is too much). It's hard to get pricing online, but I know I can afford the Clifford 10.5 with prox and tilt (got a quote from Car Toys). Is the Intelliguard 750 better? The CompuStar 2WSS-A looks pretty good, but they're freakin' tight-lipped about authorized dealers (and I'm in Seattle?!?!) and prices .... gotta call during business hours today.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

ebay is where i got my compu start for like 250 bucks i love it.. has built in turbo timer too.. and has a range up to close to a mile
and takes about 30mins to hour to install very simple

 

Compustar is a better alarm, but is MUCH more difficult to install.

 

i too am in this boat as im still decieded what alarm to get! ive installed compustar alarms countless times and they are pretty simple and straightfoward. since youre in seattle, wa (me too) check out hi-tech autosound in kent or burien for compustars. they gave me the best pricing and plus when you buy from a authorized dealer... you gett he warranty.

remember... the alarm is only as good as the install.

 

I always feel that an alarm is an alarm -- it's meant to go off when a door is opened, glass is broken, etc.

But then, I sometimes wonder, how "good" of an install can one get? I've seen really terrible ones (i.e. wires running around the door hinges). Otherwise, other ones are generally pretty good -- i.e. they just run the wires under the dash with other wires, use the stock alarm wires for door switches, and tie everything up neatly. Is that what's considered "good" installation? Or is a good installation like where you hide the alarm unit under the carpet or inside the roof, etc? Just curious ...

Anyways, I personally chose Clifford (it's just same as Phython and Viper, also made by DEI). The range isn't so much of a concern, since I'm either super far away from the car, or very close (within 1/2 or 1/4 mile).

 

I just finished installing the Compustar 2WSS-A in my car last weekend, and I previously installed a Viper in my old M3. I liked the Viper, but the range was terrible, so I thought I'd try the Compustar this time around.

The only difference between installing the Compustar and the Viper, is that the Compustar needs three external relays, and I think the Viper used just one in the M3. It needs two for the door locks, and one for the trunk release, in addition to the one that comes with it for starter/ignition kill. This doesn't make it more difficult, just a little more tedious.

I don't know why the salesperson said the 508D is not a good proximity sensor. I think it works great. You should ask him for specific reasons - I'm sure he won't have any. Consider the source. The dual zone warning feature is really nice, and it hooks right up to the Compustar. I also used a DEI backup battery system. Well worth the few dollars, in my opinion.

The install took me about 8 hours, but I'm fanatical about soldering connections and using heat shrink tubing, wire loom, etc. Also, I don't do this every day, so it takes me longer than it would take a pro. I don't see how anyone anywhere could install an alarm like this in 30 minutes, hooking up door locks, starter kill, trunk release, etc., and run wires through the firewall to the hood for a hood pin (which I had to install) and the siren. Also, you have to mount the 508D, which I put inside the center console, the vibration sensor under the dash, hide wires, mount the controller, etc.

The bottom line difference between these two alarms from my perspective, is remote range. The Viper does have better installation instructions and a smaller remote. If the range was comparable, that's what I would have purchased, but it's not even close.

Mitch

 

I sell both also, Im doing a compustar only for the remote start. If you want just 2 way alarm, do the Clifford.

Compustar is a pain to install, 30 minutes my butt. Havent seen one done on an S yet, but any other car has taken 5-6 hours for a 900fm when done right. Clifford 3.5rsx 3-4 hours.