philrsi

Hope this hasn't been asked before but did a search and couldn't find anything.

I was just wondering what peoples thoughts were on the standard alarm fitted to a '00 UK turbo. I know it's a cat 1 but would it be advisable to fit a more up-to-date alarm?

Thanks
Phil

ozzy

It's a Sigma M30 alarm if that's any help.

Why would you wish to fit a more up-to-date one? The Sigma doesn't have much features as standard (e.g. auto-closure of windows) and it can get interference from radio masts.

Tracker maybe more beneficial, although if mine got knicked I wouldn't want it back

Sigma Sam

I would agree that additional security such as a tracking system etc would be a benefit, but to replace the standard M30 with another Cat1 wouldn't necessarily increase the vehicle's security.
I might be biased, but don't write off the standard UK Sigma M30 system just because of it's age.
The only issue with the post 2001 MY M30 unit is that they can be prone to "Radio Lock-Out" as were a number of other manufacturers radio operated systems of the same era (see my other posts).

As you're aware the Sigma M30 is a full Cat 1 and the installation developed specifically in conjunction with Sigma in the UK and Subaru in Japan. The security systems are bespoke for each vehicle model and specifically meet the insurance requirements of the UK and all current legislation.

There are a number of accessory outputs and features built into the M30 system that are not utilised on the standard UK Subaru installation, but could be used if required:
Additional outputs are present to activate interior light illumination on disarm, a pager/additional siren output when triggered, window closer output (although an AC22M module would be required for each pair of windows), boot release output etc, etc.
The system cannot switch a remote start unit, however, although the fitment of such a unit may have other implications.

Althought the M30 was superceded by the S30 in the aftermarket 2 years ago (the M30 is still fitted to current Subaru models, although the S30 will be fitted from 2008 MY models for production reasons), unless you wish to take advantage of the additional features or benefit from a smaller alarm unit, then there is little to be gained from changing the existing alarm in terms of security.
Infact, although the pre 2001 MY vehicles do not have the alarm wiring built into the vehicles harness at the factory, the quality of the installation at the UK import centre is second to none and could pass for original wiring - this comes from literally fitting thousands of systems to the same vehicle.
If you were to replace the system, a new aftermarket installation would be hard pushed to match this quality of installation and would mean the Subaru dealer network would no-longer be able to service the system in the event of any problems.

It's entirely up to you if you wish to replace the standard system, but I would certainly think carefully about this if it were a post 2001 MY vehicle, where the the alarm wiring is integrated into the vehicles main harness, as a great deal of thought goes into these later installations - just to give you an insight into its development...

1. On the 2001 MY onward the ultrasonic sensor housings were specifically designed to meet VCA crash test requirements for "Standard Fit" factory alarm systems.
2. The location of these on the A-pillar provides optimum protection of the vehicle's interior, whilst co-operation with Subaru ensured that these would not interfere with air-bags fiited in the A-pillars.
3 The sensor housings are coloured to match the vehicles interior trim
4. A water resistant bonnet switch is used and mounted on a bespoke bracket for each model to ensure correct positioning each time (minimising the potential of false alarms) and to prevent drilling of the vehicle;'s panels
5. The bonnet switch location is carefully considered to prevent tampering as the requirements for a "Standard Fit" system are stricter than those for an "After Market" installed Category 1 system.
6. The siren location is also carefully considered and again must be postioned to withstand a 60 second attack test on "Standard Fit" systems (this is also mounted using a bespoke bracket to prevent drilling of the body)
7. The alarm system's wiring loom is part of the vehicle's dashboard harness and is installed on the production line in Japan.
8. The alarm ECU is mounted and protected with bespoke metal work for each model.

The following points are also worth considering before purchasing another alarm system:
8.The Sigma Category 1 system's transmitter is housed within the vehicles existing Ignition Key on post 2001 MY vehicles. A bespoke single button transmitter circuit board and "top case" are manufactured to replace the original two-button "top case" and the Subaru transmitter which would not meet Thatcham approval for swutching a Category 1 alarm system. If you are told that the existing two-button ignition key (as found on Euro imports) can be used to switch a Thatcham alarm system you have been mis-informed.
9. The Sigma system works in conjunction with the vehicle's standard transponder immobiliser and was submitted to Thatcham for testing as a complete system/vehicle. Should the standard Sigma system be removed the standard immobiliser is not Thatcham Category 2 approved and so cannot be upgraded with a Thatcham Category 2 to 1 alarm upgrade (A full Cat 1 must be fitted - with separate remote controls)

As a result you have the security benefits of a specialist alarm system with the reliability of a factory installed system and the convenience of a remote built into the existing ignition key. Additionally the system can be serviced and parts supplied by the nationwide Subaru dealer network.

This is of course only my opinion and the decision is up to you. However, you could easily spend £300+ replacing the 2000 MY M30 with no increase in security and on a post 2001 MY vehicle you are also likely to lose any one, or all of the features above.

SS

philrsi

I'll have to fit tints, a stop lock and a trakker then!

Sigma Sam

don't forget the locking wheel nuts and pager system

MR_TOAD_INSTALLER

iTrader: (1)

Oh and the Doberman on the back seat

evolutionice.com

There are many reasons that someone would upgrade their standard alarm system but the main reason is security. It is now possible to buy systems which combine dual zone microwave, digital tilt, digital motion and glass resonance protection. Combine that with convienence features such as window closure, remote start, pagers, gsm notification systems etc. The level of security on your vehicle can be greatly enhanced by fitting a good aftermarket system.

Many people recommend the fitment of a tracker system, which is fine if thats what you want to do but look at it this way. A Tracker Horizon will cost you £449 + £325 for lifetime subscription. Total £774 for something that you will probably never have to use and you will never know if it's working or not so your have no guarantee that you will get your car back. If you spent the same amount on a decent alarm then you have an extremely good chance that your car wouldnt get stolen in the first place. On a sidenote, the new Clifford call guard can also be set up to work as a basic tracker as well as a gsm pager. So you would at least get some use out of your well spent dosh.

weemac2000

Sigma Sam:
I intend to have a M30 fitted to a euro MY06. Do you happen to know the parts numbers for the bonnet sw bracket ( still SACC3532?) and the ultrasound sensors. Thanks
Iain

Sigma Sam

The part numbers for 06MY Impreza are as follows:

Bonnet switch bracket SACC 3532-06.
Bonnet switch SACC 3499
Grey sperical ultrasonics SACC 3501 (iro £15)
Siren Brkt SACC 3531 (iro £12)
Latest keypad with raised buttons SACC 3546
Keypad mounting bracket for later keypad SACC 3544

SS

weemac2000

SS.
Brilliant....... what can I say apart from ..'thanks'...and , maybe.. 'shouldnt you be getting on with some work instead of posting notes on here the whole time'... ( wait...that's what I'm doing...damn)

Seriuosly tho, much obliged.
Iain