OEM infrared remote locking system sucks.

Alright, my 328 has the worst possible locking system ever. The key fob has a tiny infrared diode that is really the stupidest way to design a remote locking system. You have to point the key straight at the rearview mirror, it doesn't work from more than 20ft away, and it completely washes out in the sun. It makes closing the windows/sunroof via the remote almost impossible as the beam is always interrupted. What was BMW thinking when they fitted this to my little 328

I've had a good search around and it looks like it only was available on euro cars that were made before 12/98. Its gotten to the point where i'm willing to throw down any amount of money to retrofit a newer RF kit. Would anyone be able to steer me in the right direction as to how i'd proceed with this.. I'm trying to find a parts list on realOEM but its not working for me ATM. Should I just get an AM alarm and hook that up to the central locking? Has anyone done this before?

That sucks. Too bad touching the metal of key with the other hand won't help the infrared as it does with the RF. Mine only works from about 20 ft with just the key but if I touch the metal it works around 70-80 ft.