I discovered last night that it's not possible to lock the doors without the key fob. I ran out in my PJs to take out the trash cans, noticed the car was unlocked, but couldn't get it to lock without the key.

Anyone else notice this? Or am I missing something??

 

How were you trying lock it, if not using the key or the key fob?!

 

The lock toggle switch in front of the shifter, and the lock plungers on the doors themselves.

 

Ah, while you were actually inside the car. On my R53 I can lock the doors both with the toggle switch and the lock plungers, while I'm in the car, whether or not I have the key fob in the car with me

 

Did you try from the passenger door? I know it won't let you from the driver door, but it may from the passenger side.

 

Nope, tried both doors.

 

I have noticed this too. No fob = no locking. A bit annoying, but I wonder if its something that can be programed.

 

I believe it's setup that way for two reasons:
1. So you don't lock your keys in the car (and then call MINI for lockout service.)
2. So kids are not locked in the car either.

 

It doesn't let you push down the lock plungers on the doors? For the drivers door, close it first and push down the plunger (reach it from the passenger side or from a rear door). For the other doors, push down the plunger and close the door.

 

my OM says to do it from the front passenger door, use the door lock toggle, then shut the passenger door

just ran out to the car and tried it, it works, just as the OM says

btw, most all german cars, going back to my 1976 vw rabbit will not lock the driver's door without the key, except by using the lock button from the psassenger side

scott

 

This, but the passenger door must be closed for the center lock toggle to work. So:

1. Get in front passnger seat, close the door
2. Hit power locks toggle and lock all doors
3. Pull twice to exit
4. Push down lock plunger on passenger door
5. Close door
6. Bask in your newfound brilliance