I am trying to install a remote starter and on the diagram it says that the comfort access system module is behind instrument panel (driver side). Am I to remove the whole dash to get to that module? If so, are there any tutorials online? Or at least is there a schematic of how to get to that part?

 

It sits between the steering wheel and windshield under the dash. Yes, you have to remove the entire dash unit to access it. No, you don't want remote start badly enough to do this...trust me, I've done this job. There are way too many clips and fasteners involved.

You would be well advised to find a different remote starter that doesn't require accessing the CAS.

Feel free to curse the MINI engineers who decided that was a good place for a module, when there was room under the steering column or a hundred other more accessible spots.

 

I actually did it lol. Was a 3 days work. Installed a mobile phone controllable remote starter and an 8" pioneer radio replacement. My hands looked like i fought a few wild cats from all the scratches. But wife is a happy client so all is good



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Good job!
It took me a week, most of which was spent trying to wrangle the main dash piece back into place. I also suffered multiple cuts and contusions in the process. But it doesn't rattle, so yay.