Has anyone installed a viper start system on there R56 Cooper S? Or does anyone know how much it would cost to get it installed? Any info on this subject would be appreciated thanks in adv.https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...lies/smile.gif

 

did you ever find out? I'm wondering the same thing!

 

A really horrible idea. Most engine wear occurs when the engine is cold, also emissions are worse. BMW/MINI specifically tells you not to let the car idle when cold. Start the car, let idle stabilize, then drive gently until warm.

If you really must have it warm, install a block heater.

 

My car heats up so quickly it would be such a waste.

 

me personally, I want the remote start to keep my summers cold and my winters warm. I've noticed a lot of mini owners are against a remote start. I'm a new mini owner and can't imagine life without my remote start but I don't want to do something to hurt my car in the long run :-/

 

I had it on my previous vehicle and loved it. The manual does however state specifically to not let the car idle longer then necessary to drive away.

The MINI system is also very intricate and proves to be very hard to override for the purpose of alarm/remote start. I think one person has done it on a 2nd gen but most have looked into it and decided not to both due to the large cost to get the immobilizer override to work and integrated.

 

Remote start installs that have to bypass the OEM alarm and electronics are a b!%@#-and-a-half.
Partly because the key fob NEEDS to be in / near the vehicle to have the immobilizer system deactivate to start the vehicle.
And that involves more cost, time, and effort for what it's really worth.

Long idle periods, like richardsperry noted, are hard on the engine, because thermal hotspots occur because fluids (oil / water) aren't properly cycled.
The engine is designed to immediately fire up and have variations in the RPM range.

- Erik

 

I wanted one for my R55 (S), until I found out how much it would come out to. $1,000 due to the fact that it's through a specific dealer for mini. All of these high end cars (BMW, Benz, etc), are the same. It's $1,000+, just for the part. And they're making these cars that way for that reason.

 

I just had a Viper alarm/started installed for $700 CAD. Best thing I ever did. As for not running it for a long time... what do people do in traffic jams? As for fluids not properly cycled, sounds to me like a **** poor design if thats the case.

 

You got it done for $600 USD!? Every shop I've been to has quoted me from $1000 up to $1400. ($1100 to $1600 CAD)

What exactly did they install?

 

I have a 2012 R55 auto, I asked about the option when I bought the car a few weeks ago, the R55 only has 11,500 miles and still under warranty. The dealer told me, it was not an option, and if one was installed, you would have to tap into the electrical main harness, ( of course) therefore VOIDING the warranty. I can understand they ( Mini/BMW) don't want other tech in the system, but why not offer this option, most other makers do, or will allow the option installed with the warranty not affected. Good thing I have heated seats, it has been brutal this past week.

 

Idatastart has bmw and mini specific remote starters. I know nothing about them. Just they are pricier than most

 

i installed a python remote stater/alarm combo (5706p) on my 2013 countryman myself. i used the fortin EVO-ALL and INT-BMW2 interface. Works great. Cost me around 400 CDN $

 

I'm not a fan of remote starts especially with Mini's, you got to drive them almost immediately after the rpms drop. I have been monitoring how the coolant temperatures behave during a long idle and have noticed using my Torque app that it stops getting warmer around 160F. It doesn't get any warmer for quite some time, I let it idle until the rpms come down to about 800 rpms. These engines (N14) get hot fast when driving from a cold state, a couple of miles of stop and go and it's close to operating temperatures.

 

If some one is still interrest in getting a remote starter, mine is available. I sold my countryman and kept the remote starter.

Make me an offer

 

As finicky as these Mini electrical systems are its going to be a tough sell!

 

Do you still have it?

 

 

@Jonsmini - What did you decide to do with the remote start?
@richardsperry - I haven’t seen anything about block heaters for the N14. Is that an option?! (I’m sure it is, but is it a Realistic option?!)

Are the Mini’s any worse than the next car with regards to cold idling, if so, why? Any worse than the next turbo-DI car with regards to cold idling?

Specifically, I’m currently driving a 2010 Mini Clubman S (N14) w/ AEM Intake. Lol that’s the extent of my mods so far. Just bought it for $500 in EXCELLENT condition but with a “damaged flywheel” as per the Mini dealer…$3,600 for new flywheel. It also had a leaky turbo, needing oil filter housing rebuilt, plus turbo oil lines. Well, $3,170 later…well, the shop receipt is included for anyone curious. (I blocked out shop info due to some of the pricing exemptions. If your in Indianapolis and want a non-dealer Mini shop, DM me)