I know in other manual cars people install auto/remote starters by grounding a switch behind the clutch to simulate the clutch being depressed. Is this possible in the R56? I’m curious because sometimes I want to start the car and run the AC when I load the kids in the back. Its annoying to get in, step on clutch, start car, get out, slide seats, load kids, slide seats back, get back in car…

 

so you think that if you "get in, start car, get out, slide seats, load kids, slide seats back, get back in car…" you'll be less annoyed?

 

i'm not so sure about you, but my arms are long enough to reach the start button without getting in the car. i'll be less annoyed if i can eliminate the get in, start car, get out part.

 

Yes and there is also a Neutral Switch that makes sure that the car is actually in Neutral so that the car does not try to move while starting. These are only required on manual trans cars.

I am not a tall person and do not have long arms.

But what I do is

1. Open the door
2. Step on the clutch with my right foot (left foot is still on the ground outside the car)
3. Move Gear shift to Neutral
4. Press Start button.

No getting in and out of the car etc.

Try my approach you may like it. If not, then maybe someone else will have an option that will work for you.

As for the remote starter thing. I do not know if anyone has gotten one to work in a Mini. I know my 03 BMW required that I hide a key under the dash with a special "extra" module to make the car think that there was a key in the ignition to make it work. Hell of a job that was to put in. I am not sure if that can be done on a new Mini.

And Mini keys are around 250+ so that is an expensive extra needed anyway.

But thinking of that, it is starting to get cold out and a nice warm car to get into during the winter is nice. I will have to look into that more.

 

I do this too!

 

yes, however, what if you have a right hand drive car, like me?

 

i was talking to my detailer last month, he says you can put autostart in a mini. and they will do it for manual as well. the only downfall is that it is expensive. basically, what i was told is that it is possible, it just depends on how much you are willing to spend. because of the complexities of this car and bmw's in general, i would go to someone very experienced and that you trust.

 

Just to let you know i was told by a pro shop that yes it could be done. The problem with the Mini is two fold.

Comfort Access -

1. they need to have a key hidden in the car so that the car will see the proper signal from the key to allow it to start.

2. If a key is hidden in the car somewhere then anyone getting into the car can drive away with it.

Cost breakdown:

A. Remote Start: $375.00
B. Install: $200+
C. Key Fob: $285.00
D. Total: $860.00+

E. Loss of insurance payment due to someone steeling the car: $32600.00 in my case.

If the insurance company finds out that there is a key in the car that will allow it to be started by anyone they will not insure it.

Standard Access -

Same as above.