My new MCS in on the boat and will be in my garage in Mid-May.

Question, do the mini's have the same key system as BMW where you cant start the car without the actual key since the key actually communicates to the computer? No communication, no zoom.

The dealer wants almost $700 for an alarm system installed which is a joke considering no one pays attention to them anyway.

What other security solutions have people tried.

 

You are correct. I have tried to find one, just one documented case of ANY MINI stolen without a key and cant find one. Some have been towed ...

IMO, alarms are a joke. Others feel otherwise. I figure if the alarm went off, they already smashed the window and grabbed what they wanted to. It isn't 1965 anymore when an alarm might have meant someone actually listened to it. Just my opinion.

 

Nobody is yet to drive off in a MINI without having the key. They have been towed, and stolen with spare keys or the owner left the keys in the car, but no key no fire is the current record of the MINI.

 

So in a nutshell, the key serves as a passive security measure,,, cool,,, no need to waste money on something that people ignore. Its rather strange, the only time any of my last 6 cars have been broken into was because it had an aftermarket stereo (Miata) and what looked like a lap top bag in it (Element), those were the only 2 cards out of 6 that had alarms. Joke was on them, the aftermarket stereo had a broken volume control (only got louder) and the bag contained a fake credit card terminal.

I guess if I get aftermarket wheels, I will just get an unusual bolt for bolt them on, something requiring an allen wrench socket.

 

Wheellocks are fine. Your MINI dealer should have them. People still do steal wheels!

 

I jacked up my Mini to change the wheels, and my alarm went off. Gave me some peace of mind for getting the alarm. As well as a deterrant for all my goodies inside, because of the nice bright alarm stalk. Just my 2 cents.

The alarm can be had for around $200 from Classic Mini or Mini of Sterling via Roadfly... The install is super easy, about 2 hours for someone who has no clue what they're doing, about 30 minutes for someone with a clue, and then $25-80 for your dealer to use their computer to turn it on, depending on how much they feel it's worth. Sucks, but $250 for an alarm is a lot better than $700 imho. And as mentioned, it's to protect your belongings more than the car itself.

 

My alarm went off letting me know that Bettie was being towed ...

 

Wow, $700 for an alarm!!! Did you order a convertible? If so, then that would be about right. Otherwise, it shouldn't cost more then $500 (average for most dealers). I would be careful doing any other business with that dealer.

As for the alarm, it's meant to protect the contents of the MINI, not theft as others have mentioned.

 

BTW, MOS is no longer the ROADFLY sponsor. Crevier has taken their place.