Hello all,
I am awaiting my 07 MCS and am semi-seriously looking into remote starts. I would like to be able to start my car, warm it up and drive away. Does anyone know of any good products? Any ideas how the Convenience features of the R56 will play in? thanks for any ideas!

 

I have read several post recently (on other forums) regarding remote starters, and how the installer could not get the car to start. Basically, you would need to remove the transponder from a key, and leave it within range of the ignition switch. This compromises the "driveaway protection" anti-theft system. If the car was ever stolen and recovered, your insurance company will see this and will not pay any claim. I do not think the benefits of a remote starter is worth the trade-off.
just my 2 cents
--Dan

 

So What I am to understand, and I too have been reading it, is that a transponder from the key would have to be in the car. That would not be worth it at all. There is no way to start the car without this transponder without seriously voiding my warranty and security. now with this transponder in the car and the engine started, can the car be put into gear? I would be satisfied with general remote start securities i.e. will not start unless doors are locked, cannot be put into gear unless key is in ignition. Anyone? Any installers done anything like this? I mean I have seen people with remote starts on cars that I know for a fact have transponders, do they know something I dont?

 

Unless you're getting an automatic transmission, I think you can forget about remote start.

 

alright... i expected this. O well it was worth a try

 

Works on my Truck. It also has a transponder in the key.....
If someone touched the brake pedal it kills the motor...It is an automatic...
Great in winter......

 

I had one in my 02 Passat that had transponder. Worked Awesome!! It was a clifford alarm system ($900). They hide my valet key in a black box that was close enough to talk to the immobilizer.

The problem is the type of key. In the case of my passat I actually had a laser cut metal key. In some cases like my former Merc C32 AMG the key used infrared to talk to the internal system system. If MCS key is like the Merc we are out of luck. I wish the dealer just offered remote starts as an option.

 

The new MINI the key has to be in ignition, kinda redundant, then push button down to start. But if you look at BMW site they have a conviniance package that does have remote start (key needs to be in or near car, but not in ignition) that would be kool on MINI, I would just get an xtra key and cut it off make into necklace or keychain or sumin.

 

As far as I know, It's impossible with a manual transmission.

 

Its not that it is impossible with a manual transmission, its that you would have to leave the gear shifter in neutral at all times when parking and most companies don't want to deal with the hassle of a customer who forgets and the car then takes off. So its more of a saftey thing than impossible. With that being said I have seen it done on manuals.

 

Compustar offers remote starters specifically for Manual Transmisson cars. It has a safety in which the car has to be in neutral and the e-brake is engaged. Like with most remote starters though, a key needs to be cut and placed next to the ignition box for it work on the Mini.

 

Compustar is a great product. I have one in my Lexus and my Ram. As far as the transponder goes, what the installer will probably do is use a repeater or programmer to copy the signal from the key. DEI sells these and they are universal. I have one in both of my cars instead of using the spare key. They are usually sold by brand, so you'll buy a "BMW" transponder. Find a competant shop and you'll be fine. The guys I use have been doing manuals for years. They just use a prox switch to determine if the shifter is in gear or not. I've also seen them use a switch on the E-Brake to make sure that was engaged. Creative people will be able to find creative and safe solutions.
I saw a video of a Lambo where the guy had a remote starter installed. He was bragging to another guy and started the car in gear and it promptly rolled forward and tagged another car before they could shut it off. i think it wa sat a Barret Jackson auction a couple years ago.