I just realized I didn't add the security/anti-theft system to my MINI. Is this something you guys recommend? Also, is it possible to have installed at the dealer?

 

I saw no one replied to you on this one so I'll chime in with my limited experience. I just took delivery of my MCS on 3/11/15 and ordered it with the alarm system, although I had to take it in for a faulty interior sensor that was replaced under warranty cause it would intermittently trigger a false alarm after locking. After it was replaced I haven't had any problems with it and would recommend it. I drove a 2015 F56 loaner while they installed my bonnet stripes and it didn't come with the alarm and I noticed on the keyfob the alarm button is missing altogether. When you lock the doors in it there was no audible lock sound at least in the loaner I had vs. my F56 with the alarm system. In mine when you lock and unlock the vehicle chirps and there is a panic button on the fobs. Also when the alarm sounds it is not of the horn honking variety, but rather the siren type so it makes it a little harder to ignore vs other alarms.

Based on the cost though of having the dealer do it after the fact I don't know if it would be worth it, especially if they charge you to replace both keyfobs with ones that add the panic button.

Just my two cents...

 

It is probably not cost effective to get the OEM alarm installed after being built...just a guess though. The cost of 2 new key fobs alone would probably be close to the $800-1k range.

 

I ordered the Security system when the car was ordered. As mentioned, the Key fob is different (extra button). In two years of working at MINI, My MA had never seen the Security System before. We had to put down enough of a security deposit to cover the Security system in the event the purchase fell through.

One of the changes is the rear view mirror has a light in it where the day night switch is located. If you get a manual mirror, that light can be twisted to switch to day/ Night mode. It's a bit clumsy, so your better off ordering the automatic rear view mirror.

No problems with the system to date. Documentation states if the cars inclination is changed, the alarm will sound. Haven't tested that yet.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I suppose I'll just have to go without the alarm!

 

Yeah, I feel ya. I do think its kinda of crazy though that it is not just included anyways from the start. I kind of think of an alarm as something like power door locks and windows which should be standard and not optional equipment.

 

Never had an alarm system before on any car. Didn't want one on this car. But my car was ordered when 2015 orders had just been opened up, and at the time it was a required option to get other features that I did want. Then it became optional and I tried to get it removed, but my car was one of the "started 2015 production early" cars, and it couldn't get removed. Ended up getting the price of it taken off the deal by the dealer as a courtesy -- so really ended up with a free alarm option.

The whole point of this is that for any future readers of this thread, I've had zero issues in six months with any false trips, which was my worry. The chirps when locking / unlocking are a bit annoying, especially to my wife, but it's perhaps a good notice to those around when parking where you would want an alarm.

 

You can always turn off the chirps if you don't want them.

 

Yep. I know that. I don't mind them -- it's the wife who finds them somewhat annoying. And it's my car

 

You can probably turn them off on one key fob.

 

How do I turn the chirps off?

 

This is from page 43 of the 2015 owner's manual.

Confirmation signals from the vehicle
1. "Settings"
2. "Doors/key"
3. Select desired setting.
▷ "Acoustic sig. lock/unlock"
Unlocking is signaled by one honk of the horn.
▷ "Flash when lock/unlock"
Unlocking is signaled by two flashes,
locking by one.

 

Thanks! I'm still learning - I've only had it 2 day.

 

Funny to here about the different key fob, per the MINI etk it shows the tilt siren and mount. No retrofit kit yet .




And then you have to get the new key.



I wonder if it has to be coded then ?

Post a pic up of the new key .

 

Keyfob with Alarm