Tonight I had the unfortunate experience of being hijacked at gun point outside a friends house. The joys of living in South Africa. My initial reaction was to floor my MCS as I had the motor running but I had the handbrake up and as I turned to release it the guy banged on my window with the barrel of the gun and shook his head. As much as I love my MINI its not worth dying for so I got out stalling the car in the process. After having my pockets searched with a gun to my head the 2 hijackers jumped into the car and I was able to get away unharmed. Luckily for me they had no clue that you have to have the clutch in when you press the start button. Thanks for that BMW. They did however manage to get away with my key I guess in the hopes of coming back later to try and take the car. I got my Dad to bring me my spare key and got my MINI out of there immediately. How do I sort this problem out? Can I have a new set of keys recoded? Does the computer have to be reconfigured? Is any of this possible? Obviously the thought of someone out there with 1 of my key fobs is not ideal.

 

I am so sorry that happend to you. I am glad you are alright.

 

That's an unfortunate experience. You can get your locks/ignition assembly replaced but expect to pay $$$$. If I recall it's over 1k to do it.

You might want to talk to your insurance company, it's possible that you can file this under a comprehensive claim. Even though there wasn't actually any "Loss" replacing the locks on the car will prevent whoever stole the key from coming back and finishing the job when they have more time (Thus protecting their interests).

 

That's a positively frightening story. I am so thankful that you're unharmed, and it's a bonus that you still have your MINI.

 

Glad to hear things went as best as they could given the situation.

Even if you decide to get new keys and ignition, I'd suggest an aftermarket alarm system that will disable the starter, along with a hidden remote switch that you can perhaps trigger with your foot (so the guy outside your window doesn't know you are doing it). This would prevent the car from being driven even if the thief has the keys...

 

Looks like you need to install a Flame Blaster

http://transportation.frost.com/prod...Label=FcmCtx26

 

That's great. I wish something like that was legal out here. Can you imagine? Every time those window washers run up to your car... *Pushes button* *Maniacal Laughter*

 

You in Joberg? When I was there a few years ago, nobody stopped at red lights for fear of getting jacked, and about half the people checked their guns at the door at the nightclubs we went to. Trippy, and sad.

 

Remember Legal for self defense......
not sure the window washers would qualify

 

Oh my!! I can't even imagine how scary that must have been... Glad you and your MINI are okay though.....

Donna

 

I've thought about a similar anti-theft system before. But it would have a small nozzle above the window to spray mace. It might be hard to hide the nozzle, but then most crooks wouldn't look for it in the first place.

 

consider yourself very lucky. someone I know from SA was in the same situation years back...she pulled her .357 out from under the seat and took care of the problem. It's not a fun position to be in, no matter which end of the gun you're on.

Lucky wasn't so lucky. R.I.P.

 

Thanks for all your kind wishes, I appreciate it. I have seen the flame blaster in action and let me tell you I am tempted!
I spoke to SMG in Durban (my local MINI dealer) and they say I have 2 options. They can deactivate the stolen key, which I have had done and order me a replacement key at a cost of roughly R1100 (about $160 I think)
Or I can claim through my insurance and have everything replaced. The problem with the second option is that my excess will be more than that and it will push my insurance premiums up.
The service manager says its worth replacing everything because the thieves could still use the key in the remote fob to open the door if they ever come across my car again. The alarm will go off though and they wont be able to start the car. I dont really know what to do at this stage. Im leaning towards just replacing the key.

Yeah unfortunately Lucky wasnt so lucky at all R.I.P.

 

did this happen near home or a place you frequent?? if so, spend the money. if not, I'd think you'd be ok replacing the key alone.

 

I'm for the flame blaster

 

It happened outside a friends house who I visit often. I wont be parking outside in the future, I will ring ahead and be able to drive straight into his property. It was just that on this occasion I was picking him up to go and play poker. So do you still think it is still worth spending the extra money?

 

I have heard for years that carjackings in South Africa are a daily event. No wonder some companies have made "Side flame throwers" that you can install in cars there. Basically, the device is installed on the side underneath of the car and when the driver is about to be hijacked or approached by suspect individuals, the driver can press a button and virtually roast the would be attackers alive. Some places in the world are pretty rough.

 

More information about the South African invented "Blaster"(Circa 1998): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaster_(flamethrower) Youtube video of Blaster in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDrzMGdYWZc Never a dull moment in that part of the world, eh?

 

Being a former resident of some less than desireable cities I think this product would come in handy here in the U.S. also.

 

http://www.stickdeath.com/2003auto.html

Funny....but there is quite a bit of bad language.

 

I am still waiting for a replacement key since the hijacking! It has been 2 months and I have phoned, emailed and visited my local MINI dealer on a regular basis since then and still no key. When the chrome ring broke on one of my fobs before the incident, the entire fob was replaced within 3 days and now that I am paying for a replacement I thought it would have been sorted out by now. It really doesnt make any sense to me. Needless to say I am a little paranoid about having only the one fob.

 

Simple enough... get the hell out of South Africa....

Sorry to hear that, you made the right move though. A car is replaceable, you're not.


In this case, at least you don't have to replace the car.

Mark

 

Lol getting out of South Africa sounds like a good idea but other than the hijackings, the muggings, the smash and grabs and the cash in transit heists its great here. Yeah I consider myself lucky that things turned out alright. The funny thing is the MINI is supposed to be one of the lowest hijacking risk vehicles. My MINI dealer said that I was the first person they were aware of that had been hijacked in a MINI.

 

Maybe the stupid thieve's taste is getting better...lol.

Glad you and the mini are okay. If you need someone to get a key for you stateside, let me know. I can order one through one of my bodyshops.

Mark

 

Yeah it does seem like the thieves have better taste now lol. The VW Polo seems to be the hijackers car of choice at the moment. The manger said he would make sure I got the key asap so I am hoping he comes through for me. If he doesnt I may just take you up on your offer. Thanks for the offer by the way.