OK, so I defiantly have searched and read many discussions and havent found info on this.

1. If you have comfort access and just leave the fob in your pocket/purse, isnt it kinda big in your pocket? I understand leaving it in your purse, but I am one of those odd women who dont carry a purse. I would like the comfort access feature, but what would I do with the fob thingy if I didnt want it poking me in my pocket while I was driving. I mean if I take it out cuz my pants are to tight then wont that defeat the purpose?

2. If I dont have comfort access and put the fob in the ignition...do you guys have your other keys on the same key chain? Do the house and other keys hang down and bonk against the dash, making noise and scrapping the dash as you drive? I dont really get the fob thing w/o an actual key. I have an 02 Mini with a key so this confuses me.

Dell

 

Mine is an '07 so I put my fob in the ignition. I have no other keys on it. I use the keychain the dealer gave me, which has a round metal piece with the MINI logo on it as the counterweight. It does not knock against the dash.

CROC 411

 

the new mini cooper key fob things are much better than a newer Chrysler key. They are the worst big and mis-shaped. The comfort access key is great to have it just makes it easy, yes I'm slightly lazy.

 

I keep my MINI key separate from my other keys. I've got so many for work that I might as well be a janitor. I totally didn't want them either scratching me in my pocket or scratching the dash, so it was a no brainer for that.

If you have it separate, the key is fairly slim, so it shouldn't jab you in any way in your pocket. Keep your other keys in your purse or another pocket. My comfort access fob almost never leaves my pocket. It's great!

BTW, with regards to the "no actual key", there is a key hidden inside the fob. The key can be used to lock or unlock from outside the MINI in case your battery has died (or to close the windows and sunroof!)

 

LOL i dont carry a purse either.....never did, i put it on the seat all the time

 

I'm used to large things in my pocket regions.

 

I can't wait for that feature. I always hate having to dig to the bottom of my purse for my keys to unlock the car when coming out from the grocery store, or if my hands are full.

 

It is a great feature! The biggest thing is just getting used to not having to dig the key out. I am waiting for my wife to laugh at me when I drive her car again and I try to start it like I start the mini.

 

I keep mine in my purse, or in the tray where the emergency brake is.

ETA: I only have one key on the chain with it, and in the event I do put the fob in the ignition, it does not scrape against anything, etc.

 

For short drives I leave mine in the pocket, for longer drives I plunk it in one of the cup holders or in the tray below the hand-brake.
BTW, how often do you have to put the fob in the ignition to charge it? I got my MCS on 08/08/08, so have not had it long enough to get an estimate.

 

If I remember correctly, the fob with convenience package uses a battery which can be changed. The fob without convenience has to be charged in the ignition slot.

 

I have the convenience package, and my motoring adviser told me that this fob has a rechargeable battery. But my fob also has a battery which can be changed . Guess now is the time to read that manual

 

D'OH!!

I didn't realize it had to be recharged in the ignition slot? I do have the comfort access....hmmm off to check that manual too!

 

Just picked up my MINI on Saturday. I have comfort access and my MA told me that you should periodically put the fob in the slot to recharge the battery. I think the manual says something like every 6 months.

 

With comfort access the fob is not rechargable, the back of the fob can be popped off to replace the battery though.

On non comfort access fobs the backs have little metal strips that allow them to be recharged when docked.

There is no reason to dock fobs that have comfort access unless you just want to keep them out of the way.

 

From page 18 of the 2008 owners manual:
Remote Controls
Each remote contains a rechargeable battery that is recharged when it is in the ignition lock while the car is being driven. You should therefore use each remote control at least twice a year to maintain the charge status.
In vehicles equipped with Convenience Access, the remote control contains a replaceable battery, page 27.

Hope this helps.

 

I too was concerned about scrathcing the dash with the other keys that I need to carry.

I got a MINI key ring from my MA when I ordered. I chose one that has a valet connector so I can seperate the MINI key from the rest of the keys that I carry before I put it in slot.

 

Thanks geekswrath and futuremini!

 

Thanks for the info!! I don't have to ever dock the fob now. yippeee!

 

Your welcome LadyGodiva! Beautiful car by the way!

 

Thank you!! As is yours!! ZOOM!!

 

I was a great unbeliever in comfort access......until I had it. Now I would never go back. It's too convenient and the fob is slim and rounded so it doesn't bug you in your pocket.
Get it you'll love it!