Do Mini/BMW dealers install remote starters? I have an F55 but i don't want to go third party for fear of messing up the wiring and voiding the warranty

 

Ask the dealer. They routinely do aftermarket add-ons for profit (LoJack, paint protection, etc). It would be a private transaction between you and the dealer. If it makes something go wrong with the car, it would be under your agreement with the dealer and MINI/BMW warranty won't cover it.

 

Remote start? I hope I never get so lazy I can't tell someone to go out and start my car for me, especially on cold winter mornings.

This is a joke... I think the remote start is a cool idea, but the reason it is not on the MINI (BMW) is because they have much stricter EPA rules in Germany and they would never let their vehicles idle. Example at railway crossing waiting on a train you are required to shut off your engine, no idling. Matter of fact in the winter there is no let the car warm up it is a "Start and Go" rule.

Motor On!

 

Same rule exists here in the Denver area, though I think that's as much to prevent theft than it is for emissions concerns.

 

Is your car stick ? If so good luck finding anyone’s that will do the clutch override wiring that is required for remote start. You would also need to overife the neutral switch. This would be very bad if any parks your car and leaves it “in gear”. If some one tries to remote start your car it will bump start until the car it’s running and with it in gear you car will go forward or reverse without anyone in the car. Not a good idea.

Also stick out automatic you would / will need to give up one key / transponder so it can be wired into the system to defeat the OEM anti theft system that is built into the car and override the brake pedal safety switch.

All of these things above the dealership will NOT do because they void safety standards and your safety. Think of it as asking the dealership to remove your airbags and seatbelts. They won’t do it.

FYI - also I don’t think anyone at a BMW / MINI is smart enough to do the job since all they do not is replace parts and modules that a computer tells them “could” be the issue. Good dealerships sub contract all that type work out to well insured and height trained auto electronics businesses.