I have a friend with a BMW 325 but no key. He walks to the car and when he grabs the handle it unlocks. When he gets in he pushes a button to start it without even taking his keys out of his pocket. I told my MA about this and said I wanted it. So I ordered a 2k7 r52 sidewalk. Looking around it appears all the r52s require a key. Did my MA know what he was talking about? Is this a r56 feature only?

 

this is an option on the R56 and it is not an option or standard equipment on the R52. You might want to cancel that order and wait until the 2009 Cabrio which will likely offer it as an option

 

Yep, that's exactly it.

chur - the R52 MINI is still the "1st Generation" of MINI. It was first released in the USA in 2005 (unlike the 1st Generation R50 (MC) & R53 (MCS) hardtops which came out here in 2002). Many companies, including MINI/BMW, release hardtops and convertibles on different schedules.

The R52 MINI continues for the 2007 & 2008 model years, and will be replaced by the R57 2nd Generation Cabrio for the 2009 model year, which will basically have all of the R56 options & features (and visual changes).

 

+1 on all of the above.
But before cancelling your order, consider whether this is a feature you'll want to pay for if you do wait. It is a great option, but it does cost $500 (or $1,400 as part of the full convenience package). I'm not passing judgment on the cost -- but just pointing out that you may decide to wait for this only to find out that it's more than you're willing to spend for it.

 

No way I am giving up on my new mini. It is crazy that I asked about it and the MA said "Yeah that comes on all the 2007s." One thing I have discovered about the MA's at Ralph Schomp is they couldnt tell the difference between a MINI and an Escalade.

 

good answer. . . the sidewalk cabrio is a great looking car

The rims that are different, right?

 

Tell you what though...I have this option on my Mazdaspeed and it's damn nice not needing a key.

My fob is a credit card that goes in the wallet...which is a bonus, cause I never forget my wallet now either.

 

^ Yep -- it's great when it's a credit card (as it is also with Mercedes). I wouldn't need to even carry a key ring if I had that -- but it's less usefull if you still have to carry the key fob around.

 

My Volvo has this feature - it gets old and in my opinion just more electronics to break. I like electronic start thu - very nice. My Audi is electronic start (with a key !) sweet.

 

Husband has a 2005 Corvette with the push button start. It's a nice feature, especially the fact that the door automatically unlocks when you walk up to the car. I've often wished for this feature in my car.

I do have to chuckle, though. When exactly did using a key get to be too hard??

 

Do I have to WALK all the way to the car. Why can't it just come to me?