well i just got my 2006 mini s convert jcw and been going over the manual today. the manual says there is some security system in the car--is that true? and i wonder if anyone has added a system to their convert they are really happy with--what brand and where to buy--thanks robert

 

All MINI's come with immobilizers. As for an alarm, when was the last time you demanded someone's ID and proof of ownership when you heard a car alarm going off? Most people just ignore them, as do the criminals breaking into your car. It's a waste of money.

 

can you tell me what an immobilizer does--just not familur with it--have had built in security in all previous cars --one day as mini owner. thanks for the opinion-makes sense.robert

 

Immobilizer turns off the engine after so long a distance, if the car was started without your key. Usually, the car stops after a block or so.

Bonus Security Tip:

Welcome to the world of soft top crime. What criminals do is cut the top to gain access to the car [less so on the beefier tops such as that that is on the MINI.] Some people vandalize them just for fun.

What you can do to cut down on theft is to do NOT put anything in the glove box or armrest [if your MINI has an armrest.]

When parking leave the glove box and armrest compartments open so that thieves can see there is nothing in the car to steal.

Also, the latest crime here in San Francisco is for thieves to target cars where there are suction cup marks on the windshield. They assume that the driver has simply removed a GPS Nav device and put it under the seat or in the glove box.

So as silly as this sounds, if you do mount your GPS Nav to the windshield, keep a small bottle of glass cleaner and paper towels in the car. When removing the device and suction cup mount, clean the windshield area of any marks left by the suction cup.

Make sure to take a pic NOW of the devices you keep in the car and take a pic of your car's top. You want those if you become a victim to top vandals or theft [so to make an insurance claim all the faster.]

If the top needs to be replaced, have the work done at the MINI dealer so to get an exact replacement of the top. Don't let the insurance company substitute some el cheapo replacement top.