i was curious if my mini is supposed to start without the key? if i remember correctly isn't there an add-on feature that lets you start the car without the key? if thats correct i did not get that feature, yet the toher day i started my car without the key. now if i get in the car and try to start it without the key in the ignition nothing happens. but if i turn the car off, take out the key, the car will start back up if i have the clutch in and hit the strt button. is this normal?

 

yes it is normal. Once you open the door you will not be able to restart the car without the fob reinserted. Maybe they do this so if you are on the track with your Mini you dont have to have a bunch of keys smacking your dash in the twisties.

 

I'm not sure I follow what you're asking here. Are you saying that you started your car without the fob in the ignition slot, or are you saying that you started your car without the "key" locked into the fob?

There is a keyless start option that comes with the convenience package. Not sure if you can get it as an individual add-on though. From my understanding, the car should never start without the fob in the ignition slot unless you have the keyless start option installed on the car.

Update: Or I could be completely wrong... thanks SPD!

 

The convenience package allows you to just have the fob on your person and start your car. However every R56 has the ability to restart your car without the fob inserted. To do this just do the following steps.

1. get in your car and close the doors.
2. Start your car with the fob in the ignition
3. Stop your car with the start/stop button
4. remove your fob (do not open the door at all)
5. Restart your car without the fob in it.

once you open the drivers door you lose the ability to restart your car without the fob.

 

i think SPD may be right. i was wondering if it was normal because i do not have convenience package yet after i turn the car off i can take the FOB out and the car will start back up if i press the start button. however, it will not turn the car on w/o the fob when i first get in the car. i guess i learned something new.
thanks for the replies

 

So, if you never, ever leave your MINI, you only need to use the key once!
What a useful feature!

 

I suppose you could use it once at the dealer, then, using your wireless laptop, sell it on eBay to pay for mods!

 

isn't that the way it is supposed to be anyway? haha.