I didn't have time to ask earlier, but I have a question and I can't find past threads on it (I may not be entering the appropriate jargon). However, this is my story. This morning I turned the engine on to my 3 month old 2010 Cabrio and discovered that the FM radio was on, this was supremely odd because I almost always listen to Sirius or my iPod. Then, I noticed all my presets such as Auto Daylights and my turn signals were all back to their original factory presets as well as ALL my Sirius data (all playing Sirius one instead of my presets). I reprogrammed everything to how I had it, but it has left me perplexed. I always leave my lights on in the 'Auto' position so I know I didn't run down the battery by keeping them on (plus I don't feel it would have started if that was the case), and I always check. Has anyone heard of this problem before? I feel like I'll let it go unless it happens again, but I would appreciate any insight to what might have happened, being that I'm sort of a novice to being a MINI owner. I feel like my car's computer almost had a reboot or crashed, very strange.

 

You used your spare key to start your car, I did this once and the same thing happened. The radio station that my mom (the last to drive with that key) was listening to came on instead of my CD player, all presets gone ect. All that data is stored with the key information, go back and start your car using your other key and see if everything is back, of course since everything has been reprogrammed the same with both keys there shouldn't be a difference. You can test my theory by putting the radio on a certain station with one key, turn off the car, then start the car with the other key, it should be a different station when you start the car.

 

OH heavens!!! YOU are right!! I couldn't find my usual key and I used the spare one! Guthrie you're a genius, I didn't know that the keys are programmed with everything, oooh, how Orwellian (they know everything huh?)! Well, this might have to be my new key then! That certainly explains a lot, thank you tremendously for your response, I thought I was going bonkers.

 

Haha, I had no idea what was going on when I did it the first time also! Then I realized that I used my spare key, next time I used my key everything worked fine!

 

OK, so I expect my JCW to get here in about a month, so this may simple if I had the owners manual. Once I get everything set the way i want it, can I down load everything to the spare key so if I missplace one I can use the other?

 

No way to download or transfer the settings, gotta do it from scratch unfortunately. Once you get a hang of getting through the OBC settings it's easy, though. Just make sure you actually start the car and have it running before you dive in, or you won't get all of the available settings.

Sunnyskies - having known my MINI for 2 and 1/2 years now, I said a little prayer for you that your honeymoon will never end

 

Oh thank you DrewN, no need for a single prayer because I swear, I don't think it's possible! I thought I was in love with my Miata, but I am obsessed with my pretty 'Tuney! If my MINI was a person, I might be sent a restraining order! I actually make excuses, not only to drive, but to walk by him!! I'm having to really put on my acting chops to make it look like I've "lost" something around my MINI so I can gaze adoringly at my leather lounge seats and the blue sheen of his paint coat. I do this simply to make the neighbors believe I'm not some sort of nutter! I just wish that my dealer had told me about the key thing, I'm sure it's in the manual, but I skimmed through it! I'm glad Guthrie was able to solve my Nancy Drew mystery! Pez D Spencer, that would be so convenient if that is possible, by the way congrats on your anticipated MINI (I hope the waiting doesn't fray you too much, it is worth it)!

 

Every once in awhile my car forgets what my settings (HVAC changes, radio, dash) were for my normal key. If shut off the car, take the fob out, and restart everything is back where it should be.

 

Cool, thanks for more, helpful advice! I'm learnin' here people, I need all the experience and knowledge I can soak up!

 

I'm glad your honeymoon isn't over! I'm going on two years now and still flyin' high! I love the MINI, have been known to 'check on it' in the garage after a wash (that Oxy Blue looks beautiful when it's all cleaned up!), and generally marvel at what a blast it is to drive.

 

Aww, thanks Tedswoods. I remember reading about your beloved dog when I first started perusing the forums, very moving to say the least.

I will not forget to adore my MINI everyday! And, might I say, I do love the Oxy Blue. In fact, I remember making sure about 3 times that it wasn't on the convertible configurator! I've often thought that if something (may the universe forbid) happened to my Laser Blue paint coat--like if a freak sandstorm ruined it--I would have a body shop paint mine the elusive Oxygen Blue!