I have a 2009 Clubman S with convenience package. Sometimes I want to sit in the car or run the stereo with the windows open while I am working on the car for let's say 30 minutes. Both with the key in the dash and with the key just sitting in the center console, and with the car in "Accessory" mode (one push on the Start button with foot off brake pedal), the stereo shuts off after about 15 minutes.

Is there a way to keep the stereo on longer without turning the ignition on (two pushes of the Start button with foot off brake pedal)? It's always been my understanding that it is harmful to leave the ignition on for an extended time without starting the engine...

 

This dates back to mechanical rotating distributors, where leaving the ignition on for an extended time would burn the points. It must be at least 20 or 30 years since this was the case.

 

Key in, radio on. No need to press the start button unless you need the cigar lighter powered up.

Anyhow, as noted it's harmless. Coil and point burnout left us back in the early 1970's.

 

Ignition on just kills the battery faster, no other side effects.

 

Thanks everyone.