I don't have the Mini Connected option on my Countryman. I noticed today that if I start my car, stop it and then pull out the key fob, I can start the car again without reinserting the key fob.

Not sure what use this would be to anyone, but thought it was interesting...

 

Connected has nothing to with that. Do you have comfort access??? That's the feature that allows starting the car with the key in your purse.

 

Mine does this also but wont do so once you open the door. Neither MINIConnected or ComfortAccess appears to have anything to do with this since i dont have either option.

 

I meant comfort access, not mini connected...

 

Mine is the same. My previous MCS had comfort access and I could start the car without the key in the slot all the time. However, my '11 fJCW doesn't have comfort access and I can only start it without the key right after I turn it off again, before I open the door. Once I've opened the door or if I try to do it again later on a different drive, it won't let me do it.

So bizarre.

 

I believe you'll find this listed in the manual under valet. The idea is you can for a short time restart the car and let the valet drive it to a parking spot but not leave your key with them.

 

I dont think so. Mine wont restart without the key once i open the door so unless the valet guy/gal and i want to crawl in/out thru the window that might be difficult.

Your suggestion may work if you have Comfort Access though which the OP indicates he doesn't.

 

I believe the expected usage is:
1) you drive up to the valet stand
2) you take the key out and the car turns off
3) you start the car back up(foot on brake push button without opening door)
4) you take your key with you and get out of the car so the valet can get in.
5) valet gives you receipt and you keep your key
6) valet parks car and turns it off and cannot go out joy riding.
7) you return later for your car and give valet key and receipt.

earlier thread on the feature here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ew-mini-s.html

I'm personally with the person in the thread who says the best solution is to self park. I'm just cheap that way.

 

so wait, OP has comfort access and can start his car without the fob in the dash?

that's how it's designed.

 

Hateregs: I agree. I wouldn't waste the $ on valet parking. I'll have to try steps 3/4 again to see if my car keeps running when i open the door after restarting it without the key in the ignition. Unfortunately that'll have to wait until my car gets back from my wife out joy-riding in it...

As for y8s.... no, the OP does not have Comfort Access. Re-read post #1 and #4.

 

okay, tested my car and it works as per steps 3/4 in HateReg's post. Next issue is the valet revising step 6 into 'valet goes for joy ride first then eventually parks your car'.....

 

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I use it in the mornings when I warm up my car. We don't really have much use for valet in Kentucky but its great when its freezing cold out. Start, turn off, take out key, restart, get out, lock the doors and let it warm up. I know its not efficient on the car but it beats the hell outta freezing in the car for 10 mins before it warms up.

 

Awesome! I learned something new today!
Cheers