Hey all, I'm not sure if this has been addressed as I assume the new (larger) key fobs date back to the start of the Gen 3s. In any case, I keep my key in my pocket, and have on several occasions gone outside to find 1 or both of the barn doors opened. My MA warned me of this when I picked up the car, but the real kicker was while getting off the highway and sitting at a stoplight at the end of the exit ramp the engine auto-'powered down' (as it should while idling), and the button must have been depressed in my pocket because the door opened right there on the exit ramp!

I contacted my dealer about disabling the button since I can simply tug the door handle or kick my foot under the car to open them - there is no need to ever touch the key (I still like to use it to unlock doors before getting to the car). Apparently they can go into the cars computer to make it so the button must 'double click' to open the back doors, but I was wondering if I could simply open the key fob and disable that button.

Anyone else have this issue and/or find a fix?

 

You can use Bimmercode to delay the trunk opening.
Not sure the light of time.

 

Key fob, cup holder

 

Yeah. Or, key fob, attached to belt, arranged NOT under seat belt.

I too have had a door pop open when the car came to a stop. Now I know better. I don't have the comfort-open, though, so I can't just kick to get them open.

 

Three options:
- Get something like this that will physically block your trunk button: https://www.shapeways.com/product/MY...ionId=61539561
- If you're using ESYS to code features, there is an option to disable the trunk opening from the keyfob unless the doors are unlocked (In BDC ECU, change VAM_DISABLE_OPEN_LID_AT_NOT_UNLOCKED to "aktiv")

- OR....you can take it to the dealer to perform this change. There is a bulletin addressing this issue and they can reprogram the behavior under warranty. (Bulletin SIM 51 09 16)

 

Avoid Shapeways.
Both of mine lasted all of 3 weeks.

 

I did one from one vendor that broke pretty quick but the vendor I listed is much better. I've had the same one for over a year and I just ordered another for my new car. Shapeways is just the service that does the 3D printing. Vendors make their own designs and some are better than others.

 

Can you attach a picture to show what it looks like, please?

 

If the keyfob is designed to come apart (to replace the battery, for example) it would be a small matter to unsolder the board mounted microswitch that operates the trunk, if this key design is similar to the early MINI keys. I doubt that it is, however, as the last MINI keyfob that was designed to come apart was in 2004. Since then they have all been sonically welded together, making disassmebly difficult, and often destroying the case in the process. Your best bet would be to have the car coded to make it a two-button push or to not open unless the doors are unlocked.

 

buy the stainless steel version. It requires some sanding/buffing when received, but it stays pretty much immaculate through use and is more durable than even the OEM flying saucer thingy.

i also have the high-def acrylate version for my spare, but i can't speak to the durability because its my spare. sand and polish this version to make it shiny; great if your car is thunder grey.

 

Which stainless version, give us a link? The links you have go to Fred Meyer Jewelry.

 

mine doesn't have the button protector though. but you can message the person that is selling the button protector version to unlock the stainless steel material option in the dropdown menu in shapeways.

edit: i'm gonna msg the guy myself to have him unlock the aluminum material option, and I'll let you know what the results re if he unlocks it and i order it.

 

I ordered one of those button guards from Shapeways, but it was the first one that I ever installed. I broke off some of the bits while installing it, and lost the cover on day 1. The other cover I bought (without the button guard, darn) has lasted 3 months so far. Very nice.

I should go order the button-guard one again. My garage door wouldn't go up this morning. Walked to the back of the car and discovered that the barn door was part way open, and the garage door was catching on its bottom and trying to lift up the door. I hope neither the MINI nor the garage door was damaged.

And it's clear that protecting the barndoor button while driving is not enough. I need to protect it while I'm simply living in the rest of the house, too. Sigh.

(Edit: PS Thanks for the link above, to Shapeways. That's what it took, to get me to actually order one.)