I was reading a review of the Convertible today, and in the article they mentioned that you can open the convertible top via the key fob, just like it opens the sunroof on the hardtop MINIs. Is this true, or is this feature only available in Europe or something?

I can see it now.....me walking out of school.....as I get close to my MCC, I hit the remote and the convertible top opens up, without even touching the car, let alone starting it, I jump in and motor off...other kids stare in awe as they get into their boring Honda Civics and VW Jettas.

sounds good to me.

So, is that really a feature?...It would be awesome if it was.

 

It is true! The sunroof and the top can be put down with the key fob. It is an awesome feature!!!

 

sweet! This is one of the coolest features I've ever heard about...now how does it work? Is there a specific roof button on the cabrio's fob, or do you hold down multiple buttons together, or what?

Thanks in advance

 

Kyle,
You can download the 2005 user manual at the MINI USA owners lounge, or at MotoringFile
On page 26 you can read about "convenience opening": press and hold the unlock button; in the convertible the windows and folding roof are opened.

NOTE: This feature can be activated and deactivated by the dealer - if you want it make sure they activate it for you!

 

I love this feature! It is definitely a Kodak moment to hit the key to make the top open when somebody is unaware that you are doing it...

I've always been in the habit of closing the car up whenever I leave it anywhere - you just never know what someone might do to the inside while it's unattended. So it gives me more chances to play with people.

Donna
02' CR/W MCS & 05' Cool Blue MCSC

 

Cool, thanks, I'll check it out. Do you know what the range is on this? Can you do it from 15+ feet away, or do you need to be standing right next to the car (which would kind of defeat the purpose)?

 

The range of remotes will vary - I can get 10 feet easily, and 20 feet or more sometimes. Maybe it depends exactly how I hold the key ...
With the hard top I can be far enough away so that convenience opening has fully lowered the windows when I get to the car (with no need to stop walking). The convertible roof takes longer so you might not be fully retracted if you keep walking.

One warning: it has been known for a key to be accidentally pressed (for example, squished in a pocket sitting at home watching TV) - later you find the car windows down. With a convertible if this happened, in the rain, eek!

 

Uh-oh...that would suck. Luckily, my car is parked in our garage, so should that happen at home, I'd be ok.

 

You would have to be wearing mighty TIGHT jeans to press the key down long enough to get the convertable top down!

This feature rocks! As the key gets a better charge it works better, so you must motor a lot at first to get your key ready to show off!

All you do is hold down the unlock button on the key to take the top down.

And no one has mentioned it yet but you can also put the top up by locking your door with the actual key (you hold the key in place for a few additional seconds and the top comes right up). This is a great feature as it is much easier for your rear seat passengers to get out with the top down.

 

Mine will work from inside my house. Probably 15-20 ft. Beware though, the manual does suggest that you have the motor running when you are putting the top up or down. It apparently will wear the top's battery down if you do it too often without the motor running. You can also lower the top with the door lock/unlock toggle. I think in all there are 4 different ways to work the top

Lois

 

Oh, you can actually achieve at least 120 feet. Simply bring the metal part of the key to your lips and push the button. I'm not kidding...try it! Will easily triple your distance. Don't attempt this before a test of any sort though.

 

Ok, imagine this.. You are sitting at an outdoor cafe having tea with friends, and you can see your car out front in the parking lot. Someone is looking over your beautiful cabrio for a few moments, you hit your button on your key fob and the top goes down.....

I wonder what kind of reaction you would get.

 

rrypma, I am going to try that key to the lips thing , after reading this thread i tried to open my top and I had to be within about 2 parking spaces, pretty weak! maybe my key needs more charge? Had the car 5 weeks and drive quite a bit!Tips anyone?

 

OK, but you'll need to re-comb your hair afterwards.

 

I've had my car for a few days and I have only been able to open it using my key fob once. I have tried a few times and nothing happened. Then I tried and the sunroof opened, but that's it.

I am sure my key needs to be charged, but I was on a long road trip home and thought a few hundered miles would do the trick. Who knows?

The one time I got the top to open, it took a LONG time. I felt pretty stupid waiting right next to my car and having to wait for the darn thing to work. Again, maybe it will get better with every mile, but I am willing to just open the top from the inside. (call me a traditionalist)

I have also only been able to open my car from a very close range. I have heard about the lips trick, I'll guess I'll try that too.

All that being said, I am having a BLAST in my MINI!!!