Is there any particular reason that no one has posted the programming guide for the remote for the MCS? I have seen most of the options, but do not want to take it back to the dealer....again.

Next; what should the range of the remote be? My other car will unlock the doors almost a block away, and it is a PT Cruiser!

 

I think you do have to go back to the dealer for this one, as it is part of the computer that controls the car.

I get about a 20-50 foot range with mine. Believe it or not, the range increases if you open your mouth wide and hold the key above your tongue! I'm not kidding!

 

The range does seem a bit short. Try holding the key so that it points up, like an antenna. It seems to double the range (although still only maybe 50 or 60 feet max). Do this in an inconspicuous fashion or people might begin to notice.

If I was mean I'd tell you to hold it over your head and jump up and down... thus tripling the range... but I'm not mean .

 

I know the key can be programmed just by pressing a combination of buttons on it, with the key in the ignition. All keys have to be programmed.

 

You have to detail the series of events and experiments that lead to this astounding bit of knowledge.

 

Where are your dyno runs to back up this statement?

 

What size is the mouth and the tongue? Do you have to stick the tongue out, or can it remain inside the oral cavity? Do braces, or dentures impede, or increase the signal? Where can I download the instructional pdf for this?

 

Hold it up to your head or under your chin. I don't do that tongue thing. Eww...
(well at least not that tongue thing..)

 

You can get the same results by touching the end of the metal part of the key to your chin. This way, you can say you were just pondering something, whereas the other way, there's not a whole lot you can say if people look at you like your crazy

 

I installed an aftermarket CF tongue and mouth roof and can now open my MCS from the next state!

A_Sr.

 

You may 'know it' but it's not true for the MINI.

 

On a lark, I tried this after work today. Unbelievably the range was increased. From further away than it has ever unlocked before, and with only the briefest attempt, my MINI unlocked.

An explanation of this eludes me, but it does work. Of course it makes you look very strange, so it's not something you'll want to make a habit of. How did you discover this? And what other techniques are there to extend the range? Yeah, I've read several, but I hardly know what to take seriously without some kind of scientific explanation.

 

Go aftermarket if you really want some significant boost in distance. The aftermarket Compustar I use has about a 1.25 Mile range for the two way pager/remote - anywhere within that distance you can lock/unlock the car, remote start, check status, etc, via the lcd screed on remote. :smile: Really helpful if you're worried that the SUV you parked next to is going to hit your car when he opens his door

 

I have done this myself and it is very easy!

Tim

 

On teh MINI, they key is not actually programmed at all, it is the BCM (Body control module) in teh car that is programmed in how it responds to the key button presses. That is why there is no button sequence to do anything.

Also, if you take the key apart, you will see that there is no connection between the electronics of the key and the metal part. (sorry for the bad quality pics, I took these with a camera phone a while back and never have gotten around to using the real camera)

 

If there is no connection, how does the battery in the key get re-charged...osmosis? According to my owners manual for my 05 MCS the keys are recharged during vehicle operation.

 

Oops, the 05 key is different, the one I showed is an 04, you can see the standard battery on it. I'm sure the key is rechared by induction which requires no physical connection though. I still doubt that the metal functions as an antenna since wavelength is a factor for determining antenna size.

 

As Solarmax_Racing said earlier, holding the key so that the metal shaft is veritical does seem to improve the range. Though I've only tried it this way once, it seems to have the same range as the open-your-mouth-wide-and-hold-the-key-above-your-tongue-don't-let-ANYBODY-see-you-doing-this technique. And both are better than simply pointing the key at the car.

Since we're talking about electronics and not magic, I suppose this indicates that the remote is somewhat directional, but not in the intuitive, point-it-at-the-car way I expected.

 

Here are the directions on initializing keys: 2005 model

* Have both keys with you
* Sit in vehicle with all doors shut and either locked or unlocked
* Take 1 key and insert into ignition - turn to the on position (2 clicks, not start)
* Remove key and hold the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times
* One or more of the doors should lock or unlock
* Take 2nd key (do not put in ignition) and hold the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times, one or all doors will lock or unlock
* Both keys should be initialized to vehicle, exit vehicle, shut doors and test both keys by locking and unlocking doors

 

Cool, md Where did you learn that?

 

Does anybody know how to program the extra options on the keys? I thank you for the initialization help but now I want more..........

 

It's my understanging that this programming can only be performed by the MINI dealer . I had mine done at delivery (and very shortly thereafter) for no charge.

 

I agree the rest has to be done at the dealer.


My dealer lost my key at last service and had to mail me one. They emailed me the instructions after I complained and told them I was not driving 3 hours to have my key programed.

I think you have to have a key with the correct serial #, I doubt I can program my key for your car, but maybe you can.

Tim

 

Just got back from the dealer. Programmed the convenience option driving lights, and low fuel warning. Then he handed me the sheet of options that were available on my 05 MCS. The problem is that it is all in German! (Can't wait to get back to the states! less than a month)

However, I was told that the option to have the horn sound when I lock or unlock the car is not available. It this true? I thought all MCS have an anti-theft system on them?