I finally bought an Auto up window circuit, and its great. I got mine from http://www.mcaw.info.
He has two types: a basic auto up, and one that can control other devices (DSC, Gar Door Opener, lights, etc.). I opted for the latter model (with the GDO option). It takes about 30 minutes to install and program, not counting any mods you need to make to modify your GDO (minor wiring chgs.). The GDO is then controlled by the Mini's lock/unlock toggle switch, with two clicks. Highly recommended.

 

i've had the auto up for a while and it is one of the best mods you can make. You will love it even more after you have had it for a while.

 

I get the most use out of in the parking garage downtown. I can put my parking card back on my parcel shelf and turn up the ramp while my window is going up all by itself. I also have the MCAW. Works great.

 

I gave a sneaking suspicion I won't be able to get one of these because of having a convertible . In addition to having the normal window toggle switch, my windows operate in unison with my convertible top button (like open 1/2 way when the top is opening & closing all the way when the top closes).

 

I have an MCc. I also have the Auto-Up. Works fine. The auto-up only works with your toggle switch bank and does not interfere with the convertible top / window interaction.

 

Yes, my original auto-up windows design properly controls the door windows of the convertible, but has no effect on the "half windows" at the back of the car.
Presumably the alternate design has the same limitations.

 

Thanks for the info. Good to know when I get ready to install one of these that it will work w/my convertible

 

Do they come with instructions which are easy to follow? Is the Garage door opening now a toggle with that kit?

 

See my website for online instructions:
http://www.gbmini.net/MINIcircuit/install.shtml

You can also download and review the printed instructions which are included with any order (but be warned, there are 12 pages of instructions and these downloads are big):
main install instructions, '05/'06 update


If you order the garage opener version, it will connect to your existing garage remote and allow you to transmit by holding the door lock/unlock toggle. A normal quick click of the toggle does nothing expect lock/unlock the doors - holding the toggle for more than 1/4s triggers the output to the remote also, so that it transmits.

 

Louispup, the version that I installed and reported on at the top of this thread was from MCAW. The gar door opener option operates with a double click of the Mini door lock toggle. You connect your opener to the MCAW circuit with a cable that he supplies for a few bucks. The install took about 30 minutes, including about 10 minutes to program the circuit based on your options. The instructions are very thorough. See his web site for more info. Works great!

 

Thanks shorn and GBMINI. Thinking about it, I might prefer a 1/4s holddown to a double click (hmmm). I'll investigate both, thanks!

 

This was a surprising omission on the MINI when I first got it, I thought. Does BMW include them in the 3 series?

 

I suspect the omission is intentional, due to safety (and therfore lawsuit) concerns. Once you double click to 'up' the windows, it's 'hands-off'; the window(s) are on their way. What if a child or pet stuck their head out?

 

That would appear to be the reasoning, but BMW do have Auto-up so it can't be a nanny-state/fear of litigation issue. Unless BMW assume MINI drivers are more likely to stick their heads out the window when closing them.

 

How easy is the install for Auto-up windows? Bearing in mind that I have the mechanical aptitude of Paris Hilton.

 

Don't know about the BMWs, but my Audi had auto up, but it had a sensor to reverse if something was caught in it (i.e. fingers, your head, dog's head, etc).

I'm sure it was just a torque sensor on the motor with a threshold. Never had to have the window motors fixed, but I'm assuming it adds considerable cost to the motors.

 

Will the garage door opener version work with a garage transmitter/receiver that uses rolling codes?

 

Yeah, it's just not there because of a cost decision. The sensor is light... but probably not super-cheap. That said, if they put them in Golfs...

 

Me, too, glad I'm not alone.

 

It's not too bad. Here are a couple links to example video's of installation and programming.

Installation:
http://www.mcaw.info/video/mcaw-basi...ation-512k.wmv

Programming:
http://www.mcaw.info/video/mcaw-basi...mming-512k.wmv

Hope this helps-
Randy

 

The Auto-Up Circuit with Garage Door Opener Output just hardwires your existing garage remote into the MINI lock/unlock switch. Requires your own remote and some modifcation to it to complete the installation/setup.

-Randy

 

The auto-up circuit just replaces the battery in the remote - either 9 or 12 volt. So you need to modify the remote to jumper the actual button contact electrically "closed". Then when the auto-up applies volts the the remote, the remote does its thing. The install was not bad at all provided you have relatively small hands. The circuit board plugs into the back of the toggle switch panel, replacing a cable/connector. Then the cable/connector plugs onto the auto-up circuit. Virtually no profanity involved.

 

I have the "2 touch-up" circuit installed in my 2006 MCS and it works great. I also have the "Track mode" DSC function and that works as advertised.

Thanks again Ian. Great device.

 

I like the idea of the DSC shutoff but don't particularly care for the auto up feature. Has anyone ran across something like this that only disables the DSC at startup? I've already built in a small button for the garage door opener so the part is a little pricey for only one "like to have" feature.

 

SB,
You don't have to enable the auto-up function if you don't want it. See installation details "setup time" which you can omit if you don't want it.

This company sells something that claims to do "DSC off" but I have no idea if it's compatible with the MINI - it's certainly not going to be a simple plug-and-play installation. I'm not in any way endorsing this product, just giving you the information.