Has anyone had a remote starter installed in their MCSa? I'm looking at one of the Clifford 2-way models with the transponder bypass and I was wondering if there were any pitfalls to worry about. I intend to take it to a reputable installer (not Best Buy or Circuit City) but hints from other MINI owners who've done this would be helpful.

 

I was under the impression that there was no way to start the Mini without the wireless code from the key?? That might be an issue. If they can bypass that then more power to them.

 

My wife's Scion has transponder protection, and you get around it by putting a valet key in a box that's part of the remote starter kit.

 

Ahh, so then you just have to remember to charge it every now and then. Nice workaround.

 

Actually, the transponder doesn't have a battery and only functions when in/around the colunm. The remote keyless entry part of the regular keys do have a battery and are the ones that need to be rotated to keep them charged.

 

I used to own a car stereo/security shop. You can install the system in your MCS. It will take an additional key that is programed to the car. It will be permanently intalled close to the ignition switch (behind trim panels). The only problem you may have is finding a shop that will accept the liability of installing one on a manual transmission car (assuming yours is manual). The only way to install one is to bypass the clutch safety switch that will not allow the car to start without the clutch being fully depressed. You also would have to remember to leave the car in neutral all the time unless you want to have the car sitting in your kitchen for breakfast. Hope this helps.

 

The title of this thread is "Remote starter in MCSa". The 'a' is for Automatic. , I know I did, but I didn't mean to come off as an ***. So please don't take it that way.