just ordered a car last week and the factory alarm was not available yet. does anybody know if these cars are harder to steal with the new press start key. any info you can share? also do we now have to pay labor if we want a MINI alarm just because it was not available as a factory option?

 

I don't think the new ones are any harder to steal, but as the R53 requires the chip which matches the ECU, they are pretty tough to ******. I haven't heard of one being stolen without the key.
I got it more for piece of mind for the contents and wheels vs. the entire car.

AFAIK, you'll need to get the alarm installed post-factory - that's how it was with the R53 anyway. Note that when you go into the accessories area, there is a disclaimer that states none of the prices include installation.

The R53 alarm was completely plug and play, though it did need to be coded by the dealer. Given the stock light on top of the tach, install should be even easier.

 

I've never heard of an r53 being stolen without the key or a tow truck, so I'd say it isn't any harder to steal.

 

Was there an ID chip in the old key? In new cars with non-keys I imagine most will not start the engine without a recognized key or some reprogramming.

 

If the only reason you are thinking of buying an alarm is to keep your MINI from being stolen, save your money and do a mod or something.

 

I am thinking about getting the alarm installed so that the pre-existing lights will have something to do and also, because sometimes I like to keep my windows open and the interior sensors will give added protection. Okay, the first reason may be dumb, but it isn't the only reason.

 

yes

 

Mine came fitted from the factory so I can only assume that the US version is different.