I know this was discussed on the 'neath the bonnet page, but this board seems to get more readers. Has anyone with a Cooper had any problems after using a cell phone in their cars? I picked up Bertie last week, and there is a scary warning on the drivers side windshield about using cell phones without a mounted external antenna.

sdb

 

OK, I was going to let this one die (in the previous thread), but since it's come up again...

Now that I actually have my MINI, I've had the actual sticker to read. I think that it's important to read this warning utilizing some critical thinking skills... Note that the the mention of cell phones is included in a laundry list of items that includes alarms, radios, amps, and brake dust shields (i.e, not just RF interference items). Further, these items are then losely associated with another laundry list of possible consequences which includes "extensive damage" and interference with the safety of the vehicle. There is absolutely no direct logical connection made between any of these devices and any specific type of damage. It's all just general.

Point is, the sticker is really a general purpose warning against doing anything with your MINI that was not specifically thought of and designed by the engineers at BMW. Does this mean that these things (e.g., alarms, amps, cell phones, etc.) will directly damage your MINI? NO! What it actually means is that IF damage occurs -- and the lawyers and engineers at BMW cannot legally guarantee that "damage" cannot occur -- you have been warned. In short, this is classic cover your a-- legaliese.

Or put another way, the use of a cell phone w/o an external antenna is no more likely (ack to the sticker) to damage your MINI than the use of brake dust shields or non-MINI radios. None of these things are "authorized" by BMW, and thus BMW absolves itself -- via the sticker -- of all consequences (whatever they might be) related to their use.

Also note that this is the same sticker that warns you not to lock your pets and children in the car unattended. Perhaps this gives some sense of just how least common denominator CYA this warning is.

As has been pointed out extensively in the other thread, we'd best stick to basic common sense, sticker warnings or not...and that is don't talk on the phone and drive at the same time. To this, I might add...don't lock your kids in the car alone (no matter how attractive an idea that may seem at times )