I was doing some reasearch on the factory alarm features and came accross a post on the Bridger.us/Mini site that mentioned a factory engine start for the Mini. I could not find any other info on it on that site or this one but I am assuming it is some type remote start unit.

Has anybody heard of this and know any more info on it?

 

Not for the Mini itself, but I had remote start. Was cool for about a year and died. Fun while it lasted, contributed in many devilish jokes. My brother in-law works on cars day in and out and dismisses them completely.

 

Yeah, I know about the aftermarket ones. I have one on my other car. I am getting ready to have one installed on the Mini but then I saw that post on Bridger.us.

I would not be surprised if there is a factory remote start for the car but it is only availabe outside the US since we all know how "sue happy" this country is. But it would be nice to have all factory components.

 

With the high percentage of manual MINIs, I doubt that a factory remote starter is likely. Remember, with a manual, you have to have the clutch engaged to start the car. Difficult to do from your office.

 

The clutch switch can be bypassed quite easily. It is just a matter of knowing where the wires for it are located.

 

A friend of mine has a 1996 Prelude with a stick AND remote start, you just have to fool it to think that the clutch is in. It also has inputs to verify the doors are closed, parking brake on, and transmission is in neutral (how it does this, no idea).

Although I've asked around, few shops will install this because of the liability

 

Although I know a shop that would install one for me (they did it on my M3 which is a manual) I am strongly considering installing one myself. They are not that hard to install, I know where the wires are located, and from what I have been told by professional installers, the Mini interior comes apart and goes back together again fairly easy compared to most cars.

 

Remote starters are cool. But only if you don't plan to keep the car.

Letting a car warm up by idling for long periods is the worst thing you can do for an engine.

Regards,
Red

 

Owners manual states that you should not warm up the car while stationary but should drive off immediately. As a result, remote starters are not recommended by the maunfacturer. Beware of invalidating your warranty with one!