I PURCHASED A FULLY LOADED MINI EXCEPT FOR THE NAV SYSTEM,
ON SEP 20 FROM NEW YOURK AND NOW THE NEW MODELS HAVE OTHER LITTLE PROPS ON THEM WHETHER IT BE ELECTRICAL LIKE THE WINDOWS AND SUNROOF OPENING WITH THE KEY OR THE PLUGINS FOR MP3 PLAYERS AND SUCH,

MY QUESCHIN IS CAN MY MINI BE UPGRADED TO KEEP WITH THE TIMES, I DONT CARE THE COST REALLY I JUST NEED TO KNOW IF THE DEALER IS CAPABLE OF DOING THIS, REPROGRAMING THE MINI AND INSTALING NEW GADGETS ON THE OLD TO MAKE WITH THE NEW??

JUST WONDERING THANKS!!

 

I installed christmas lights on mine.....

 

HAHAHA!

HOHOHO!

 

Surely it depends on what modifications you are talking about. Add ons in the interior and exterior could probably be done on site but when it comes to playing with the cars internal computers, it might not be possible.

 

This is a good question.... I was wondering myself what type of possibility is available to upgrade the steering wheel to include cruise. I'm sure this can be done, but I don't know upgrading the comfort features, such as windows roll down by holding down the remote button ('03 models).

When I bought my MINI, I almost purchased a used '02 model, and asked my dealer which one he would buy - the costlier '03, or the budget '02. He couldn't answer, but he did say that with BMW, they always change things between model years, and never tell anyone about it. That is why he would probably go with the '03. So I took his advice, and bought my baby. Thank God for that, because after reading about all of the problems that the '02 model has had, and the added features on the '03, that I had no idea about, I made the best decision, without knowing half the information. Just think of how much will be improved on the '04!

 

I'm pretty sure the dealer can program the "opening windows and sunroof" from your remote in a couple of minutes. You wont be able to pop the boot latch with your remote anymore, though. (but why would you want to?)

 

Here's what I understand the dealer can program in:
--------
Your MINI center can provide you with details on the capabilities of the Vehicle Memory system.
Examples for Vehicle Memory:
>Signals an acknowledgement when locking or unlocking your vehicle
>Automatic locking after starting off
>Automatic unlocking when the parking brake is applied
>Selective central locking
First open the driver's door, then the whole car
>Automatic opening/closing of sliding/tilt sunroof
>Opening/closing windows and/or sliding/tilt sunroof via remote control
>Speed-dependent windshield wiper
>Automatic activation of windshield wipers on cleaning
>"Follow me home" lamps
Low beams light up for a short time after the engine has been switched off
>Locking when engine is running (with second key)
-------------
Haven't choosen mine yet, but will let the dealer know before the MCS arrives so it'll be done when I pick it up.

Owners: Is there a second key with the MINI?

 

>>Thank God for that, because after reading about all of the problems that the '02 model has had, and the added features on the '03, that I had no idea about, I made the best decision, without knowing half the information. Just think of how much will be improved on the '04!

Don't forget that some things are also removed - e.g., the rear power outlet in the boot.

 

Yes there is a second key.

The '02s came with only one programmable key/remote combo. I understand that both keys for the '03s come with the remote. (I think cost was adjusted accordingly upwards as well.)

 

Thanks. Good to know there's a 2nd remote, even if the $go up as our MINIs are the best value for the buck going?

 

Wow, of the list SMKKVK posted, I have had the following programmed (or it came with) on my Aug 2002 MCS:

YES>>Your MINI center can provide you with details on the capabilities of the Vehicle Memory system.
YES>>Examples for Vehicle Memory:
NO>>>Signals an acknowledgement when locking or unlocking your vehicle
YES>>>Automatic locking after starting off
NO>>>Automatic unlocking when the parking brake is applied
YES>>>Selective central locking
YES>>>Automatic opening/closing of sliding/tilt sunroof
YES>>>Opening/closing windows and/or sliding/tilt sunroof via remote control
YES>>>Speed-dependent windshield wiper
YES>>>Automatic activation of windshield wipers on cleaning
YES>>>"Follow me home" lamps (MINE ARE SET TO 90 SECONDS, BUT 40 IS AVAILABLE)
NO>>>Locking when engine is running (with second key)

And you forgot one that I also have had programmed. When the car is off, if you select "right" or "left" on the turn signal stalk it then lights up just that side of the car's parking lights. Very Euro. I just had to have it done.

R

_________________


2002 Darksilver/Black Cooper S
Pres, PDX MINI Cooper Club

 

And you forgot one that I also have had programmed. When the car is off, if you select "right" or "left" on the turn signal stalk it then lights up just that side of the car's parking lights. Very Euro. I just had to have it done.

-------------
Davbret-

Surely you jest as this advanced feature available on the MINIs big brother BMWs, can't be found on cars <$25k. Can we be so lucky?

SMKKVK

 

'tis true. Mine came with this feature enabled from the dealer. Others here have posted that theirs wasn't already enabled though, so it must indeed be programmable, not hardwired. Regardless - it most definitely available. :smile:

 

I have that feature on my MINI. If you have the car off and turn the turn signal left or right, it will light up that side. (no blinking) I don't know why anyone would want this though? Any ideas?

I first noticed it the very first day i drove to work. As I'm walking into my office, one of the secretaries said, "Hey your lights are still on." I looked and just saw that one little light on. I was like, What da? So I went out there, and flicked off the turn signal. Weird.

Anyways...I asked my dealer about a couple of the "comfort features" and this is what he told me. You cannot have your doors automatically unlock. That feature is not yet available. I wanted the MINI to beep at me when I locked it, and he said it is unable to do that as well. As for the boot "popping open" with the remote. He said that it was a poor translation by MINI, and that "pop open" only means "unlock".

 

The purpose for those lights is generally for parking on crowded/busy streets. It is supposed to help other parkers and drivers see your car better when maneuvering near it. You leave the side on that is near the moving traffic.

As for the rear boot latch release - it is a weeee-bit more than merely unlocking the hatch - it actually releases the hatch so that you can pull it open without squeezing the button. It is fully released, but not "Popped open." In other words, don't drive down the road after you've used the key to "pop the hatch" without fully closing it first.

 

I forget the specifics, but in the UK it's acutally a law (albeit one that nobody observes) to the effect that you're supposed to leave your "side lights" on when parking on a roadway with a speed limit in excess of 30MPH. I think this road rule was drawn up by the battery makers and/or tow truck operators.

 

FUnny thing happened to me. I picked my MCS up 2 hrs after it rolled off the truck at the dealer yet it was programmed already to my exact specifications. Even stranger, I never told anyone at MINI how I wanted it programmed. It was sort of like, it was somehow REALLY built just for me!