R50/53 Things You Didn't Know About Your MINI
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 8
From: Norfolk, VA
I don't think there's any particular need to rotate the keys out. The owner's manual says that the keys are recharged while being used, but if the battery in the key goes dead, that just means that the remote part won't work. so, you'd have to open the door manually, but as soon as you insert the key and start the car, the battery in the key will begin charging again.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 1
From: Indy
if you are in your garage working under the bonnet and need a little more light, turn on the xenons. an open bonnet angles them just enough forward off vertical to bounce off the ceiling and light up the engine almost like a shop light.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 1
From: Indy
also, if you share your car with somebody, you can tell at glance if its been driven recently by checking the exhaust tips. mine extend a good 2 inches as the exhaust heats up, then contract about an hour after being parked.
Coordinator :: Pitt Stop MINI
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,919
Likes: 1
From: Steelers Country
If your key is not in the ignition you should be parked and safely out of the way of any traffic - in the event of an emergency, use your flashers. 
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 552
Likes: 11
I don't think there's any particular need to rotate the keys out. The owner's manual says that the keys are recharged while being used, but if the battery in the key goes dead, that just means that the remote part won't work. so, you'd have to open the door manually, but as soon as you insert the key and start the car, the battery in the key will begin charging again.
Okay, back on topic.
I don't think there's any particular need to rotate the keys out. The owner's manual says that the keys are recharged while being used, but if the battery in the key goes dead, that just means that the remote part won't work. so, you'd have to open the door manually, but as soon as you insert the key and start the car, the battery in the key will begin charging again.
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
The key recharges its transmitter when it's in the ignition switch on 05 and newer.
The UNLOCK button when held in will roll down all the windows and open the sunroof unless it has been de-activated.
The glovebox is refrigerated.
When you initially turn on the headlights, they'll be on low beam regardless of how they were when last turned off. The foglights are likewise off.
The controls on the automatic A/C are shaped like the MINI wings.
The annoying self-locking doors can be de-activated.
Daytime running lights can be programmed on or off per the owner's wishes.
When you activate the defroster, the rear defroster comes on as well.
There is a "pull ring" tucked under the rear seat to open the boot if there is an electrical failure.
There is a little toolkit included with the MINI.
There is a little tool to manually close the sunroof in case of an electrical failure.
The interior lights (or any other accessory) switches off after 15 minutes with the key off to prevent killing the battery.
The brake lights don't work without the key in the ignition.
The radio may turn off when you turn the key off, but you can turn it right back on without the key in the ignition.
The rear parcel shelf is designed to rest right behind the front seats upside down when it is removed from it's normal place.
There is an emergency release for the fuel door in the portside storage cubby hole in the boot.
All wipers can be lifted off the windshields, and they'll stay in the up position to keep them from freezing to the glass.
If parked with auto wipers ON, they'll be OFF when you start the car the next time. You must turn them off then back on to use them. (In case the wipers freeze to the glass)
Are these the types of odd facts you were looking for?
Rawhyde
The UNLOCK button when held in will roll down all the windows and open the sunroof unless it has been de-activated.
The glovebox is refrigerated.
When you initially turn on the headlights, they'll be on low beam regardless of how they were when last turned off. The foglights are likewise off.
The controls on the automatic A/C are shaped like the MINI wings.
The annoying self-locking doors can be de-activated.
Daytime running lights can be programmed on or off per the owner's wishes.
When you activate the defroster, the rear defroster comes on as well.
There is a "pull ring" tucked under the rear seat to open the boot if there is an electrical failure.
There is a little toolkit included with the MINI.
There is a little tool to manually close the sunroof in case of an electrical failure.
The interior lights (or any other accessory) switches off after 15 minutes with the key off to prevent killing the battery.
The brake lights don't work without the key in the ignition.
The radio may turn off when you turn the key off, but you can turn it right back on without the key in the ignition.
The rear parcel shelf is designed to rest right behind the front seats upside down when it is removed from it's normal place.
There is an emergency release for the fuel door in the portside storage cubby hole in the boot.
All wipers can be lifted off the windshields, and they'll stay in the up position to keep them from freezing to the glass.
If parked with auto wipers ON, they'll be OFF when you start the car the next time. You must turn them off then back on to use them. (In case the wipers freeze to the glass)
Are these the types of odd facts you were looking for?
Rawhyde
This can only be done at the dealer.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Orlando. FL
My old car had a nice MP3 player in it. I got very used to it.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,966
Likes: 1
Because if you are parked at the side of the road, as in parked in front of your house, and someone is sitting in the car, they should be able to hit the brake when it looks like the idiot zig-zagging down the street is about to rear-end them.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Re: brake lights being a problem sans key in ignition - just use the hazards instead. In any case only the driver, who one assumes would have the key, can reach the brakes whereas pretty much anyone in the car can reach the hazards if needed to warn off someone, etc.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 3
From: Las Vegas
Because there is so much in there it is easy to forget...
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Trussville
I noticed several things over the weekend. The "pulls" on the inside of the hatch, as well as the glove box pull, are designed like the door pulls.
You can turn the clock on for a few seconds by pushing in that odometer reset rod. The car doesn't have to be on, and you don't need a key.
The head rests on the rear seats Actually extend upward. I've had folks in the back before, and never considered the headrests are naturally in the "down" position. It also delivers just a taste of the cabrio's rear view.
You can turn the clock on for a few seconds by pushing in that odometer reset rod. The car doesn't have to be on, and you don't need a key.
The head rests on the rear seats Actually extend upward. I've had folks in the back before, and never considered the headrests are naturally in the "down" position. It also delivers just a taste of the cabrio's rear view.
Neutral
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Headlamp washers
Jim 2004 MCS PrimeMINIster
