My motoring advisor just called suggesting to add an alarm. They said that the car does not have a passive ignition cutoff/etc by default, and it only comes with the $399 alarm.

I seem to remember that the ignition cutoff was standard with the car. Does anyone have any further information. Also, do people typically have an alarm in the car?

Thanks in advance
my2003mini

PS will be picking up my Cooper on Monday

 

Alarms are confusing! I'm getting LoJack on my car and when I asked my MA about an alarm he said A) There is no reason to have it(refering to my lojack, I guess) and B) Mini is going to discontinue the factory installed alarm. This was back in November, so I'm sure his info is probably a little off(I learn way more here than at the dealership). If this info is true though, I don't see how ignition cutoff could not be standard on the car.

Living in NYC I'm no fan of annoying alarms, but I don't see how lojack would keep some jerk from trying to rip off my xenon's or just busting a window or something.

 

All MINI's come standard with an engine immobilizer (at least in US, don't know about other locations), wether an alarm is installed or not!
I chose to get the dealer-installed alarm option for which 03 MINI's are pre-wired. In addition to the engine immobilizer, this alarm has the following features:
door, boot and bonnet opening sensors will trigger alarm. Tilt sensor will trigger alarm when car is moved (I tested this inadvertently on a car ferry). Interior space is protected by ultrasonic sensor. This will set off alarm if e.g. windows are left open and someone reaches inside without opening doors.
Anyway, even without the optional alarm, your car should have the engine immobilizer.

 

As MG-BBT mentioned, I think the engine "cut-off" is standard. I had the MINI alarm installed after-the-fact for added security. Maybe I'm just paying for a blinking red light, but I'm still happy to have it.

 

I thought the alarm was a bit more than $399. I will have to check with my dealer.

Is it factory or dealer installed?