Sometimes, I'll be out in the driveway, notice that my MINI is unlocked and realize that my keys are inside.

If I open the driver's door and hit the lock toggle, it doesn't work. Of course, this is designed to prevent me from locking my keys in the car, but sometimes I want to over-ride this "feature".

Yesterday, I opened the passenger door, hit the lock toggle and it worked!

After almost 4 years, I am still learning new things about my MINI. . . .

 

When I'm traveling with passengers in the rear and shotgun, I've noticed that as I'm walking away I can't use my key to lock-up if the driver door is open, but it will work if the passenger door is the only one open.

 

You can use your key/remote to lock the car while the passenger door is the only open door -- but not while the driver door is the only open door. (Not only is this "feature" related to Yucca's observation, but it's also handy to know about when you're unloading groceries, laptop, books, etc. from the passenger side and wish to lock the MINI, put your key in your pocket, fill your arms, and then close the door with your butt, in that order. )

 

It also works with the boot. Close the drivers door, open the boot, hit the lock button, and there you go..

 

But it's hard to close the boot with your butt.

 

psh. short people.

 

Locking the car 'normally' using the remote or the driver's side door lock will engage the alarm system if you have it. Locking the doors from the inside via the passenger door open/toggle method locks the doors but does not engage the alarm, this is handy if you are transporting the car (with an alarm) and do not want the alarm being set off by car movement, yet still desire a locked car.

 

Ha! I'm 6'2" -- I can't imagine what kind of inseam corresponds to the driver who can close a MINI boot with her/his butt.

 

Piece of cake - I have a cabrio !!

B

 

 

Back to the original topic (locking the car without the key)... don't forget the lock button on top of the door! They are the only things that will lock the doors if the car loses power.

 

I'm not short, I'm "Vertically Challenged"!

 

I'm 5'2" so I'm "challenged" with you

 

I'm 5'3''. We're MINI-sized.

 

...and we're still "Actual Size"