I have an '04 MCS that is new to me. In fact it would be new to anyone, I got it with only 4,650 miles on it. It's brand new.

Anyways, I am curious, the manual refers to a auto close feature for the drivers window but I can't seem to get it to work.

Is this a feature that is has been turned off, if so the manual does not indicate it can be, like other electrical features, or I am just a "meat head"?

Here's what the manual says, and I quote;

"To close:
Press the switch upwards. (duh, okay, I got that figured out)

or

with the engine running:

Briefly press the switch upwards. The window closes automatically. Pressing the switch again stops the operation." (Ya, right!)

I know I am not the sharpest tool in the shed but it can't be that complicated.

Chris O

 

That feature is disabled in the US market. The excuse is "safety"...big surprise, huh?

Now, the good news.....

Go to www.gbmini.net and poke around a little. Ian (GBMINI) has invented a circuit that plugs right into the window circuit and lets you "double click" the up button for auto up windows. I ordered my MINI, and I ordered Ian's Auto Up circuit the next day....I had my first mod a few months before the car was delivered.

Rawhyde

PS Welcome to NAM and congrats on the car! Tell us more about it!

 

Ok, at least I'm not the only one w/ an '04 MCS who was wondering about the non-existant auto close feature.

I wonder if this is something that could be programmed in?

 

Well from what I read someplace was MC's are missing some pressure sensor in the windows that is required for an auto-up feature.

I've got one of Ian's circuits + AFF lights and I love both of them. It was a pain trying to drive around with a stick and rolling up the windows with the same hand.

So order one from Ian and the install is about 5 mins.

 

I cannot be programmed in as the unit is a bit different. As stated above, this is because of our lawsuit happy society. So, you will have to add another circuit to get this working. Ian's circuit is the one I use and TBH, it is the best!

 

The best way to solve this in the USA is to install Ian's AutoUp Circuit.http://www.gbmini.net/wp/auto-up_windows/ It is innexpensive and easy to install in less than 30 mims.

 

I'm surprised--I took a test drive in an '06, and it had it. As for not being in the US market due to safety concerns, my last three BMWs (starting with '94) have had it.

 

Just ordered a MCAW to make the windows and the DSC do what I want. From what I've read it's a great product, and looks well designed.

http://outmotoring.com/mcaw_mini_coo..._auto_up_.html

 

i have on 06 and it did not come with the auto-up feature.....so i got Ian's auto up (GBmini)

 

daffocildeb made me go out to my '06 and try it....



Something else to add to the "list".

 

Ians auto-up also happens to be a NAM sponsor ... it's the original, and less expensive (especially if you want track mode DSC as well!)


Thanks for all the kind words, everyone ... appreciated!

 

Not only does the auto-up circuit work wonderfully, it was designed by a Brit! I bought mine before I had my MINI too. Also have installed in a couple of friends' cars. Opening the garage with the toggle is just too cool.

 

i run the MCAW. works great. it's a must-have item for your MINI.

 

The website alludes to both windows having the auto up feature, is that correct?

Can I assume that the Auto Up circuit allows for Auto Down as well?

Thanks everyone, you have been very helpful.

ChrisO

 

Was the auto down feature for the windows introduced on later models or something? My '04 (11/03) has the auto down feature for both windows. Just not the auto up. :(

 

Yes

Yes


Nope - all MINIs have auto down. Only ones with Ian's Auto-up or the MCAW have auto up.

 

Ians circuit is fantastic - I bought my car used with the circuit already installed. Its real neat.

 

I guess I'm just a 'fraidy cat, but when I asked the service guys while picking up my new MINI, they did not recommend any addition that changes any onboard computer while under warranty. Any non-factory electronic that disables these computers and requires replacement costs at least $1500 for the parts plus install at BMW shop prices. I don't want to take the chance while under warranty. Later, I'm sure I will.

 

I wouldn't worry about your warranty. Ian's units have been installed in hundreds of cars without any failures. I didn't have it in my '02 MCS but had one ordered before I even received my new '06 MCS and it was the second modification that I made.

The first was my "LightInSight.com". Installed before I left the dealers lot. Tired of having a sore neck trying to see stop lights.

 

There are now nearly 1300 of my MINI circuit design installed, since back in early 2004!
I'm open and honest with feedback, including the couple where I made a manufacturing error and of course corrected it for the buyer at no cost to them.

Also, oldtrojan66, please note that my MINI circuit does NOT affect the MINIs computers in any way - its function is to mimic holding the window-close switch for a long enough time to close the window, after you double click the toggle.
The MINIs computer automatically cuts power when the window is fully closed, so there's no worry of stress to the motor either.

 

I'm the same way WRT warranty, thus I'm holding off on any real changes (like a pulley), just in case. (9 months to go...)
That said, because the auto-up is plug and play, and essentially just intercepts the signal and passes it on, I felt ok about it, and haven't had any issues with it.*
It really IS the way it should be from the factory. The whole 'raising the window while leaving a toll booth and trying to shift' scenario justifies it - and it's worth double if it's raining!
Don't know if he still does it, but Ian made a custom version for me (my friend) to use her non-existant ASC toggle to power the GDO (standard programming uses the lock/unlock toggle). He even sourced an extra toggle for me!
Disclosure: I have no financial interest, just a very happy customer.


*Ok, I admit there was one issue. Installed the Garage Door Opener version for a friend, and she subsequently ran her race bike into the garage, so hubby ripped out the GDO portion to eliminate any future bike/garage mind melding issues. Now she has to get out and open it manually. :impatient (note that the circuit was not at fault - she just forgot she had the bike on top.

 

Okay, I'm cool with that! No Offense intended. I figured the mechanics were just covering their behinds in front of the MA. They probably have the auto up installed as well! The item is on my wish list. As soon as my wallet recovers a little from the original purchase, I'll be there. Thanks for the replies.

 

I got one of these for x-mas. Took probably about 15 mins to do the complete install. Very easy. Well worth the money. The step-by-step instructions were very easy to follow.

 

Ian -- or anyone else who knows the answer -- just a couple (probably dumb) questions:

-- 1) You say above:
But your website states:

which made me think that I shouldn't use the auto-up to roll up a window that isn't fully open. So, can I close a partially open window with auto-up without fear of overworking the motor? Can I use it if only the driver's window is open without fear of overworking the passenger motor?

-- 2) If I get the AFF add-on, can I turn off the fogs manually after turning the headlights on? (in case I should want them off for whatever reason) . . . and I assume this won't affect my ability to turn on the fogs manually when I'm only using parking lights, right?
thanks

 

my take:
1) the two windows are on seperate circuits, so raising the drivers window does not affect the passenger window motor
2) Yes - the AFF just electronically flips the fog switch. You can turn them off at any time

Note: I'm not a fan of fogs on all the time - they're fog lights, not parking lights.