My wife discovered something weird with her 08 Cooper.

She had her car running, turned it off, pushed and removed the key fob from the "ignition". Then she needed to start the car so she pushed the start button while her foot was on the brake and the car started, even though the key was in her hand.

We are able to replicate this by doing the following:

Put key in, start. Turn off, take key out, and start the car again. If you open the door between the taking out of the key and pressing the start button the car will not start.

Is this a known "feature"?

 

This is indeed a known feature.

 

So its a known feature for those without the comfort access? I paid extra, I don't want you guys getting it for free!!!

 

comfort access allows you to walk up to the car and open it without using a key, then sit down and start it without having to fiddle with the key at all. If you want to "authenticate" yourself by putting the key in the ignition every time, this process works from what I understand.

 

It works without comfort access as described. I have comfort access too, and it is way more useful than this "feature."

 

Love the Comfort Access. And to think this was the option I debated getting. I get confused when I drive my wife's car without CA.