They don't have the 2008 owner's manual at the owner's lounge, so I'm reading the 2007 version for the Cooper Hardtop, so I'm prepared to get in and go when I take delivery. This section seems strange:

Installation and operation of non-MINI approved accessories such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones, including operation of any mobile phone from within the vehicle without using an externally mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment, for instance, CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radio or similar accessories, may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical system or affect the validity of the MINI Limited Warranty.

Does this mean they can void the warranty if you use a cell phone in the car? That doesn't seem right...

 

Wow--didn't read that! I certainly use a cell phone in my car (non-Bluetooth), and also use the little radios that are so common on drives and rallies. They're called FRS radios--they're similar to walkie-talkies except that any number can be on the channel (there are lots of channels and subchannels) and they've got a much greater range. Never had a hint of a problem.

Oh, yeah--forgot about that other "necessary" driving accessory. Saved my derriere the other day...

 

I use a cell phone with a head set and a radar detector. They my say it voids the warranty but it won't hold up in court.

 

Oh, yeah--forgot about that other "necessary" piece of equipment. Saved my derriere the other day...

 

pretty hard to prove.

 

IMO that's a joke. Think about it: they sold me a BT package and the MA paired my phone on delivery and there are instructions in the owners manual on how to operate the phone from within the car. Then they say to operate a cellphone from within the car could mess up the car's electronics and void the warranty? Case closed. It's like telling you to turn off you phone in airplanes and hospitals. A joke. If it could EVER interfere with the plane's electronics (and it's well known that it cannot) they'd search you and take your cellphone upon boarding. In hospitals docs all use them and everybody knows it. Come on!