Hello all!

I am currently in Iraq and ordering my new JCW. I am stuck on the option of the Comfort Access System. From what I've read here and at miniusa.com, it is basically a keyfob that will unlock your doors from a distance and allow you to run the engine without inserting the key.

This sounds nice and all, but is that really worth the extra $500? What do the non-CAS keys do versus what the CAS does? I have a 04 MCS Monte Carlo and it just has the giant key(s). It has the lock and unlock on it. The windows go down/up if you hit the fob the correct number of times. This is pretty much all I need. Do you need the CAS on th newer Mini to get this or does the standard keyfob handle this? Thanks!

 

The standard remote keyfob has the functions you described. You can use it to lock / unlock the doors, and also roll-down all the windows and pop the sunroof, if you have one. You can also open the hatch / rear doors. You must put the keyfob into the dash to start the car. I do not have Comfort Access, it wasn't worth it to me.
I don't consider pressing a button to open the doors to be that big a deal, and putting the fob in the dash slot doesn't really present any issues, either.

 

Comfort Access system allows you to open the locked door of your car by pushing a button on your door handle, and then enter your car & start the car without putting the key fab into the slot on your Mini. And the remote has functional buttons that allow you to lock & unlock (or arm & disarm if alarm is present) your car at a distance. Although, before I had keyless entry system on a vehicle, I felt it was a waste & unnecessarily complication of electronics, but after living with one for years (my MCS is my second one with the comfort access), I don't think I would ever buy a car without it

 

I don't know...I just cannot see the justification in $500 just so I don't have to stick my hand in my pocket. As long as the normal keyfob locks/unlocks and can still roll windows (and sunroof) it just seems silly. Having been a cop, one of the things we always teach people is to have something in their hands when approaching their vehicle. This gives you more force and an object with which to inflict pain (keys, multiple, are the best...stick one key out between each finger, you can open a door AND someone's face).

Anyone else want to try and sell me this option? I've got another 12 hours before they send off my order!

 

It is my favorite feature. I never have to search my pants/jacket pockets to see what I did with the key. It has really lowered my stress level during winter when I usually have about 10 different pockets. My next favorite is the bluetooth integration. My phone connects even if it is in my pocket. I don't have to worry about anything.

 

Believe it or not....

I am not with the digital revolution. I have a GOV cell when stateside and an old fashioned, non-bluetooth capable cell phone. Working for the fed makes me want to be able to be not found as much as possible.

I usually travel light in the pockets too. My keys, cell(s), pocket knife and another unnamed weapon are about it. The only thing I am ever getting into with regards to my pockets IS my keys.

What happens if you're like me and things like to jump out of your pockets whilst sitting in your Mini a lot? You get up and get out of your vehicle, the vehicle is then unlocked and the keys are in it leaving someone to only walk up and push the start button. What about jammers and what not also? Can someone roll by your house with a $150 Radio Shack built scanner, pick up your freq and start your car when you're not around?

 

I choose the CAS as well. For starters, it came as part of the conv package which had some other options i wanted. Also, something Ive done a million times will never happen to me again. Realize i need to get back in the house after i started the car, at which point my options would be either turn car off right away (bad) or fiddle with those annoying metal key rings in an attempt to remove the house key from said ring all the while not turning the car key killing the engine.
You guys may not understand how happy i am to not have this situation present itself again. Thank you CAS and the zen of keeping my keys fastened in my tote.

 

I'm playing devil's advocate here, so don't let this come off as me being a jerk. Just trying to make sure I'm spending my money wisely...

The "I locked something in the house issue" is resolved because I threw this at the Mini dealer last time I bought a car and she gave me two of those fancy little Mini key rings with the plastic buckle that allow you to just unsnap one chunk of the keys from the other.

 

I have it, and I like it. Have it on an Audi A8L as well (for 3 years). I'd get it again if available on any car. It IS a convenience though, not a necessity.

If your budget won't allow it, you'll be just fine without, don't sweat that.

OT: are you where you are as a US service person? If so, thank you for your service to our country. If not, no biggie, just wondered.

Good luck with your order!

 

Well, for what it's worth, I love the comfort access. I do think it makes things more convenient for the female MINI owner since we tend to lose our keys in our huge, overly crowded handbags. I love it when my arms are full and I am walking through a large parking lot and know I will be able to slip quickly and safely into my car without fumbling around for keys.
I don't think that either having the CAS vs not having it is going to ruin your enjoyment of your JCW.

 

Another benefit of Comfort Access is that you can NEVER lock your keys in the car.

 

Very happy with the standard key/fob. No batteries to replace (charges in its slot).

I also have the 'plastic buckle' for 'other keys' but you can stop, remove and restart before opening door,
if you want to walk away with the key/fob and leave your locked car running.

Only danger of locking key inside would be if you had the car locked and opened boot with key/fob
and then dropped it inside and closed the boot, CA would not allow that to happen.

 

the CA remote needs replacement batteries? It doesn't charge in its slot?

omg, that has happened to me before in my bimmer. It wasn't pretty, I was camping at the time.

 

no it charges in its slot also

 

how would you go about locking your keys in your car? if the keys are in your pocket, then you can't. if they are in the ignition and you get out, the door automatically unlocks. you cannot lock the door manually while it is open (i.e. in my old Mustang, you could press the little **** that protrudes up out of the door sill while the door was open and lock it accidentally). the only thing I can think of is in the boot....but then, where is your spare and to open the boot, you had to unlock the vehicle anyways and if I remember correctly, you cannot lock it again until the boot is down...and the key(s) are in your hand.

 

With the car locked, you can open the boot. The boot pops up with it still locked, so if you accidentally drop your keys in there and close the boot, you're S.O.O.L. This may happen if you don't have pockets and you need a place to put your keys. It's been ingrained in me now to unlock the car first before opening the boot. This is the main reason why I opted for the Comfort Access.

 

I have it and love it but another bad flaw to it is that you can drive off and leave your key sitting behind if you don't notice the one warning it gives you when you take off. Then when you reach your destination you can't lock it or drive home.

 

Fob with Convenience Access has a replaceable battery. Standard fob charges in the slot.
If you can access the owners manual online then it breaks down all the differences for you.

 

I hear what you're saying loud and clear. Perhaps you should reconsider getting any new car. The comfort access is one thing but all new cars >2008 are required, by US law, to have Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_pr...itoring_system Radio frequency (RF) technology employed in some TPMS, is used by the sensors to transmit air pressure. It may also optionally provide vehicle movement, temperature and battery health data. All of this is provided without encryption, together with a unique ID. This data can be intercepted by directional antennas and, potentially, speed measuring systems to recognize passing vehicles. The ID is stored by the manufacturer with the effect that it can be traced to the buyer of the vehicle. The unique ID could also be abused by governments, criminals, or others to track specific vehicles or target them for physical harm.

 

You're kidding, right?

 

This is what I did to keep key in pocket.

 

No, I'm dead serious. I'd like to hear what jsmith6 thinks. He works for the fed.

(and when we said fed I assume he didn't mean Federal Reserve which isn't a government entity at all)

 

jsmith6 thank you for your service to our country. I wish you a safe and speedy return home. Good luck with Minimalistic...have fun with your new Mini..

 

Pretty funny, I got a good laugh from that post..good stuff