You know those old slasher films with Jason and Michael Myers where the victims are always fumbling for the darn keys trying to get away and they never do? Well, the comfort access keys are the key to getting away from them. Get in, press the darn button, and run them over. Those victims shoulda had a MINI. :P

 

completely hands free cell phone communication.

someone calls you, the stereo mutes, you hear the ring over the speakers, caller ID shows up on the radio readout, press the answer button on the steering wheel and start talking. microphone in car picks up your voice, their voice comes over the radio speakers.

I haven't tested it but I think you can make outbound calls hands free too.

maybe someone else can shed light on how that works.

 

Outbound, hands-free, calls are made with voice recognition ("call home", etc.), or by using the multi-function steering wheel to scroll through your phone book. In some jurisdictions, e.g., all of NY State, it is illegal to use a phone while driving unless it is done hands-free. An alternative is to have a headset connected to the phone with a wire, but the advantage of Bluetooth is that it gets rid of the wire...nothing to get tangled up on the turn direction stalk or gear shift. After-market Bluetooth units are available, as well as the factory kit, and integrate with the radio system, so that you get rid of the headset, too.

 

Ok, so I did the right thing not ordering it. My cellphone does not have Bluetooth, so it would be a waste of money for me. Phew. Had me worried there fer a minute.

 

There's a Hammer and Coop episode in there someplace, I'm sure of it!

Actually, I guess it kind of WAS in episode 2!

 

As I understand it, keep your Bluetooth capable phone in your pocket (or connect it to the charger in the arm rest) and the MINI recognizes your phone. When a call comes in you can answer it with the controls on the MFSW or by voice control. So, you have hands-free phone use.

Anyone see the Mythbusters episode where they tested whether cel phone use in a car degraded one's driving ability? IIRC, they found that a conversation where you had to think about what you were saying was just about as bad as being legally drunk. Something to consider.

 

I contemplated going for the comfort access but decided against it in the end. Although 'very cool' (and those were the words of the salesman when I was placing my order!), I didn't like the idea of the car unlocking and being in a position to start when I was somewhere near it. Maybe I'm paranoid but I don't want anyone jumping in it and driving off without the need for a key! Also I think I would start to suffer from OCD as I'd be constantly wanting to check that the car had actually locked after I'd walked away. I like to know that it has locked when I've pressed the button on the remote

 

I dunno if the Mini does this, but my Lexus has a panic button on the fob. If someone tried to car jack me and tosses me out, all I have to do is press the panic button and the car simply stops where it is at. Engines dies, the brakes apply, and the security system blares loud and long.

It works as long as the car is within 100 feet of the fob, and the fob battery is in good shape.

I like that a lot.

 

But if they run you over in it you won't be able to press the panic button

Think I'd rather not know if the Mini does this as I'd be annoyed for not getting it if it does

 

I doubt the Mini system would do that, but even it does not do that, simply having the key with you means those clowns are not going to get very far. As soon as they turn off the engine, that is the end of it.

My insurance company gave me a break on my rates for the system on the Lexus. They told me I would get a break on the Mini as well if I got that option. So in the long run, the option can pay for itself.

 

Damn it, never even thought of that. Now I am annoyed!

 

So, you are within 100 ft. of the car and there is a carjacker with adrenalin pouring through his veins. You have just thwarted him. He is either going to run for it, come over and beat you senseless, or pop you with a 9mm. What odds do you put on those possibilities and would you really want to play them?

 

Thanks Robin, I feel better again now!

I personally would rather be in control myself of when my car opens/locks etc. rather than have it done automatically. Guess that makes me a control freak!

I agree though, I wouldn't want to seriously p**s off a carjacker who thought they'd just got away with a shiny new MCS.

 

If the guy has a gun, he will be waving it in my face when he jacks the car. I just let him go. He does not have the fob, so he will be long out of range of doing me harm when he realizes he cannot restart the car.

Either way, I pay less for my car insurance.

Ya know, I was apprehensive when I first got it with my Lexus. It was not an option on the Lexus, so I bit the bullet. After a couple of weeks, I really could not find any fault with the system and the first time I had to walk out to the car with an arm full of crap and not have to find a key to open the door was when I realized this option is a damn good one!

 

For what its worth, the other day I my purse was on the floor of the garage (with the key in it) maybe 2FT away from the car at most and the car would not open. Until I had the key right up to the door practically, it would not open. That did make me feel better about it because the thought of someone getting into my car has crossed my mind before. Now, no worries!

Amy

 

We were talking about your liking the option where you push the button and the car stops. That's that one that puts you near the frustrated carjacker.

As for restarting the car, he drives straight to a chop shop. Not an overwhelming need to restart it there.

 

A couple of things-

The car will not start unless the fob is inside the car. You cannot start the car with a key from the outside, you can only unlock the car with a fob on the outside.

The car does not automatically lock when you walk away. You must press the button on the outside door handle to lock the car.

It would not be possible for someone to steal the car with you outside the car.

 

I got the Comfort access key, but not the whole package. I usually carry a day pack or soft brief case, depending if I'm at work or at play. The key will be in whichever one I am using. I foresee this as being very nice. The reality will set in when the car makes its way from the port of entry--where it arrived today--to Albuquerque, quickly, I hope.

I dislike pocket clutter, so this option is one small step in its reduction. Most of the things I ordered on my car have to do with performance or safety: LSD, Sport suspension, auto dimming mirror, xenon lights, etc. So, I felt that this one little indulgence was justified. I try to look at the cost as .02 percent of the total cost, not as $500.

The MCS is the closest thing I've ever had to a luxury car, and I've been driving for 51 years, so I deserve one little bit of coddling, I think. My current car is a 1987 model with 214,000 miles, so I didn't have to work too hard to convince myself that a bit of indulgence was warranted. Oh, I also got the climate control, but mostly because I have nasty allergies and wanted the improved filtration, etc.

Mostly what I want is for the car to be here!

cheers,

Joe Stephenson

 

Your heart rate shoots through the roof

You stare at the number trying to remember WTF that number belongs to....

Yep. Voice control or manual dialing off the radio. Haven't done it enough to remember how to relate it.

 

To All,

I would like to thank everyone for having the time to answer/ voice opinion to my question on Comfort Access key.

I decided not to include it in my order.

Regards,

ejkd

 

That's interesting, there seemed to be more for it than against. Any particular reason why you chose not to have it?

 

I am having the difficulty to accept that I should pay $500 for a "cool" key.

 

I agree.

 

That's justifiable Joe. I am with you.

 

Hey Joe , enjoy your car, you have earned it..