I went to the dealership today to have the right rear handle release fixed. While I was there I asked them if they could auto up the driver side window. They could not, reading here on the site it is appearently illegal because it will not stop if something or someone is in the way of the window. I did however have the doors auto lock as I drive off. Growing up in Southern California you always lock your doors on the car, I've actually had people jump into the car thinking I was someone else. I like the fact that they lock as you drive off.

I forgot to ask about having the key thing done so the windows will all go up with the key. :???: When I take it in for its 10k I'll ask than.

 

That sounds like a useful feature! I plan on having my locks programmed to lock when i start drivin! I'm going to have my key programmed to open the windows when i hold the button down I'm so excited about getting my mini! I can't wait til i get it

 

You may be able to do the adjustments yourself. check your manual... at least for Chrysler products it's possible... It's like, turn the key off and on 4 times then push this then hold this and PRESTO! good luck. I downloaded my owners manual but coudn't find it, otherwise I'd checked myself...

 

I don't like driving with my doors locked...but maybe in my MCS I might have too if too many people bother me!

 

>>While I was there I asked them if they could auto up the driver side window. They could not, reading here on the site it is appearently illegal because it will not stop if something or someone is in the way of the window.


I'm not sure why this would be illegal for a MINI; when it is (evidently) NOT illegal for my 2000 VW Golf GTI (still in line for a MINI). On the Golf, if you push the window button past the detent, and then release, it will automatically open (or close) all the way (I just tried it, to verify). We just need to find some way to "inform" the dealers that this is a LEGITIMATE "option".

By the way (in case it matters), the Golf (and Mini-to-be) are both California cars.

Regarding the "auto-locking" of the doors; this is also a feature on the more recent Golf's. It actually works very unobtrusively. One nice feature that the MINI has (and the Golf doesn't), is that in case of an accident, the MINI doors automatically UNlock (and fuel pump shuts off, and "flashers" start up)... so people can get to you in the car after an accident (whether the doors were initially locked, or not).

...neat little car!

-DavidG

 

Other neat lock info about the MINI.
If you lock the doors with the remote, they can only be unlocked via the remote. (or by crashing the MINI of course) The interior unlock wont unlock remotely locked doors. So if someone breaks into your MINI with the intention of stealing it, they will have to crawl in and out through the window.

ps. there is no self programming of the MINI options. It's all done via the data port near the drivers legs. Perhaps someone soon will hack the MINI and we can program our own options.

 

>>>>While I was there I asked them if they could auto up the driver side window. They could not, reading here on the site it is appearently illegal because it will not stop if something or someone is in the way of the window.
>>
>>
>>I'm not sure why this would be illegal for a MINI; when it is (evidently) NOT illegal for my 2000 VW Golf GTI (still in line for a MINI). On the Golf, if you push the window button past the detent, and then release, it will automatically open (or close) all the way (I just tried it, to verify). We just need to find some way to "inform" the dealers that this is a LEGITIMATE "option".
>>


Does your Golf have sensors that stop the windows from closing if there is an obstruction? Our Lexus has auto close windows and sunroof, but they stop instantly if anything's in the way. My understanding is that the MINI doesn't have sensors, hence the auto close can't be offered.

 

>>
>>Does your Golf have sensors that stop the windows from closing if there is an >>obstruction? Our Lexus has auto close windows and sunroof, but they stop >>instantly if anything's in the way. My understanding is that the MINI doesn't >>have sensors, hence the auto close can't be offered.

This is the exact reason why it is not offered in the US. The MINI does not have a sensor that is required to stop the window incase of obstruction.

 

>>
>>Does your Golf have sensors that stop the windows from closing if there is an obstruction? Our Lexus has auto close windows and sunroof, but they stop instantly if anything's in the way. My understanding is that the MINI doesn't have sensors, hence the auto close can't be offered.


I "think" the Golf has sensors for this (haven't tried it, don't recall seeing it in the owners manual). Not sure why the MINI would omit these. Recall seeing that the MINI DID have this type of sensor in the sunroof.

-DavidG

 

I think it's called Pinch Protection in simple terms. I have it in my Infiniti, but I think the sensors are motor/pressure based. I tested them to make my wife laugh...still hurts a bit :???:

 

>>You may be able to do the adjustments yourself. check your manual... at least for Chrysler products it's possible... It's like, turn the key off and on 4 times then push this then hold this and PRESTO! good luck. I downloaded my owners manual but coudn't find it, otherwise I'd checked myself...
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The MINI is not a Chrysler product. These types of programming changes can only be made with the proper electronic scan tool.

As for the auto-up on the VW, yes VW cars with auto-up do have pinch protection. If something obstructs the windows or sunroof from closing, they will stop and reverse. Apparently the MINI does not have this for the windows, though it does for the sunroof.

 

So how loud is the auto lock? I have a Jetta now that automatically locks at 9 MPH and it's a pretty good "THUNK" and startles most passengers, I have had the car for 3 years and I never got used to it, but I know if i'm in a fender bender in a parking lot that I was going under or over 9 MPH.