Hi. I've recently bought a 2nd hand MCS and it came with 2 keys, one with the remote lock/unlock and the other just a manual key. The wife just tried to unlock the car with the manual key and this set the alarm off :-( turning the ignition on cancels the alarm OK, and after a few tests, it's clear that the unlock doesn't triger the alarm, it goes off only when the door is opened. Timing isn't a factor: I can unlock, open and jump in all in one move and start the ignition asap - doesn't matter, the alarm still goes as soon as the door is opened.

I've double checked with the main key, and it does the exact ame if used manually rather than with the remote.

I've seen other threads on here that discuss this issue, and concensus seems to be that there is a chip in the driver side footwell that controls the alarm/remote etc. which is prone to failing and producing such symptoms.

The reason for my post is that I have a 3 month "warranty wise" warranty (the one with Quentin Wilson's ugly mug plastered all over it) and it covers "alarm control unit". I'm hoping therefore that I could get this seen to under the warranty if I wish. However I've also read horror stories about malfunctions on some cars which cause the car to randomly unlock and/or the windows to open when it's parked.

Currently my car has no such problems, and I'd hate to get the alarm system sorted only to find I start getting these random unlocks etc.

Any advice on (a) whether the warranty will actually pay out if an new chip was required and (b) how likely it is that a new chip may introduce such random unlocks etc. - I'm hoping that whatever caused these has long since been diagnosed and new chips run better firmware ...

the alarm is meant to go off when ther door is opened with the key..

wow. I'm sure you are right but that sounds plain dumb on the part of BMW to me. Didn't they envisage shared use of the car between two keyholders?

If you lock the car with the alarm fob, then your wife opens the door with the manual key, of course the alarm will go off!

You'll need to buy another alarm fob I'm afraid. ;)

Thanks. I assume that would require a trip to a main dealer (i.e. no way to order online)?

Will they only sell you a whole new integrated key+alarm or is there an option to buy just an extra remote alarm control? and, what's the sballpark cost in either case?

Sorry for all the naive questions, still finding my feet in the modern world after 15 years with my previous car, so everything is a bit new/different to me at present!

1st(supercharger) or 2nd gen mini(turbo)

you just buy another to add to the car..these fobs also contain an immobiliser chip..

my ex partners car(saab) was exactly the same open the door with hard key alarm would go off..

1st(supercharger) or 2nd gen mini(turbo)


not sure if that's a question directed at me? its a 1st gen (2003) Cooper S works. Anyway, thanks a lot for clearing up my confusion. The manufacturers are laughing all the way to the bank as I can only assume many (most?) owners fork out for an "extra" remote key unless they are the sole driver.

Or maybe it's actually a hidden benefit - good excuse to keep the wife away from my 197 bhp of fun ;-)

I don't think i would go to the expense of buying another key, i do see your point, with our old car we both had a key on our keyring for the car, now we have just got into the habit of leaving the key in a drawer, although our wee mini one only has the immobiliser and not the alarm but we are both far to lazy to stick in the key and turn it every time! ;)

Imagen you had a separate alarm fitted with a separate remote on your keychain, you would have to turn it off before opening the door.....right? its the same if the fob is built into your key

I see your point, but I'd wrongly assumed that the chip inside the non-remote key would be capable of turning off the alarm when it unlocked the door (just as it does when it's used to turn on the ignition). I understand my mistake now but still think its utterly pointless to issue the non-remote key as it's effe tively useless other than in emergency? Anyway; thanks to all for your help, I'll contact a dealer to get a quote for a 2nd remote key.