I just finished installing the F2P (Flash2Pass) Garage Door Opener I purchased from ProMini on my '05 MCS. Installs real quick and clean. Just clip 2 leads from the sending unit into the headlight high beam leads (Brown (-) and Yellow with a green or blue trace (+), depending on which side you're mounting it.) using the included connectors. Then I ty-wrapped the sending unit to the underside of the bonnet, and replaced the garage wall mounted push button with the receiver in the kit. I putzed with this install but could easily do another one in 20 minutes or so. Now instead of carrying the visor remote I simply flick the headlight stick twice (flash to pass feature) and the door opens (or closes).
That system looks cool, but I don't like the idea of tapping into my headlight wiring as I'd hate to void the warranty on my Xenons (and since you have to cut into the headlamp wites to install it, the dealer would be able to tell even if you removed it later on). For this reason, I prefer Ian's MINI Circuit. It has a really nice provision for hooking a garage door opener up to the circuit which is then activated using the lock/unlock toggle switch on your MINI. It doesn't require cutting (or tapping into) any wires in the MINI and you get the really nice auto-up window feature to boot.
Not to mention that Ian's circuit is half the price of the ProMINI one and it only takes something like 5 minutes to install (it's plug-and-play).
Interesting. Couple of comments. You don't cut the headlight leads, you use 2 supplied insulation displacement connectors that just pierce the insulation and leaves the core intact. Same type of connector used for trailer light kits,etc. If you were to remove the connectors it'd take a pretty close examination to detect the slit in the insulation. This is the same method used, as I understand, to hook up some of the aftermarket driving lights. You don't tap into the Xenons as they're the low beams. Also, the F2P can be readily removed and put onto any other vehicle with the flash to pass feature (pretty universal).
In regards to simplicity of install, after reviewing the link you supplied I believe the F2P is a easier install. You can install it with 2 tools, a screwdriver to replace the push button (typically door bell style) switch on your garage wall (2 low voltage leads) and a pair of pliers to make the insulation displacement hook-up to the 2 headlight leads. After reviewing the link you supplied I really believe the F2P is much less intense (no breaking into the remote or soldering - you no longer need to use the remote but it remains functinal). Really can't see where there's less warranty exposure. Also (and this is no knock to the IAN product), with F2P you're buying an established product from a company publicly marketing products through a number of channels. IMHO.
First, as regards "buying an established product" more than 350 MINI circuits have been sold. You can buy rubbish from big companies and you can buy great product from individuals. My circuit design uses experience from 20 years of electronics design, including numbers of designs going into similar but more demanding industrial electric vehicle products ...
But anyway - more importantly:
Second, this F2P product appears to include the garage opener transmitter. My MINI circuit piggy backs to an opener that you must own already.
NOTE:
I saw this F2P thread yesterday and thought it very cool. I added a link to it on my MINI circuit pages because I think for someone that wants to open their garage, it is a good solution. I am personally not keen on "scotchloks" to splice into wiring because I have found them unreliable in the past - but in this case that would just mean the opener would no longer work.
I also agree with desjo that installation is easy, and in the unfortunate event that a headlight happened to fail it is not difficult to remove everything.
Ian C. Gloucester, MA, USA (UK expat) driving GPMINI or a non-MINI!
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
F2P Garage Opener 
