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Really enjoying my new '04 Cooper S...awesome car!
One really annoying item, wondering if any one knows how to disable...is the noise/alarm that is made when the key is left in the ignition and the driver door is open. I know this a typical item on cars but for some reason on this car it's really annoying and loud. I'm not sure the point of this feature is anyway, I don't lock the car without the keys in my hand.
I seems the alarm/speaker is behind the stereo area, or somewhere under the driver side dash.
Easy, Don't leave the key in the ignition. Mine will usually stop if you pull the key hlf way out. it is the chip in the key fob that is doing it. If you place the black part of the key against the key hole it will start to ping even if the key is not inserted.
Charles
BRG/W MCS
bonnet stripes ,white wheels, sport package, sunroof, heated seats, Alta pulley, Alta intake
The alarm function is simply to warn you that you're getting out of the car with the key left in it which, of course, is a situation where you could lock the keys in the car and is an invitation to theft.
There may be a way to disable it, but it seems like the easiest solution is to simply remove the key when you leave the car - it's really a pretty good habit anyway.
Stupid question I guess...I understand the point of the alert and that removing the key stops it.
I just like leaving the keys in my cars when they're parked in the garage. Also when I'm cleaning the interior, or taking stuff out of the car, need to remove the key to shut up the car, etc. I just keep finding myself in situations where I need to remove the key but don't want to.
Guess I'm used to my older sports cars that don't have all the electronic crap. Will just change my habits...nevermind and thanks!
Try leaving the key in position 1, that should stop it, alternatively the 'gong show' can be disabled by your dealer. I would advise against disconnecting it, as it has other functions which might be disrupted if the circuit is broken
I've been closing the driver door and working from other angles just to avoid the noise. Why do I have to have my keys in my pocket all the time? I agree. The noise has got to go. I have absolutely NO chance of locking the key in the car. The frickin dealer has to do a song and dance just to lock it in there.
I thought the 2004 models auto-lock after two minutes of no activity? Or does that only happen when the keys are not in the ignition? (pulling it halfway out should not stop it from locking though..)
No...the autolock doesn't work exactly like that. Two scenarios:
1. Leave key in ignition after driving, leave the car. Car *does not* autolock.
2. Leave the car with the key, lock the doors with the remote, then unlock the doors again with the remote. If you do not open the doors within 2 minutes the doors *do* autolock.
Not sure what the point is of that but that is what I've observed. I guess maybe when walking away from the car you could accidentally hit unlock instead of lock, then when the doors are not opened it does the 2 minute lock to be safe.
So pulling the key halfway out or leaving it in doesn't matter. Also regarding pulling they key halfway out to stop the noise, doesn't work well for me...I have to have the key out about 9/10th's out to get out of range of the sensor...so far that it almost falls out.
GMINI - we're on the same page here...I can't stand the noise and like to leave my key in the car.
Goonery's suggestion about having the dealer disable it may be best if they can actually do it through the computer...I wonder if that is actually possible...if I don't find a solution before the first trip back to the dealer I'll ask them about it.
You basically said the point of autolocking. You lock the car, then accidently unlock it. It locks for you. Also useful if you have the key in the house and hit unlock accidently (or someone else does), you don't need to go running to the garage or street and check that its locked.
Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.
Yeah...I guess I don't care much for all these features that assume I'm a moron. Lock the doors for me in case I screw up, sound an alarm when I leave the key in the car, etc...
It doesn't imply you're a moron, more of implies someone might be. Like if you have kids and they play with your keys. Or something hits your keys in your pocket, etc. But I get your point. I think autolocking can be unprogrammed, and hopefully (not that I mind it, but choice is good) key in ingition warning can be as well. I think of the nice features of the MINI is its programming. Most cars in the price range and below would just subject you to whatever they decided was best without any choice.
Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.
I seem to recall that the key alarm noise was programmable on the 2003's. Maybe the dealer can disable it for you. This is the "option" the dealer gave me on the pre-delivery checklist:
"-Leaving key in ignition will cause speakers to ding"
I don't see any purpose to leaving the key in the ignition ... in the old days I always removed the door dinger because I liked to listen to the radio while cleaning and vacuuming the car out, but the MINI doesn't require a key for radio usage (though I wish I could disable to auto off after 20 minutes)
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Key in ignition, ding!ding!ding! make it stop! 
Early is on time; 
