Auto Closing Windows

[chaincooperS]

So I'm riding in my friend's brand new 2005 Jetta and her windows have the auto-up feature in addition to the auto-down feature. Because car manufacturers are trying to avoid litigation, this feature is not on many cars, and presumably this is the reason why its not on our MINI's. But here it is on a 2005 Jetta, presumably governed by the same regulations as our cars.... This is the one feature I wish I had, and I am not comfortable throwing in an aftermarket circuit to defeat the factory system.

Thoughts anyone?

[Kaelaria]

Welcome to the club. One of the features the MINI REALLY should have from the factory

[Sooperlids]

Was just getting wound up by my new Mini windows this weekend.

Even my Vauxhall Astravan windows go up & down without me holding onto the button. Can't remember ever having a vehicle with electric windows that don't go up & down automatically

[fred3]

but for standard transmission it'd be nice to have. Especially since I don't have kids to get trapped in them.

[chaincooperS]

My thought was - I have a manual transmission, I have no kids or dogs sticking their appendages out my windows, I'd like my windows to go up with one touch... Oh well...

[jwardell]

Quote: Originally Posted by chaincooperS

I am not comfortable throwing in an aftermarket circuit to defeat the factory system.

Ian makes these right up in Gloucester. All they do is electrically hold the switch for you, they do not defeat or modify any factory system. If you are afraid of the install, I would be glad to do it for you! Or if you would like you can have a look at mine too.

[chaincooperS]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

Ian makes these right up in Gloucester. All they do is electrically hold the switch for you, they do not defeat or modify any factory system. If you are afraid of the install, I would be glad to do it for you! Or if you would like you can have a look at mine too.

I am not afraid of the install - I'd just rather not disturb my brand new dash and risk rattles later. Do you have a link to some photos of the install? I seem to remember there being a page with this on it...

[asterix2112]

My Jeep Liberty is the same way, auto down but not auto up. So the MINI is not the only car. Damn, I was hoping my MINI would have the auto up too...

- John

[jwardell]

I see you just got your MINI (congrats!) the install is slightly different for 05s in that apparently the space is a little tighter so those with large hands can't simply plug it right in. Ian says he just quickly removes the downtubes but still only takes a few minutes.

There are photos on his web site, this one from someone who did manage to get it in without removing anything:
http://www.gbmini.net/gallery/MINIci...install?full=1
And this from someone who did remove the downtubes:
http://www.gbmini.net/gallery/MINIci...yOfRoom2005_1s

Send Ian an email if you like. Don't worry about disturbing the dash, any dash rattles you read about are from deep within and don't seem to exist on 04s & 05s. The dash doesn't use the rattly plastic clips like many other parts of the car.

[chaincooperS]

Thanks dude, I'll take a look!

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

I see you just got your MINI (congrats!) the install is slightly different for 05s in that apparently the space is a little tighter so those with large hands can't simply plug it right in. Ian says he just quickly removes the downtubes but still only takes a few minutes.

There are photos on his web site, this one from someone who did manage to get it in without removing anything:
http://www.gbmini.net/gallery/MINIci...install?full=1
And this from someone who did remove the downtubes:
http://www.gbmini.net/gallery/MINIci...yOfRoom2005_1s

Send Ian an email if you like. Don't worry about disturbing the dash, any dash rattles you read about are from deep within and don't seem to exist on 04s & 05s. The dash doesn't use the rattly plastic clips like many other parts of the car.

[Rawhyde]

I've had my auto-up circuit for 2 months now. Hopefully, my car will get delivered this weekend!

I've always like adding convenience modifications to my cars. I have had E Code headlamps in nearly every car I've ever owned. I added a self dimming rear view mirror to an 89 Camaro and intermittent wipers to a 72 Chevelle. I even added big sway bars to a Cadillac once. It didn't make it into a "canyon carver", but it did improve it!

Rawhyde

[Trumpets]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

I see you just got your MINI (congrats!) the install is slightly different for 05s in that apparently the space is a little tighter so those with large hands can't simply plug it right in. Ian says he just quickly removes the downtubes but still only takes a few minutes.

There are photos on his web site, this one from someone who did manage to get it in without removing anything:
http://www.gbmini.net/gallery/MINIci...install?full=1
And this from someone who did remove the downtubes:
http://www.gbmini.net/gallery/MINIci...yOfRoom2005_1s

Send Ian an email if you like. Don't worry about disturbing the dash, any dash rattles you read about are from deep within and don't seem to exist on 04s & 05s. The dash doesn't use the rattly plastic clips like many other parts of the car.

I installed the auto up circuit on my '05 and I love it. I tried to do the blind install but got as far as the first link above and just couldn't plug it back into the back of the switchboard correctly without seeing it (I spent well over an hour trying to plug it back in the 'blind' way but all I got was a cramped hand). I didn't want to take appart my dash because I had just got my car a week ago but I decided to take it apart. I followed the directions on Ian's website and was able to instal it (but when I was taking apart my dash, some of the pieces would make loud popping noises when I pulled them apart and I thought maybe I broke it but I didn't, they are supposed to do that). I also don't have any rattles.

I would recommend Ian's circuit, it is great!

Joshua

[Vanwall]

Highly recommend Ian's Auto-Up circuit! Installed on both my Cooper and 'S', and they are essential! Install is a breeze, and the product is extremely well-made.

BCNU,
Rob in Dago