[obehave]

Hi -- new owner here. I'm looking to add a "layer of protection" against theft by installing a kill switch. Mini, like other dealers doesn't encourage it saying "Such action may affect or invalidate the manufacturer's warranty." However I've heard that legally they can't do that (at least in California). Has anyone done this? What type did you use? Anyone have any advise on the matter? Know anyone in the LA area that's good at this sort of thing?

Do you mean a battery kill switch or a simple ignition kill switch?
The advantage to a battery one is if the car sets for long periods it'll save the battery. The down side is they are bulky and costly.

An ignition kill switch is easier and cheaper.

I've done both but always on older vehicles where the electronics were almost nonexistent.

 

[obehave]

I'm referring to an ignition kill switch.

PM TonyB.
He's in the LA area and is a good knowledgable guy.
I'm sure there are others but him I know well and trust.

Just realized you can't yet so I'll send him one for you.

 

[obehave]

I got the PM obe. Good to hear from ya! Wow, thanks for the nice words buddy... Knowledge is relative thing, and while I've come a ways in the past few years, I only know what I've encountered, and I've not done anything like a kill switch, on the ignition, or battery... Oh, and I live in the South Bay Area, about 5 hours north of LA

That all said, lloydsam, I understand your concern, and I have a solution that you might want to consider:

http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=42930

You can place the button in a inconspicious location, and that should do it!

If not, here's the battery one:

http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=36292

Cheaper, but a pain to always have to go back there to turn it...

I hope I was of some help. I actually got obe's PM around 4pm my time, but I had to run to the Post Office to mail something by 5...

Good luck!

Thanks Tony.
I think I got you and Spy Car mixed up as far as location goes. He's an LA guy.

D'oh! Not the first time I've had a senior moment.

BTW don't know if you saw the post on the "other" site but I will be getting a new intake soon.
There will be a pulley party here and I'll finally dyno the car.

Pics and info to follow.

 

[obehave]

That's great obe! I think Randy's intake will shine more on the real road, with the bonnet close though... Funny, I didn't get an email alert that there was a response to this thread... Have a great time at the Pulley Party!!! Look forward to the pics...

Will do.
I'm past due for some new goodies. Getting new brakes too.

See ya

 

[obehave]

Thanks for the help everyone. Based on the links that were provided I don't think I'm going to bother getting one installed. I'm going to etch the vin# in the windows and use a steering wheel lock when parked in questionable areas to deter the joy riders that think they can start the car -- and have done with it. The few mini thefts I read about other than having the key stolen, happened by flat-bed towing. I heard that a simple way to deter that from happening is to turn your wheels to the side, making the loading process awkward.
By the way, my concern (paranoia?) stems from an attempted theft of a car I had a few years ago. I'm finding out that Minis are a little different from '68 Dodge Darts in more than a few ways.
Anyway, thanks again.

Well, if that was a '68 Dart 440

The MINI is definitely harder to steal.