I was wondering if the rest of the MINIs out there have crap range like mine has. I have the '05 and the range it only like 15 or so feet. This stinks! I like to open the sun roof and windows but I am at the car and I find myself waiting for them to open. I am 6'3" and I do have a long stride and I also have a fast walking pace but this is not right. With my '99 Chevy I can unlock the doors from 50' or more.

 

I've observed the same problem. We have other cars we can open from across the street; the MINI requires that you be very close.

 

I have great range with my remote and I have an 05 MCS. The max range is approximately 50 yards or so. However, that range goes down when I am near high Radio Frequency environments like on military facilities or the airport. Sometimes there is so much RF flying around out there I guess the signal has a hard time being received.

- glassdarkly

 

To extend the range of the remote, touch the metal part of the key to your cheek as you press the button. It doubles or even triples the range. I don't know why touching the key to your finger doesn't have the same effect, but it doesn't.

 

It's all in brain activity!

 

I find that pressing the button and staring at the car helps with the range.

 

I put the key to the bottom of my chin and I get a range much farther than if I don't. Doesn't work well to roll down the windows before you get there though.

 

Holding the key to your face (I point mine up at my chin, touching me) sends the signal through your nasal cavities and then uses you as an antenna. It really does work. I swear, I'm a physics major.

 

I know mine will transmit through my living room, into my carport, and unlock the car. however, I had my auto window down sunroof option disabled because I came out one morning and the windows and s'roof were open. Cant afford to have that happen when parked outside. JB

PS that's cool about touching your cheek to increase range, I'll try it this afternoon!

 

If I foreget to do this I have about a ten foot range, but when I remember I have gotten well over 150 Yards I can lower the windows open the sunroof and still be far enough away the walking at a good pace (I'm about 6'1" so a decent stride) the autolock will kick in and I'll have to use the remote again. Of course this hasn't been a n issue since my last oil service when they removed the autolock without asking me.

 

Yeah I find that raising the key up to my chin does in fact help, even just raising it up helps. Holding the key by my waist the range is pretty short.