With the option "Comfort Access" (SA 322), you can conveniently lock or unlock and start your MINI with the physical key or with the MINI Digital Key Plus on your smartphone or smartwatch.
Communication with the vehicle is based on different wireless technologies. The physical key communicates with the vehicle on the basis of radio waves in the MHz range. Data transfer with the MINI Digital Key Plus takes place via the "ultra-wideband" (UWB) mobile standard and Bluetooth® or, if your country or mobile device does not support this mobile standard, via "Near Field Communication" (NFC). In the best case scenario, the unlocking or locking function is available via the smartphone or physical key up to a maximum distance of 50 metres.
The following factors can impair the function or range:
- A discharged battery of the physical key.
- Interference signals from radio systems or electrical appliances in the vicinity (e.g. high-voltage systems, radio masts, charging posts, weather stations, alarm systems, motion detectors).
- Buildings, objects or people between the physical key and the sensors in the vehicle.
- Extreme weather conditions (e.g. heavy rain, hail, snow, ice).
In these cases, operate the outside door handle or press the release key on the physical key.
Please also note the following information when using Comfort Access:
- The performance of the function can be restricted in order to save energy. For example, the physical key can become inactive if it is not moved for a longer period of time.
- When unlocking your MINI by touching the outside door handle, the physical key must not be more than 1.5 metres away from the outside door handle for safety reasons. After locking by touching the outside door handle, it is not possible to unlock the door again for two seconds. This allows you to check whether the vehicle is really locked.
- When using the MINI Digital Key Plus, the vehicle is always locked when you move away from the vehicle with your smartphone. This is also the case if there is another smartphone with MINI Digital Key Plus or a physical key in the vehicle.
- In situations in which you frequently enter and leave the locking/unlocking zone (e.g. when loading or unloading the vehicle), you can deactivate the Comfort Access function both in the MINI system and on your smartphone to prevent the vehicle from being locked and unlocked unintentionally. You can also deactivate the Comfort Access function via the smartphone independently of the functionality of the physical key. Locking and unlocking is still possible by touching the outside door handle.
- To start the engine, you need a physical key, a MINI Digital Key Plus or a Key Card in the passenger area. Key recognition works most reliably in the centre console compartments or in the Wireless Charging tray. If the key is placed in locations close to the exterior, such as under the windscreen, in the glove compartment or in the luggage compartment, it may not be recognised as being "in the interior".