Well, I just bought my first Mini... the first vehicle I have ever bought that wasn't a 4x4 dodge ram (and there were 8 of them) I got a 04 S 6speed hardtop with 45,000 miles. I have some questions......
Any problems to look for.
My key fab locks but not unlock..... can i change that......
Has anyone done remote start?

 

I too have a Mini and a Dodge Truck (1 ton 4X4 Diesel). They really make a odd pair when parked together. The Mini looks like it might fit in the back of the Dodge
Your Key fab should lock and unlock. I got my lock programming changed by the dealer so It doesn't lock itself when the car starts moving. (That feature drove me nuts!) Unlike most cars, there are no special routines the owner can do to change door lock sequencing. My guess is you have a bad fab. In any case it is a trip to the dealer for either a fab or for reprogramming.
If I have a gripe about Mini's, it is damn near everything needs a trip to the dealer. Mini has worked pretty hard to make their car tamperproof to force you stay in frequent contact with a dealer weather you want to or not. It is the only car I have ever owned where I have been forced to go back to the dealer for simple items. (And it is the only car I have ever taken back to the dealer for any reason, so their lousey strategy works, in the short term anyhow!)
Never heard of anyone installing a remote start, but I can't see why one wouldn't work. If it is a standard, be concerned about leaving it in gear with a remote start.