I am new to the forum. I am the proud owner of the first Cooper in Rockford IL which I bought in March of 2003. Despite a lot of Mini owners being frustrated with their original car batteries, mine has lasted long till this winter. I put the car in the garage and did not use it for the entire season, did not even bother starting it everynow and then. I know what you guys are thinking, and I am guilty.
So the battery is discharged and it will not jumpstart using my wife's A6. I wanted to just change the battery but the trunk will not open. I cannot reach the battery from the inside of the car because I have the trunk cover that will not open/or be removed because the trunk door is closed.
And there is my problem. I just want the trunk to open so I can put a new battery. Any ideas, guys?

 

Remove the back seat bottom and there is a cable underneath that will open the rear hatch.

 

Got it! Thanks a lot.