So let's see if I can set the stage.

I am in the process of setting up a mobile detailing business and today I was working on how to use my 1500w power inverter. I have an MCS, so the battery is in the boot. I lift the boot to see the battery and begin to unscrew the negative terminal clamp so I can hook the negative power inverter cable up to the negative battery cable. I can't get the negative terminal all the way unscrewed so I decided to tighten it back up and wash the car. After much frustration, I realize that I am better off getting a dedicated deep-cycle battery to run the electricity for my business. That is neither here nor there at the moment though.

So three hours later I get in the car and attempt to start it so I could go to school. All is normal for about 1.2 seconds and then everything shuts off. I mean evvvverrrything. The car is dead. My main frustration is that I can't open the boot to check the battery because somehow the boot was locked while all other doors remained unlocked. This makes me realize two things. There is NO way to manually open the boot and there is no way to reach it from inside the car. The locks don't work, the keys don't work, the driver door won't close because the windows lower and raise when the door is opened and closed. I guess I'm more mad at myself for screwing up the battery terminal (if that is what it is)

I am now waiting for Mini Roadside Assistance and praying I won't need a tow. It seems like a simple fix. I think the battery terminal clamp just needs to be tightened. I hope I didn't short anything out. The inverter was never actually hooked up in the first place.

Now I am missing class (not TOO bad) and I'm extremely frustrated.

 

Your car *DOES* have a manual boot release.
You lift the bottom of the rear seat and you will find a cable and handle; when you pull it, the rear door is opened.

 

I knew Mini/BMW wouldn't be that stupid . Tow truck just showed up and jumped it, then tightened the negative terminal up. Thanks for the location of the manual release though GBMINI. I'll know that for next time.

Lesson learned: Make sure you tighten battery terminals up when you are finish with them .