So I'm not sure if this is a common issue or feature or whatnot, but I can't lock the doors on my 16 Clubman using the lock button on the inside of the door if the door is open. If I have the doors closed they'll lock and unlock fine, but if the door is open it won't let me lock them. I'm guessing this is to keep you from locking yourself out of the car, but it's really more of a pain than anything else. The lock button on the key fob works fine and the button on the exterior door handle locks and unlocks normally. If anyone knows how to fix this, through a setting in the radio, or by recoding, or if I'm just stuck with it, please help me out. Thanks!!!

 

As I remember the cars I have owned have been this way. Both of my Mini's are this way and I believe you are correct that it is to prevent accidental locking of the vehicle.

 

In the old days one could defeat that by lifting up on the handle and locking. Don't think that works anymore.