Have had my MCS only 17 days and already had the boot latch refuse to latch on two different occasions. I have the Convenience Package and evidently no "pull cable" to manually unlatch the boot.

When this happens, I close the boot and it gives no evidence of the latch engaging. The boot stays down, but the rear cargo light stays on and the computer shows the boot being open/unlatched.

I probed the latch bar and when pushed shut I could hear an electrical click (sensor?). The latch opens back up instead of staying closed. I happened to notice on the top side of the latch mechanism (sort of back under the plastic molding that covers the latch mechanism and just a bit to the right) an area of white plastic. I probed the little white plastic area with a small screwdriver and found that it moves to the right and returns back to the left. I let it slam to the left a few times and the boot now latches.

This works for me, but this is my wife's car and I don't want her getting to work and having the problem and running the battery down so she gets stranded (it will be late, raining, a kid will be waiting to be picked up, and I'll be out of town).

I do not live anywhere close to a Mini dealer, so taking it in for this minor annoyance isn't appealing. Anyone else experience this problem?

Any good resolution?

Mike..

 

The first-gen MINI's had some trouble with the boot latches acting up. Some found they just needed to put some extra muscle into closing the boot, others found the parts were actually malfunctioning. The messed up ones were fixed under warranty. I'd suggest giving your dealership service a call and having them fix the issue.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

I have similar issue. I'm going to try putting a dab of grease on the latch mechanisms.

 

Would Grease or Graphite powder work best?

 

Ryephile - Slamming doesn't help. My nearest dealer is 3 hours away, so rather expensive drive (even at 35+ MPG) and time investment to go have just one small item repaired/replaced.

 

Try messing with the rubber stops on each side. They screw in and out. Maybe thats the problem?

 

I picked up my '08 S in March (with convenience package).

I'm having the same problem, started today. I'll try "messing with the rubber stops on each side" - thanks aem.

I'll report back when I get around to trying to fix it. l

 

IMHO, if it is a problem with the actual mechanism. The drive is cheaper than getting the parts and replacing it yourself or worse.. the dealer doing it for you at a later date..

 

I had the same problem with my latch...My dealer said call Road Side Assistance and they will tow my mini and check it out. I ended up having a friend pick up the part in KC and he was already coming to Wichita for the weekend lucky me! I put in the new lock did some adjustments and now it works. I had to pay some $$ but this is my first new car and I didnt want someone to tow it.

 

I'm going to drive to the dealer and have them fix it.

In the meantime, if I lock the car with the fob it stays closed.

 

Crickets,

Mine doesn't lock even if I use the fob lock button. When it happens again I'll keep pushing the spring loaded little white piece of plastic on the latch mechanism to the right and letting it slam/spring shut. Next time I am anywhere close to a dealer I'll call ahead an get an appointment.

Thanks for the help!

 

Uh oh... I got a new MCS on its way with the convenience package... I'm worried now.
Luckily, my Mini dealer is only 3 blocks away from where I live.
Still... I guess that makes this "not so convenient" after all...

 

Any updates on your sticky boot latch?

 

It has only happened twice, and both times as a storm was headed my way, which left me worrying about there not being enough pressure between the boot and the boot seal to keep the rain out.

At least I know how to get it working again, and now my wife does as well. It's kind of like using Microsoft Windows.... I can reboot (pun intended), but it is inconvenient and I shouldn't have to.

Mike!

 

Got mine fixed at the dealer. It was from water getting in the automatic handle on the hatch and shorted it out.

 

Interesting. Sounds like the same symptom (boot latch not latching) but from different causes. My problem seems to be the internal white plastic piece in the latch mechanism itself sticking. It has been a couple of weeks since it last happened.

Mike.

 

My same thought as well, but I too have a dealership in the area but still uggg!