My 9/2002 build R53 does not have the pull ring under the back seat as a backup for manual operation of the tailgate.

Does anyone know the story here?

I was told by Mini USA that "not all of the minis had that."

I understand that the car is out of warranty, but I think it should be there.

If I had thought to check for that while the car was still under warranty, would that have mattered?

The dealer quoted $280 for the install of the cable.

I can buy the cable for $35 and install it myself, so I will probably just do that and forget about it.

 

So do you have a question, point, or observation?
The cable/manual release became stock somewhere around 2005...so every car needing one should be out of warrenty. Cars operated in moist/wet areas were more likely to have an issue, unless one shuts the trunk with the battery removed/disconnected....
I think if a person had an issue with opening the trunk while the car was underwarrenty, it was retrofitted, much like the wiring change to split the ps fan from the radiator fan.
I think the install would not be too bad...you would need a torix driver kit, a drill, and a drill bit...

 

Yeah, it was a question - but thanks for the sarcasm and answer.

 

My MINI doesn't have one either. Same build month. It has never been an issue, but it would be quite the endeavor to access the battery from inside the car... I should look into getting the cable as well.

 

Hech the answer is worth what you paid for it!!
I'll give you a refund!!
Sometimes some of us are just kinda "fresh"!