Okay, is there a trick to getting the rear seats to lock into place? I seem to remember on my R53 that they locked into place with a click when I pulled them back to their upright position. But that doesn't happen with my R56. Help, please.

 

The rear seats are amazingly similar to the R53, including their latching mechanism. The only changes are the location of the release lever is moved inboard several inches, and the latch hook has two positions; reclined, and upright for increased boot storage capacity. There is no trick; just pull/push the seatbacks.

 

That's what I was doing. I'll try it again. Thanks for replying.

 

Since the seat back latches can move, make sure they are all the way up or down (long or short, however you want to discribe it)

 

Thank you both for your help. Apparently, I was being the girl that I am and not using enough force to pull the seats back into place. My husband yanked them back hard and and they locked. Thanks again.

 

yep, gotta kinda "slam" them abit more than on the r53.

 

I had trouble locking one of my seats also. This is my second MINI and never had a problem before. May be a defective mechanism?

 

Yes I've noticed the rear seatbacks need a 'tug' whereas the R53 rear seatbacks just 'fell' into place.