I have a 05 Mini S. Yersterday it wouldn't start and the dash lights started flickering along with clicking sounds from the left front cowl. I tried to jump it but it still would not start. I put a charger on the battery for 4 hrs. The dash lights would intermitently flash bright but then would dim. The dome light would flicker but the beam was low. When I turned off the above dome light, I could finally get the windows to go up. I could not release the rear door hatch lock until I pushed the dome switch again. Even after removing the key, the dome stayed on until I unhooked the battery. I never did get it to start. Can anybody recommend something? The battery seems to be charged.

 

Hmmm sounds like an electrical gremlin of sorts. Is the battery good and charging? Have you done anything to the car's electronics?

If not I think this is best to be diagnosed by a competent mechanic that has exposure to MINIs or your MINI dealer.

 

Thanks for the response. I spoke to the dealer in Sacramento,(Niello BMW Mini) and they told me that some Minis need to be programed after the batteries start to go. They said it's a $300 charge to do this. That's just for the programming. I've never heard of this with any other car. And they wonder why I don't go there anymore. Does this sound right? I'm just hoping that it's the battery and if I put a new one in, it will remedy the problem.

 

Try replacing the entire battery first.

 

+1

Sears sells batteries for the MINI and you should not have a problem. They also will do a check of the electrical charging system during the install.

 

Get the battery tested. It sounds like you have a bad cell and the battery is not putting out 12 volts.

A caution, if you jump the car put accessories on as per the instructions in the booklet--a power surde can fry your ECU.

 

could be battery cable ends need cleaning

 

^^^True

 

Remove the battery and take it to your local Checker/Schucks/Kragen, etc., and have them test it. If it needs a charge, they'll charge it for free. If it turns out bad, you can buy a new battery from them.

Never heard of the re-programming thing after a battery dies.

 

new battery - check the battery indicator is it green still?

 

Agree - I'll bet a dollar that you just need a new battery. The battery MINI puts in does not die gracefully. Had the same type problem in the 02; couldn't jump and a quick charge didn't take. A new battery solved the problem.

The MINI battery is not an odd size so don't get hung up over that. Any decent auto part store should be able to replace it.

If you want to go OPTIMA, the Red Top 34r is recommended

 

Sounds like what happened to my MINI when the battery died. It was like the car needed an exorcism!


She was all better once I got a new battery. I did have to have her towed to a dealer though. Thank goodness for AAA!

 

That sounds likea bunch of crap to me.
Did they tell you WHAT needs to be 'programmed'??

 

Thanks everone for all the input. Autozone checked it out and I had a bad cell. Put in new one and it works great. Cigarman was right! Sorry to say this, but stay away from Niello BMW Mini in Sacramento. Not the first time they tried to screw me with bogus info. Had them do a coolant leak check once and found no problem 15 min. later and $160. I know that is their normal inspection charge but when they told me they found a loose A/C line during the coolant check and they didn't tighten it, I asked is it so hard to grab a wrench and take a minute to do so? They said we didn't authorize them to do so, so they would have to make another appointment and charge me again. BMW Mini USA better start getting their act together. I get better advise and service from N.A.M.

 

Glad you got it taken care of, but as for my advice--that just proves the old saw "Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while."

 

My battery is 4 years old (original from factory) and I expect it to die anytime soon. (But so far so good)