I was excitedly getting my 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible out of storage for the first time (just purchased it last summer here in Michigan). I was advised to unhook the battery over the winter while in storage so I had done that.

Unfortunately, when I went to hook the battery back up, the trunk was locked and because the battery is unhooked (and in the trunk) I could not get at the battery to hook it back up again. Frustrating!

I did learn from the manual that the non-convertible mini has an emergency trunk release under the back seats, but I have the convertible.

For the convertible the owner's manual explains that there is a hook located under the back seats which can be taken out and used to unhook a latch on the back of the seat. I did find the hook and thus began trying to feel around with this hook for a latch of some kind on the back seat.

I struggled for quite awhile trying to find this latch and eventually dropped the hook trying... Boy, was I ticked! I was really excited to get it this car out of storage and back on the road!!

Can anyone clearly explain to me where the back of the seat release latches are located? A picture would be fabulous! The warehouse I have the car stored in is pitch black so I can't see a thing while I was trying to do this!

I will go back at it again with a hanger! I do also know I need to unlock the seat catch with an ignition key.

I have done a fairly lengthy search on google and here as well and can only find info. for the non-convertibles.

 

The latches are on top, outboard of each back seat. That's where they are on my "10" vert. Good luck.

 

From the Owner's Manual: