Greetings fellow MINI brainiacs,

As a happy long time owner of a 2005 MC S, I need to stop lurking, and ask for kind assistance in diagnosing my occasional brake light problem. What is happening is once in a while, I'll notice when walking up to my parked little machine, that the brake lights (all 3) are glowing. The dealership (Braman) can't seem to duplicate the problem, but it does happen at least once a week. Tapping on the brake pedal doesn't help. The only way to make the lights go out is to restart the car, and then turn off the key. The dealership service advisor mentioned an old bulletin about replacing a $900.00 (ouch!) computer part, but because they couldn't duplicate the problem....they sent me out the door. I've read every thread pertaining to brake light issues, and can find nothing similar to my problem. Any help would be most appreciated. I hate to spend that much money..but will do whatever it takes to keep my car in perfect shape. Advice?


Best,

Mark

ps the car has 52K miles (and I'm not sure that this is important, but Navigation, sport, premium, Harmon Kardon, Chili/Black, and mint).

 

I am interested in seeing this too as my 05 S with ~49k has done this-to my knowledge-only once.

 

I have an 04...and my lights had the opposite they wouldn't light up, turns out it was the brake-pedal switch it was only $34 part and super easy to replace..it's worth a shot idk how much this really helps but i figured i'd throw the idea out there

 

Bet the $900 part is the BCM....

 

Thank you all for your responses. I appreciate this forum more than anyone will ever know. Now Zippy, what exactly is a BCM? And could my BCM be rebuilt? And if the brake light switch was bad, would it intermittently malfunction? And are either a repair that I can do myself?


Best,
Mark

 

Oh, I guess that I should do better homework before responding! It is the Body Control computer part. I'll spend some time this evening learning more. I think that mine needs a hysterectomy.


Best,

Mark

 

I had a brake light switch fail on another car. It's fairly easy to diagnose. You may need to drive around a bit without the lower dash trim while waiting for the issue to occur - I don't know how easy it is to access the brake light switch. Anyway, when issue occurs, simply unplug connector, and see if light goes out. Of course since starting the car and shutting down is the resolution, I think it's a waste of time in your case. I'd also bet on the BCM.

 

The bcm is basicly the computer that runs all non engine stuff on the mini...
when it comes to lights (turn signals and brake), it works as kinda like an amplifier...the mini's system is computerized, and takes a low ourput from the switches, and makes so it can light more bulbs...
It is not a diy, and needs to be programmed to the car...all "new" ones, like many mini items are actually remanfsctured now that gen1 cars are a few years out of production...