Ok this phenomenon happened to me twice so far. Before I start explaining what happened I believe it could be my ignition switch going. This is what happened. I put the key in my ignition go to start and the starter just keeps turning longer then usual. And then the car starts and everything seems fine except my traction light is on and i cant turn it off with the switch. And my clock on my cluster is reset almost like if i were to disconnect battery. The second time this phenomenon happened it was almost the same but a little different. I put the key in and go to start and nothing happens. Then i hear a clicking and see my interior light flashing fast. And all of sudden car starts and same traction light stays on. So all i do is turn the key off and reinsert and start again. When i start again the car is perfect the way it always was. No traction light staying on or anything unusual. But i have to reset my cluster clock because it was blank again like if someone were to disconnect my battery.

Sorry for this long explanation and probably hard to understand. But how common is a bad ignition switch on a cooper. have around 108000 miles and year is 06 r53. Is it safe to say that I should look into buying a new ignition switch?

More information is always helpful in passing judgment on your particular kerfuffle. R number, year, miles on the clock, that sort of thing. One way to share that type of information is to build your screen signature.
The symptoms you have outlined strongly suggest your battery is starting to smell bad. A trip to one of the major auto parts stores should settle the issue. They will test it and if needs be install a fresh one for you. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $110 to $130. They won't charge you for the work but there may be a small disposal fee for the deceased.

i believe the battery is fine cause the car can start no problem. i have 108000 miles 06 r53. i heard of people have to jiggle the key to get it to start when the problem becomes worse.

Check the battery first and see if you have a voltage drop. Battery load test. Terminal connections. Etc.

Then check the ignition switch on the other side of the column. Click below for the thread on the ignition switch.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html

you guys are really great with the help really appreciate it. anyway i drove the car today had two starts with zero issues. but im more then carefully how i put my key in. and how fast i turn it. usually i jump in and swing the key fast to start position. now im more carefully cause dont feel like spending 80 bucks for a little switch. the labor is all on me have 5 years ase certified experience on and on so im not afraid of the job just afraid of getting stuck.

Thanks and good luck.

The other peculiarities you mention still point to a failing battery. If you will do a little poking around in the forum looking for 'strange electrical problems' or other such issues, you will find that there are pages upon pages of questions about all sorts of strange manifestations and gremlins and the solution to all of them is a fresh battery. The electrical and on board computer systems on the MINI are very sensitive to voltage irregularities If you've got 100+K miles on a 9 or 10 year old car with the original battery it has exceeded all expectations.

We had a similar issue with ours. Took to advanced auto to have the battery tested. They said it was fine...slower than normal start persisted, clock reset to zero on occasion. Replaced the battery, resolved the issue.

Ok well the solution is solved. BATTERY is the problem. Its only one year old i see the date on it. I open the rear to get it out and it looks like someone put my mini in a freezer. The ground cable on the battery is frozen the terminal is frozen but only on the ground side. The battery had a coding of ice on it. Then the floor board in the rear almost looked like a sheet of ice. I dont wanna exaggerate but the rear looked like it was stuck in a freezer. So now im charging the battery and hopefully it should be fine. We had a snow storm and the temperatures been freezing in the past week. I dont think my trunk is leaking at all but maybe moisture just froze the rear. idk but thanks for all replys and hope this battery will recharge without issues to continue. At least im not buying a new ignition switch after all.

Glad you got it figured out.



Make sure there is no water leak from the drain tubes in the rear from the sunroof. Leaking down into the trunk.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...in-my-car.html

This is a convertible which had the trunk leak issue also.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mpartment.html