So, I've been browsing these forums for years and finally have to post. My family member's 06 Cooper started not shutting down a couple months ago. It's a 5 speed so their preferred method of turning it off is stalling it out. When the ignition key is turned all the way off and remove the car remains running, it's not just a fan, you can rev the car up a bit but eventually it will shudder and die. Brought it to the local Mini mechanic for a state inspection and diagnose of why the car won't shut off. They called back to say they found nothing and gave the car back. The key never works to shut the car off. They suggested that even though nothing is wrong they believe it's the ignition key switch. So after looking around I see this is a common failure point and for less than 100 bucks and only a couple screws why not. Replaced it, and there's been no improvement. Nearest dealer is over 100 miles away, any suggestions before taking it down?

Thanks!

 

My friends 03 did this, he believed the ecu was fried. Unfortunately he traded it in and never found the issue.

 

Interesting. I had checked the the ecu was seated correctly as it had been removed during a clutch replacement. The car wasn't shutting off prior to that job, but I wanted to double check. I also checked that the body control module in the passenger foot well wasn't wet and damaged, and all was well, at least visually there.