I have a 2004 R50 Mini and yesterday I started to have an electrical problem. While driving, the speedometer would drop to zero, the brake light would come on and the tire pressure light would come on. This would all happen at the same time and would come and go frequently. I assume that there is a loose electrical connection but I was wondering if anyone out there has a suggestion as to where it might be.

 

Or it is possible you are loosing your Alternator... what is the condition of your battery?

I am making the the assumption that your 2004 has the original Alternator in it.

I have saw the same thing with my #24 driving back from VA over a year ago... it was the alternator (224K miles) on it then.

Best of luck.

Motor on!

 

Might not be a bad idea to test the alternator and see what it's reading. It is definitely known that the alternator can begin to fail and start causing trouble with the various electrical systems in the car. Sometimes bizarre electrical problems can be caused by a number of faults other than the alternator. It's important to troubleshoot the system prior to replacing your alternator. Do you have any other symptoms with the car other than this? We have a good alternator DIY here that not only shows you how to replace, but provides some good info and how to test it to make sure it's your issue before you start spending money on things that don't need to be fixed. Good luck, let us know what you find out.

 

+1 Had this happen also, then the battery light came on and everything stating going dim. Just had a new battery. The brushes on the alternator were worn down with over 200K, but I did not want to risk changing them to have the bearing fail or something else with that mileage , so I just replace the whole alt.


If you go to the 110 A from the stock valeo unit , you will need the power cable ( 12427534704 ) and the short cable ( 12517534705 ) for the conversion. Pick up three 07130770522 new bolts also.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2004-Cooper-R50-Base-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W10B16A/Engine/Electrical/

 

Sorry, I will disagree with the pack here. Those three systems all share one sensor - a wheel speed sensor. Since the speedo is dropping out, it has to be the right rear one. (US passenger side)

FWIW, There are reasonable quality aftermarket versions. Don't fall for the crappy eBay versions (nothing less than $30).

Good luck!