2006 MC R50, one owner with 156,000 miles...,,.. Original clutch, in fact nearly everything original except brakes, tires, battery and hoses. It's been the best car I've ever owned.

Had the airbag fault light come on after a 190 lb passenger sat in the front passenger seat the other day. The light now comes on and goes off intermittently, no doubt from a faulty mat sensor in the seat. There was a recall for it and my car qualifies. But Mini of Las Vegas advised no loaner car available while they perform the work, and no ride available that will work for me, -also at least half a day at the dealership waiting for the work to be completed if I bring it in and wait. It's like they were going out of their way to make it as inconvenient as possible to get the recall performed, and after I got put on hold forever when calling back a second time I finally gave up. Not likely I will ever buy a new car from them based on my experience.
Meanwhile..,,..
Searched on the interweb and found this on eBay. Looks like a simple solution to my problem.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Seat-Occupa...r/161292351640

However, when I enter my model info in the pulldown to determine compatibility, it says:
NOTE: Compatible with USA Version MINI Cooper but only with small black seat occupancy plug and with 3 wires, Red, Brown, White colours.

Does anyone know if I need to pull the seat to inspect connectors prior to ordering this part? Did they use two different connectors in 2006 that make the kit good on only some of the cars built that year? Car has the sport seats with added bolstering, but not with premium leather. If anyone is real familiar with Mini seats for the 2006 R50 would love to learn from you about how to proceed. Thanks in advance.

 

There was a recall on the passenger side airbag sensor for 2006 R53s. Check and see if that effected your R50. Maybe you can get it fixed for free.

 

It ain't free if the dealership makes me burn a vacation day because they need the better part of a day to fix it and won't provide alternate transportation.

 

Call MINI USA and ask for a rental car, due to a safety concern you'll probably get it.

 

Yep, there was a recall on those OCC sensors. 1/2005+ if i believe. I would just call MINUSA and they can work with the dealership.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...he-airbag.html