Engine wouldn't start and hazards automatically turned on?
 

So I just got a '03 R53 JCW manual with 44k miles. I haven't driven a manual since my dad taught me at 16 so it hasn't been the smoothest ride as I warm up again but no real major issues. Last night I took it to the grocery store, and coming home coasted down a steeper road for a while before stopping at a stop sign. I went to put it in first and get going when the engine died. I assumed I stalled the car but when I tried to get it going again all the electronics powered on but the engine didn't AND weirdly enough when I tried to start the engine the hazards automatically turned on. I managed to push it into a parking spot on the street pretty easily and when I tried to start it this morning it came to life no issue and I drove it the last 100 feet home.

I was wondering what I could have done to get stuck in the position I was in? After doing some internet research I was thinking it may have been the clutch safety switch, but it started fine this morning. It also has a Viper security system installed on it by the last owner but the remote for it won't work and I am not sure it is even functioning. I was going to take it in to get the security system and a few other things looked at this week but now I am cautious because I don't want the same thing to happen again but this time on a much busier street. Thanks

This doesn't sound like anything I've heard of with the mini. Issues with a non-oem alarm system sound like a good indicator, especially if it doesn't seem to be functioning properly. If the alarm has some sort of immobilizer system, then one could imagine that "don't start" mode on the alarm system may also cause hazards to flash. If you're taking the car to have the alarm system looked at, it might be worth telling them what you experienced to see if it rings any bells from a alarm system installer perspective.

I encourage others to chime in here, but my impression has been that short of dragging one onto a flatbed, minis are pretty hard to steal. I had the factory alarm added by the dealer, and lojack installed, but honestly (knock on wood) I don't think it was worth the money. If the alarm system on yours turns out to be shot, I don't know that I'd replace it. Just my $0.02.

Cheers,
Duane

From your description it sounds like some how the Viper alarm was activated and also has an anti-car jacking option which shut down after it came to a stop. It also seems like the siren isn't connected, hence the flashing lights, but no alarm when you tried to restart the car. If this is the case, I'm not sure why the car would start the next morning as the Viper should have remembered it was last in the armed state.