Greetings all!

My 2005 R53 has a hatch unlocking issue. I can only open occasionally over the last week (after 17 years of trouble free bliss). The mechanical aspect of the latch seem normal ...no issues when I can persuade the hatch to unlock.

So... is there an electrical sensor located in the rear hatch opener?

or is this the dreaded BCM bad dream?

Kind advice most welcome.

Best,

Mark


ps,

I thought that I posted this yesterday...so if my earlier inquiry is a duplicate being reviewed by the MINI Gods...so sorry.

 

There's a micro switch in the handle, if water has got in they can play up. I have managed to swap mine for a switch from a computer shop but probably easier to go second hand with new foam gasket

 

Oh so many thanks!

I will inquire as to whether OEM parts are still available from my mechanic for this minor surgery. this is good news.


Best,

Mark

 

One of two things:

Lock

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...jar-light.html

or the trunk lid grip;

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

 

Oh so many thanks for the guidance. I don't think that this is a repair that I can do...so off to my trusted mechanic.

I appreciate all!

 

Greets,


Just refreshening my photo posting skills. I'm elderly.

Monkeyjuice has been my daily driver since 2006. 88k on the clock. over serviced. over washed... over pampered. soon perhaps for sale. or not. or????


I need therapy.

I need _________.

 

and it smells like this.

 

ok.

I'm sure that it is not considered cool to post on a thread that you started...but it is cocktail hour here....slap me if you must.

Why would I even think about parting ways with my little red monster? Oh my.

first, as a grown man... I will seep enough crocodile tears to fill a waterbed if we ever depart..Monkeyjuice and me.
I have had the privilege of owning many fine cars (disclaimer...we do lease a 2021 Mercedes s580...my husbands driver, for example...I guess?)...but this car has always been my favorite of any. But when is it time for the next owner? My god... I spend nearly $4k / year to keep it looking like this. I can't do my own wrenching. And I refuse to sell to anyone looking for a track car, or a car for their daughter. No. Thankfully it doesn't have limited slip...haha.

Should I karate chop myself over my buzzed brain...and put the sweet car (as is) in storage...to be driven rarely... or ? It's getting expensive ( I guess?).

I want a new__________.


Kind advice ever most welcome. Thanks for the rant...

 

I say, if you like it the most it’s worth the most

 

Just buy the OEM one that ECS Tuning offers…

 

Why thank you...I have read very good stuff about that company. But this morning I noticed a private message was sent to me from a respected member...offering to sell me his latch/electrical part/cable for a very reasonable price. With that option...I have decided to attempt my first self repair on my MINI...all by myself, haha! If I get in over my head, I'll send the car out for repair. I do have basic tools, plenty of vodka, and decent weed.

I will preform the procedure with the upmost care..I'm picky about the paint, natch. I am just not sure if the new/used latch lock will need to be sync'd with my BCM. And what to expect for rubber gaskets, etc. This will be an overdue learning situation for me..and I am excited.

also , the aforementioned latch parts are off of a 2006...mine is a 2005. If it doesn't work out, I will have at least learned something.

Best,

Mark


ps I have enjoyed lurking this forum for many moons. Thank you to all,

 

It's an easy repair and I would just transfer the switch over to your existing hatch handle,so theirs no paint matching issues.Look on NAM or YouTube instructions.

 

You are fabulous. All of you folk.

Yup.

 

Good info. JUST starting to have this lock / latch issue and it's been happening after being in the rain. I did tie a cord to the emergency handle under the back seat - just in case - until I resolve the water intrusion issue. Many thanks.

 

The foam seal around it is letting water in I would say, sort it ASAP because it can start rusting the tailgate and also the contacts for the numberplate bulbs. If you dry it out well, you might not need a replacement handle

 

Understood. It's on the schedule for next week.

 

MonkeyJuice
If you haven't fixed it yet, I think it's only 4 Philips screws to take the panel off - someone else can correct me.

 

Hello Mike,

Thank you for that. The hatch latch should arrive this week..and I will feel quite proud of myself if I can do the repair. I am still not clear whether my BCM will need to be programmed to accept the new replacement parts. I will know more soon! And somebody needs to slap at me... I am car shopping. I can't decide what to do with my sweet MINI. Storage...or sell?? I think that a new BMW 330i is in my future. I don't like the current MINI offerings. I need therapy.

Best,

Monkey Juice

 

boot latch is plug and play

 

Fabulous!


Og h so many thanks!

 

Slapping you with a wet noodle.
I think you may want to re-think letting "Monkey Juice" go.
R53's seem to be looking pretty scarce nowadays. I have seen very few around in this overly crowded city I now "live" in.
I just started visiting/shopping the savage yards again. It is VERY rare to see the bones of a 1st Gen R53 in the yard. Yet there only seem to be more R50's from time to time....As of late. I'm under the impression R53 owners are holding on/storing them....and for good reason.
I hope you can store "Monkey".
I'm running out of R53 drivers to wave at...

 

Hello to all!

The pre-owned latch assembly arrived today (Thank you Dan). The long cable looks to be intimidating! I will know more soon. I am learning.....


Best,

Monkey Juice.


ps this will be the first used part ever attached to my little monster.

 

Good news, let us know how it goes.

 

I've a 2002 MINI S. Bought brand new, May 2002.
When I got it, I noticed it did not have the cable hatch release. Dealer said, "Not available for that Model". Over years no real problem, but one time I lost battery power. With (+) and (-) terminals in engine area I was able to get hatch open. With about to service superchager and headliner I want to have this readied.
My hatch latch is Valeo 06 02 J. It uses a "J" hook. Cables I've ordered have a wire cable centered with a double tang. I can use a small diameter stiff wire to make it work, but would rather have the correct part. I suppose its best to replace it. Even so, is the "J" hook correct on the receiver?
I also sent this earlier. Sorry.
Garage kept, 75,000 miles. No snow and almost no rain.
TY