I've recently bought a 2002 mini cooper automatic for my son. Two issues:
1. The car shows external temp as 50 degrees C. It sometimes shows EP on the dash and goes to limp mode. Had a diagnostic done by mini and the said it is an issue with the Kombi unit. Garage says can try replacing the speedo as that is where the kombi is located. Some say it needs to be programmed to the car others say not and just get mileage adjusted.
2. On occasion the dash has stayed lit when key is removed. Engine not running. Alarm will go off and battery runs down. Auto electrician is being a bit useless and saying car is not worth repair. I'm gutted as it's my sons first cr and have been told mechanically it is in superb condition.
can anyone help?

 

You bought a cute hand grenade. This is the starter pack to draining your wallet.

An automatic r50 is a CVT transmission. They don’t age well. You likely need a new unit. The EP is a transmission error - your shop is either not understanding what the issue is, or full of BS.

the 50c on outside temp likely means the sensor is dead. Behind the front bumper - in the impact bar.

There is not an easy or economically viable solution. If this is a dream car, either rebuild / replace the cvt, or swap to manual.

I have a 2005 r53 with the 6 speed Auto. Mine from new. Lives with my 24 year old daughter. Paid $5800+ to rebuild that in Feb of this year.

these are 20 year old at best, and are needy with care. You may need a new body module for the issues with the dash. Does it have a sunroof - they leak and cause havoc.

Get a used Corolla for a kid.

 

update - my auto electrician has sorted the ignition issue, it was water getting into some wiring in passenger side. Plug cleaned and now all good but no power steering. Any thoughts? Battery has been flat and recharged if that helps

 

Not sure about the power steering pump/issue.
If it turns out to be dead - they can be expensive. But sometimes, (as I've read), can be disassembled and cleaned internally which may or not be the problem.
I imagine there might be rebuilt units in the market.
I'm not sure if it still applies, but Mini did have a recall on the PS pumps many years ago where as replaced by the dealer. That recall/warranty may have (likely) expired. You can check Carfax or run your VIN to see if the PSP had been replaced under recall.
Btw: If your PS was working fine before your mechanic had just gotten into the BCM and fixed the ignition issue; perhaps he might have messed/neglected something else up? *not an accusation - Just a thought(?)...