Took the MINI out for a spin this afternoon (with its new intake - love the sound btw). Anyways, when my wife tried getting out, the door handle from the inside wouldn't open the door I could however open the door from the outside.

We opened and closed the door several times afterward and we could open it from both inside and outside. Problem solved... NO. We retuned home and her door wouldn't open again. She rolled the window and let herself out from with the outside handle. I'd hate for her to do this every time she wants to leave the MINI

Are these door handles are electronically operated? Is there a mechanical linkage from the inside door handle to the door release mechanism?

I did disconnect the negative battery terminal today... this couldn't have anything to do with the passenger door all of a sudden failing sporadically? Coincidence only?

Paul

 

I have read here elsewhere that a clip can pop off some linkage between the handle and the mechanism to cause this behavior. It is most commonly caused by a passenger that isn't familar with the 2 pulls to open the door when locked and they pull very hard the second time.

Best Regards-
Randy

 

Apparently this is a common problem. The cables connected to the interior door handle gets disconnected. You can take it to the dealer and they should know what to do, or you can do it yourself if you're so inclined as it's not all that difficult.

SIB 51 05 06 for reference for the dealership