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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
I would look at that switch first, its the easiest thing to check and make sure it works. Pull it out and make sure the pins/tabs are not bent and making contact. When you have it out and apart you can see the system and when you rotate the barrel what the pins do. If one is barely making contact then you know what is wrong.
I think I'm having the same issues as you. My 2007 Mini Cooper S just stopped working all of the sudden. I put the key in and nothing happens, the only thing that will work is the radio and it doesn't go off unless I push the volume button to manually shut it off. Then randomly out of nowhere I'll put my key in and it'll click, I can push to start and everything like nothing was ever wrong. It's not the battery because I can easily lock and unlock my car. Does anyone know what this might be???
i am litterally having like the same issue my key isn't "clicking in" so I can't get the car to start and no one around here works on them. lol I'm not sure I can just start replacing stuff like the plastic fob slot in the dash since tons of people are saying will need to be programmed after.
Do you guys think that an issue where I turn the key and nothing happens for 1-2 seconds and then it fires perfectly could be the ignition switch?! What is it thinking about for that time? I've only seen that happen in the really cold temps,and it starts quick and idles fine... just takes a few moments to start turning over once I turn the key.
Could be the play in the contacts like the tabs are making contact as the last second. I have taken mine apart and cleaned it to find the contacts were a little worn. Cleaned them up and it worked. On some peoples its too far gone or damaged.
If you can get under the car put a voltage meter or even a test light on the hot wire to the starter and a ground and see if you have current as soon as you turn the switch to start. That will tell you if it’s the starter or something else.
Im having some issues with my mini(07 convertible). I have the ignition switch dangling and am able to run the car(switch works) however, the key does not spin the barrel or pin that actually turns the switch. Im wondering if those internal components are able to change. I changed the key cylinder thinking that was the problem but that didn't help. To be clear I will attach a picture of the component that enters the switch that is not turning with the key. Any help is appreciated. I'm getting tired of starting my car with a screwdriver...
I've only seen that happen in the really cold temps,and it starts quick and idles fine... just takes a few moments to start turning over once I turn the key.
