Hi, my 04 r53 was just in a minor collision. Both airbags deployed, and when I tried to start the car, it wouldn't. Does anyone know what I have to do to fix it? When I turn the key the lights in the car turn on, it just won't start.

Thanks

 

The earlier models have an inertia switch near LH cowl vent area. It shuts off the fuel pump upon collisions as a safety precaution. I know it was eliminated sometime after & was incorporated w/ the ECU, if I'm not mistaken.

 

The battery safety terminal was fired when the airbags deployed.
On my 01 325IT the shop just squeezed the pushed apart ends of the battery terminals back together and the car started. I haven't tried this procedure
with my 06 MCS with deployed airbags yet. Mini sells the battery safety terminal as part of the the positive battery cable assembly which is about $400.00.

 

try it again, it will reset after a while

 

If the the BST is blown it will not reset. But try to squeeze it together as a temporary measure.

 

The box that sits next to the battery in the trunk has the sqib (explosive charge).....
it is set to cut battery power to the starter motor if the airbags deploy...cause this cable is UN-FUSED....due to the amps needed to start the car...the intent is to prevent the cable from arcing if it is cut and damaged in an accident.
Your "MINOR" accident MIGHT total out your car...replacing airbags is VERY $$$.

 

Yea the insurance company is telling me that its too much to fix, which kind of sucks.

 

so if it is the BST is there anything i can do to try to start it?

 

So I checked the battery box and the red cable that is connected to the battery is a little loose. Does that mean the car will not start now until I change it? If it is the inertia switch, is there something I can do to make this car turn on, because towing it from place to place is not cheap.