I have a 2006 R50 with 200,000+ miles. Lately when I turn it off and remove the key, sometimes, it continues to run. But not knocking and pinging like when using low octane gas – running like normal. Re-inserting the key, turning to the on position and off again, numerous times doesn’t turn it off.

If I rev the engine slightly it will sputter and eventually the engine shuts down. BUT, the dash illumination and daytime headlights remain on. Then it takes numerous attempts to re-start the engine if it starts at all. But If I disconnect the neg. terminal of the battery, the lights go off, then reconnect the battery, the engine will start first attempt with the key. There is NEVER a problem starting the car after the battery is reconnected or the engine shuts down normally.

I took it to the Mini dealership. They replaced the starter switch and the DME Main Relay with known good parts, but that didn’t have any affect on the problem. So after 4 hours of diagnostic they still couldn’t figure it out.

Has anyone experienced a similar ignition/electrical problem like this, or have an idea what it might be caused by?

Thanks!

 

Bad ignition switch....
Bet ya $1...sounds like I would have lost.
Beyond that not sure much would make sense beyong a bad wiring harness....

Any extra stuff tied into the cars computer? Like an iPod adapter...they SOMETIMES cause HUGE issues when they go wonkey. They are on the cars own private network, the cannbus...net result...all the cars internal communications gets garbled...