I have a 2007 Mini S with just under 90K

It has worked flawlessly for the most part. Maintenance and minor issues only.

This morning I went out, hopped in, pushing in the fob, dash lights etc. came on, pushed the start button and everything went dead. Key fob licked in the dash can't be removed - not able to push it in etc.

I pulled the two relays with the engine picture on them and the lights came back on and there was an exclamation point in my tach. Pushed the start button and it fired right up. No, there is no rhyme or reason why I pulled the relays - desperation I imagine.

So I assumed it was one of the two relays.

Car ran fine all day, probably went through half a dozen start cycles, then at the grocery store the same thing happened. I figure I'll just pulled the relays again. You guessed it - it didn't solve the problem.

Five to 10 minutes later the lights came on and the car started without issue.

So, anyone have any idea what the problem might be?

Thanks!

 

Is there a door interlock on the ignition? It happened again this evening, only when I turned OFF the car. The power went dead and the key would not come out. I slammed the driver door and everything came back on.

 

Okay, I feel like an idiot, but for anyone who runs into something similar. Check the battery cables, and then check them again.

I checked them when this first started and I would swear they were tight. I checked again this morning and the positive cable was loose.

Always check the cables.

 

I was just about to chime in and say check the battery cables and the battery. Glad you got it taken care of

 

Keep one of these in your tool kit. About once a year pull the cables and clean the terminals. Works way better than any lube or compound. I've probably gotten a dozen stranded motorists at service stations near interstates going again just by cleaning their battery connections.