I have a problem that I need some advice for.

2003 R53, 150k on the clock

Left headlights on at work yesterday and had to get a jump. After it started (cables were hooked up correctly), I noticed the dash wasn't illuminated while the headlights were on and my climate control wasn't working. After Driving for a little bit, found out that the turn signals and high beams work, but neither display on the tachometer. The sunroof would open but once i got home to close it, it would not close; i had to manually crank it with the allen key. Ive checked all of the fuses under the hood and taken a look at all of the interior ones that relate to Interior lighting or dash lights / electical.

Battery Voltage is 12.6v while car is off, 13.7v while car is on.

Im at a loss here! Any help is appriciated!

 

get a new battery

the computers in these lil beasts get very funky when the battery is gone or almost gone ......

I'll bet a chocolate donut your problems go away with a new battery

having owner MINI almost continuously since 2002 I can recommend HIGHLY, at the first signs of electrical issues the first thing I do is replace the battery ...... fo me, the problems have gone away EVERY time.

 

I'm inclined to agree with the new battery idea, but you might find out how old yours is first.
Original BMW batteries have a date stamped into the top of one of the terminals - replacements may or may not be dated.

You could try a longish drive in daylight with everything switched off - no headlights, fans, A/C, wipers etc - & see if you can get the battery fully charged.
You really should be seeing 14.2V while driving.
You might also disconnect & thoroughly clean the battery connections & the engine ground strap - these are common weak spots.

 

Thanks for the responses guys, but I'm afraid someone owes me a chocolate doughnut!

Battery tests at 14.12v at idle and 12.79v off after cleaning the terminals, the body grounds, and the engine grounds. Battery has 550CA (got it tested at advance auto parts yesterday)

The mini dealer wants $150 to tell what's wrong with it; id rather be able to DIY this but it seems as though my options are running out


Car on at idle

Car off after sitting for 5 mins

 

Roobert
No donuts!
I think you've done about all you can - your numbers look good.
You might try a long drive.
Any add-on stuff? Bluetooth etc.. - aftermarket audio? Disconnect it.
There is an ECM/ECU reset procedure though some folks say it doesn't actually do anything! Just search the forum, there are dozens of posts.
Disconnect the battery overnight.
Beyond that, start checking for loose plugs, corrosion etc.
If all else fails I'd try an independent MINI shop.

 

I'll try this tonight. Ill leave the battery on my charger overnight and if all else fails, I'll call my independent mini mechanic in the morning! Thanks for the help!

 

Welp, Tried leaving the battery out and charging for 11 hours, nothing changed, will be calling the mechanic today

 

Did you get a solutions?