I have a 2007 mini and I have taken out the "2" screws mentioned and disconnected all the wires, but the dang thing will not budge. Am I missing a screw somewhere else? do I need to manually crank the motor to dislodge the starter teeth from the flywheel?

 

3 bolts on a Mini starter motor :-)

 

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...unting/Q9ZPIat

 

And there it is... guess it makes sense with the lack of space on the design Thank you so much for the link and info to get this bugger out.

 

Also notice the guide pin / dowel / sleeve around one of the bolts. When putting it all back together, ensure this sleeve is mounted / inserted on the starter, not the block BEFORE bolting it back together. If you put this sleeve in the block first, it will go all the way in, and not engage the starter. This can cause the starter to not grab the flywheel when you try to start the car.