I have an '02 Cooper S, US, LHD.
The height adjuster only raises the seat, I cannot get it do lower. I don't want to force the lever too hard. It is the wratcheting lever on the left. Any ideas or tricks to fix this? The dealer wants almost $400 for just the seat bracket assy.

Thanks,

Doug

 

Are you sitting on it - It will not lower without weight on it.

 

All 255LBS of me, which is probably what broke it to begin with.

 

Dugmar,
I have had the exact same problem with my 03. Since my warrantee expired (I am overseas with a 2 year warrantee),I took it apart this weekend. There are several rivets that have to be drilled out. The problem is a plastic cup inside that broke. I solved the problem, temporarily, by turning the cup around and pop riveting the assembly back together. Now it only goes down . The whole unit should be replaced but I do not know the part number. If your warrantee is good have the dealer replace it. I am looking for the part number now...If anyone know it please chime in.

Regards,
Frodo

 

Part number for your seat is here.

Looks expensive...

 

This has become very problematic for me. When my wife (5'0") drives the car the seat is so far forward that I (6'2") cannot get in. I have to put one hand on the seat and lean on it in order to ratchet the lever with the other hand.

The MINI seat adjusting mechanism is probably its major design flaw. All of our other cars have power driver seats with memory buttoms, but the MINI does not offer this work-around. If anyone from MINI is reading this, please note that we would gladly have paid megabucks for this option!

Our work around is that we take turns with the MINI on intervals of a week or more. It simply isn't worth the trouble . . . . .

 

atleast the seat still scoots. I had that problem on my old car not fun at all!

 

I have an 03 MCS and have the same problem. I have an appointment with my Service Advisor on Tuesday 5/30. I'll let you know what the verdict is. I need to get it fixed so we'll see what the damage is.

 

mine is broken too..it's stuck, only can pull or push once.. and thats all it does..haha, i need to take it in for a look.. and i have like a million other problems i have to address to the dealer..omg !