I've experienced this bowden cable problem that other folks have talked about in my driver side door. At first it would take two or three times of pulling on the door handle to get it to unlock. Soon it was necessary to use the toggle to unlock the door. Not long after that, the only way to get out was roll down the window and open the door from the outside (after unlocking using the toggle inside of course) - or having a passanger let me out. Let me tell you, it's no fun letting yourself out of the car in this fashion when it's raining.

I know other folks have had this problem in freezing temps but I live in North Carolina and it was happening during the hot-as-hades summer months so it's not freezing. My guess is that the cable popped out or is broken. I'm willing to attempt to tackle this problem on my own since I saw somewhere that it cost someone in excess of 300.00 to get this fixed by the dealer. My mini is an '03 and I doubt it's under warranty so I'm going to have to fix this myself.

Does anyone have pictures of how to take the driver side door apart? I heard that it's difficult to get to the cable and if I have to replace it I'm going to need to know how to 1) get the door apart and 2) replace the cable.

I've scoured this forum and the most I found was some photos of the cable inside the door, which is great, but it doesnt tell me how to get the door apart. I'm not a stupid gal but I don't want to break something in the process (I'm admittedly impatient). I'd like to try and work on this this weekend so any help would be GREATLY appreciated. The weather has turned cold on me and opening my window to let myself out this winter does NOT sound fun at all!

Thanks! xoxo Kimmie

 

I had a problem with my passenger door in that the cable came out of the locking mechanism and there was no way for me to fix it. I had to let the passenger out every time, kind of annoying but you feel like a gentleman doing it. anyways there is a DIY on MINI2 that talks about removing your door. It is what I used to get my door panel off. Its relatively easy to do. I used a paint stiring stick that I shaved down with a knife to get the arm rest pad off. but here is the site...you might have to scroll down a bit to find it but its there. http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...aq_faq_removal

I hope you're able to fix it yourself.

 

Where in NC? There is a great MINI mechanic in the Triad.

 

I'm actually down in Fayetteville. I know there is a flow dealer up there somwhere. Actually the closest one I know of (Unless new ones have gone in). So It's about an hour and a half drive to Raliegh Durham (and that's driving fast heh heh). But I'm pretty handy and if taking the door if isn't that difficult I think i can do it. I figure if I can take apart a computer, upgrade and put it all back together I should be able to do this no??? Different creatures yes, but still. Thank you to everyone for your help!

 

Update: In case anyone EVER needs to know (years later I'm posting this). My situation was that the cable popped out of the clip that holds the cable in place at the top end of the cable. It was hard to see and hard to get to - I used a mirror and contorted my body in all kinds of ways but I compared the driver side to the passenger side and realized what the problem was. Once I popped it back into place it was fine.