My mini just broke down

Sigh.

i just had my first breakdown, in the middle lane on a roundabout. it cut out, but i coud'nt restart it. The engine turned fine, but it does'nt start. We pushed it to the side of the roundabout onto the grass verge (in rush hour traffic at a m4 junction!)
I dont know whats wron with it. I had literally nothing in the car, so i couldnt check the plugs or anything. I'm no mehcanic so i dont really have any idea what to do. it was pretty foggy this morning, so maybe the points got condensation on them...? I need to go back to the car now and try to sort it. maybe i'l try to wipe them down a bit, check the connections? It was strange, she just cut out as i slowed to the round about, shes done it a few times before in recent weeks, but i've alwasy been able to start her again straight away. Not this time.
So I might have to tow her home, but is there even anwhere i can attatch a tow rope on the mini. I could'nt see a loop on the front or anything under the bumper.

HELP! - I've got a workshop and a lecture today... its not going well.

Sorry for typos, i'm in a rush

There should be two holes either side of the numberplate for towing, if the car is an auto it shouldnt be towed.

Sounds like an ignition problem, so check plugs leads, coil, and all electrical connected etc.

You should always carry a can of WD40 in your mini!! (Please don't go and check my mini though! :fear: ). Just connect all the electrical connections, especially to your coil. Does the engine turn over really slow when you try and start the engine (would point to a low battery). Has it ever cut out in the dry/sun (would point to condensation being the problem).

Hi i have experienced the very same problem, mines broke down on a motorway. but like you could not get it started this time..the ignition was fine though...luckily got a tow..

we checked the coil by putting it in another mini, it was fine, alternator was fine...got wiring looked at, one was a bit scabby, my dad fixed this but then after running fine for a few times the mini started playing up again!! its not a fuelling problem as weve checked all of that too..

i really need advice on this too cause im scared to actually go out in the mini incase it breaks down again...

I got the rac bloke out. Oh the shame! I dont really know about what makes the car work really, must be pixies and wizards under the bonnet.(i didnt share my reasoning for the problem with him, -The wizards did it!) Anyway. So it was the rotor arm. i dont really know what that does, something to do with the spark generation. i dont know. anway, got a new one and now it works again!

I'm off to college now to explain to my tutor what happened. sigh...

Thanks for all the advice everyone was willing to give though. Top stuff!