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[ZsanMini]

Argghhhhh Help guys and gals!

Right, got a new problem with what was a completely trouble free mini until now.

I have an '05 plate Mini Cooper Convertible 1.6. Covered just 40,000 miles.

About 2 weeks ago, I went down to the car in the morning and the battery was flat, very odd I thought. Did I leave an interior light on, headlights etc? Nope... O.k maybe the little mini needs a new battery? Jump started the car with jump leads, no problem. As soon as I closed the drivers door the locks fired down as locked. Wierd this only usually happens when I drive over 10 mph when setting off. Drove up the road and I could here the locks making a noise again and again...

Did a load of erands which gave the battery a good charge. Got home left the car for the day, got up the next morning, battery was flat again! Argghhh!

Later on that day a neighbour came over to say that for two nights in a row my cars alarm has been going off at 3am in the morning, lights flashing etc. I didn't hear it because I sleep right round the back of the house. Neighbours were not impressed though!!!

So now I know why the battery was going flat, but why was the alarm suddenly randomly going off in the night?! And what is going on wth the door locks???

Anyhow, I was due to go on holiday the next day for one week so left the battery flat, so not to piss the neighbours off every evening when I was away! I have now just returned, charged the battery and been driving it, last night was the first night back and the alarm did not go off and the battery was fine in the morning.

Spoke to BMW service they say the mini was never recalled for having door lock or alarm problems. They want £90 just to investigate the problem. I have done SOME online research and it appears this has been a problem for various mini owners... Apparently the car thinks the doors are opening, the windows may drop and therefore the alarm and sonic sensors activate. Possible faulty sensors?

I spoke to another Mini specialist garage who claimed they have heard of this but would only give a £50 an hour "investigation" rate.

I am fairly mechanically minded so if it is just a sensor that I can replace I would prefer to order one and get my hands dirty rather than shell out a small fortune to BMW!

Anyone out there know what is going on and can shed any light, as I fear annoying the neighbours or getting stranded with a flat battery whilst out. Wouldn't be too impressed if the car unlocked itself while parked up somewhere either particularly!

Many thanks


Shaun