Mini R56 ignition does not come on, could the key battery be flat?

Hi everyone, I drive a 2015 Mini Cooper Diesel and have recently started having problems with the car. The symptoms are: Difficulty opening/closing, problems with the key, and a warning light in the speedometer. Could the battery in the key be dead? Have any of you had similar experiences? How did you solve the problem and how was the workshop experience? Thanks in advance!

(Translated from German)

4 comment(s)

Hey, sounds like a pretty similar problem that I had with my 2017 BMW 1 Series (so a few years younger). In my case, it was the central locking control unit that was broken. I only have some experience with cars, so I went to the garage. They replaced the control unit and it cost me 465.0 euros. After that, everything ran like clockwork again. It's best to check whether it's really the key battery - that would be the easiest solution. If it's not that, it could also be the control unit. Which warning light does your speedometer show exactly? Maybe I can give you some more details. Good luck!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for the quick reply! I haven't changed the battery in the key yet, I'll try that right away. The warning light shows a symbol for the central locking system. My Mini now has 218765 km on the odometer and the last inspection was a few months ago. If it is the control unit, I hope the repair won't be too expensive. I will definitely go to the garage if the battery doesn't help. Thanks again and LG!

(Translated from German)

Hey, no problem, gladly! If the warning light comes on specifically for the central locking system, then it could indeed indicate the control unit or a fault in the system. But start with the simple step and replace the battery in the key. A new battery doesn't cost the earth and it could solve the whole problem. If that doesn't help, the next step would really be a visit to the workshop. They can check the control unit and replace it if necessary. With a mileage of over 218,000 km, a defective control unit could be the cause. Don't worry, it doesn't always have to be super expensive. Sometimes a software update or a small repair can help instead of a complete replacement. Keep us posted on how it goes and if you need any more tips! LG and good luck!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for the tips and the encouraging words! I'll change the battery first and see if that helps. If that doesn't help, I'll go straight to the garage and have the control unit checked. With a bit of luck, it really is just a minor issue. I'll definitely keep you posted on how it turns out. Thanks again for your help! LG and thanks again!

(Translated from German)

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