My new to me 07 Cooper S 6 speed with 36K is in the shop. Car was being flat towed in neutral with key inserted in the ignition so steering wheel would not lock. When we unhooked the car from the hitch, it would not start or even turn over. Battery is fine. Computers are fine. Mechanic at dealer thinks the steering lock has failed and the computer 'thinks' the car has been stolen - not allowing it to be started. Parts and labor are just under $1,000. Here are my questions: Does this sound like a reasonable diagnosis? Is this a reasonable price - most is labor he says. Can the steering wheel lock be removed or defeated to enable us to flat tow it behind our motorhome without worry? Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.
I don't know if this is the problem but the car thinking is was stolen and locking out sounds logical if it has that feature. I've seen a number of second gen MINI's being towed so it must be possible. Based on the price your dealer wanted to do the battery they are probably high on the price.
Another choice would be to use a MINI centric garage (these are garages that have the MINI / BMW tools and are very familiar with MINI's...) Some of our many good sponsors can do the work for you at a cost savings (if you are located close to them) Click on the "sponsors" tab at the M/A header....
What Metalman said. The sponsors we have are all great and do a lot for the community. If you don't leave near one of them someone here may be able to point you to a good shop.