[Weeble]

I've had my R56 MCS for a week now without any problems but today the car would not start. I put the keyfob into the slot but instead of the usual 'clunk' noise it made a repeating 'clicking' sound. Pressing the Start/Stop button did nothing.

I tried taking the fob in/out a few times with no further success but on about the fifth attempt a yellow warning light came on in the dash in the shape a steering wheel with a lock. I put 2+2 together and assumed this meant the steering lock was on so I jiggled the wheel and tried again, the car started fine after this.

Is this a standard feature, was I doing something stupid? The car has been fine since. The MINI manual lists this in the warning lights sections and just tells you to move the wheel before starting the car to clear it. Has anybody else experienced this?

[Ryephile]

The R56 still has a steering wheel lock, however it's electric, not the usual mechanical. If you tension the wheel while it locks, you have to relieve the tension prior to starting the car, just like you'd have to in order to turn a traditional key. It sounds like now that you've read the manual you've gotten the picture.