I recently purchased my cooper s, but have found a little problem which i need a little help with.

The turning knob that is to select where the air is to blow from, either footwell, window etc, doesnt seem to move.

has anyone else had this problem and how difficult/easy is it going to be to fix?? is it likely to be something simple, or something a bit more serious.

Any help is much appreciated.

There are bowden cables behind the rotary knobs, sonetimes they become unattached, see diagram links below:
RealOEM.com BMW R50 Cooper Various Bowden cables / shafts (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=RC32&mospid=48010&btnr=64_1147&hg=64&fg=25)

RealOEM.com BMW R50 Cooper HEATER CONTROL (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=RC32&mospid=48010&btnr=64_1122&hg=64&fg=20)

It may just be a case of re-attaching one or maybe replacing the control panel if actual knob has seized. The panels can be picked up for a reasonable price secondhand on ebay or a specialist Mini breakers like Minimatt.

Well, my first question would be, did it use to turn? Probably something broke off inside or is just jammed. I would imagine you should be able to disassemble the panel to access in behind. I can't image the entire dash would have to come off as that would be expensive.

I don't want to discourage you, but as a slight aside, I experienced some panel rattling in behind the dash on startup and I was told by a dealer that it required removal of the dash to fix. They quoted me two full days of labour to disassemble and reinstall. I live with the noise.

brilliant thanks very much for you help, will have a look tonight, to try and see what it maybe.

Hopefully just the cable has come loose.

The main dashboard does not have to be removed for this, sometimes you can see/access the bowden cables without even removing control panel, if not only the downtubes and control panel need be removed for better access. Should be a guide on Mini2 for removal of centre console parts if you do a search.