I left work this afternoon and headed out to my 2002 Mini Cooper S parked in direct sunlight, about 34 C here and opened the boot, put some stuff in, got in, windows down, started up and drove off.
Within 60 seconds the alarm started going off. So I pulled over (still in the carpark) and tried to disarm the alarm, turned the car off ... the key seemed to have no effect but the alarm went off. It went on and off again twice more before I left the car park and stayed on pretty much the whole time for my short trip around the corner to the auto-electrician where I was planning to go after work anyway to get my A/C re-gassed and serviced. This was about 4:30pm and even though it kept going off while I was there at the auto-electricians he couldn't help me as he was busy wrapping up for the day but suggested I get home and disconnect the battery because the headlights were stuck on.
The alarm seemed to stay off after about 10 minutes into my trip home.
Windows wouldn't close, lights stayed on, the alarm indicator stayed on, boot wouldn't open ... luckily I managed to get the windows down before it started playing up because my A/C isn't working as it needs gas.
Got the lights to turn off after climbing into the boot through the front seats to disconnect the battery - tricky with the parcel shelf, but anyway.
As soon as I disconnected the battery the alarm started going off again - although slightly quieter on it's reserve power. And the boot unlocked.
While I had the battery disconnected the boot latch went nuts for about 5 seconds before the alarm started going off again ... if that's relevant. I've noticed before that I've been unable to lock the car because the boot isn't quite closed.
So the headlights are off now and the alarm has stayed quiet for about 10 minutes so hopefully it'll last through the night ... it's still under warranty so it's off to the workshop tomorrow, fingers crossed ... although this is the same workshop that can't service my car because they couldn't remove the oil filter ... so I'm a bit dubious about them being able to fix it though I did read elsewhere someone with alarm problems that was linked to an on-board computer being fried ... perhaps that is the case here (and hopefully they'll replace free of charge).
However if anyone has any similar stories or tips or any way I can ensure that the alarm doesn't go off in the middle of the night ... would be appreciated! It's in the garage so I don't have to worry about it being stolen or rain getting in because I can't lock it or close the windows (although the sunroof works).
I checked the battery in the key - 3.07 volts, it's fine.
Get the BC1 module (body control unit) checked. I have read about things like this happening when this computer is faulty. I think that there is a known problem with this unit on older Cooper S's. I have had to have mine replaced but the only sign that it was dodgy was that the fog lights would not light. Look up 'body control unit' on this forum and you might find people who have had similar problems. Good luck.
Same thing happened to me before Christmas. Had to disconnect battery while we were on a 2 week holiday and booked it into the dealers when I got back. Had it fixed under warranty on Wednesday. Had the body module replaced at a cost of £322! Thank goodness I didnt have to pay. Alls ok now
If your car isnt under warranty, thats about how much it will cost inclusive of labour
The body processor is in the right hand footwell behind the hood release. This area can get water in it and it goes right into the processor. The newer Minis have a plastic umbrella on top of it to help with the problem. If you can get to it, you might pull it out and dry it carefully if you have no warranty left.
It was meant to be under warranty but the warranty company rejected the claim because the generic warranty schedule did not explicitly include "Mini Cooper S BC-1 body control unit".
Clearly I'm not going to let them get away with that :-)
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Thank goodness I didnt have to pay. Alls ok now 
