[boobels]

Major MINI problem
On my 13 miles journey to work this morning sitting in traffic the usual. half a mile from work the following lights appeared on the dashboard: ABS, EML, DSC, airbags, engine. Then the radio went off, the clock and the sat nav went off, quickly followed by the power steering - jeez these cars are heavy.

Anyway got it towed to the dealership where it has been sat most of the day with people working on it - still no closer to figuring out what it is. The battery is completely dead and won't hold a charge but I am being told that it might be anything from a throttle body to a new ECU as well as a knackered battery.

Anyone out there a bit more savvy than me have any ideas? Just seems like this is going to cost a hell of a lot of money that I really don't have.

[minisfan]

I purchased a new MiniCooperS 07 built Jan 18th 2007 on April 3rd 2008. Engine light + many other lights can on while I was driving, loss of power etc.. My mini has spent a total of 15 days at the dealer for repairs. Listed below are the parts they needed to replace in April 08
12-14-7-630-107 Control Unit VIN (took 8 days to come from BMW Germany) and 16-11-1-184-084 Gasket.
Once the Control Unit was replaced the computer indicated DMTL major leak so the mechanic replaced the DME and programmed, found left sending unit retaining ring loose. Removed retaining ring and found tank seal out of position and folded inside tank. Replaced left side fuel sending unit seal. Ran DMTL seal test, no leak detected.
Picked up car and ran perfectly until May 19th. On the highway radio cuts off completely and then lights come on and loss of power. Pull on side of highway, turn of the car, wait a few minutes. Start the car but vehicle electrical failure warning light comes on. Drive to destination, car cool downs. Drive home, no more warning lights. Strange!!! Phone dealership on May 20th. Take car in May 21st. This time need to change the alternator parts # 12-31-7-575-872 Exch alternator 150. Suspects intermittent loss of voltage supply from alternator.
Dealership in Ottawa Canada is excellent provided loaner car and even provide a refund for part of my lease payment for vehicle. Owner of dealership expressed his concern. Advised him that he should replace the car if it happens again. I hope that resolves the problem.
I love my Mini CooperS this is my second mini. First car was a Mini Cooper 05. My first car had no issues in the dealership 3 times over 36 months. Let's hope this one is not a lemon.
I read a lot of issues with Engine Lights and loss of power, I hope that the information is useful to other mini owners. I think BMW is aware of these issues this is why they recommended changing the Control Unit. The reason it take so much time for the part, is that BMW Germany must configure the part in Germany.

[pepsicola]

what sort of dealership is this? It's quite irresposible by telling customer it could be anything.
I mean, it's pretty logical that if the battery doesn't hold charge, has it been taken out of the car and get charged?
And then go from there, put the battery back in, check if alternator is charging the battery. See what fault is in the car? See if undervoltage faults mainly? etc etc...