Hey all,

Purchased a preowned Mini Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk and love it. I replaced the battery in the key (blade) and it locks the vehicle fine. When I try to unlock, the lights flash (signal received) but the locks dont budge. If I hit unlock again, the lights don't flash (it thinks it's unlocked?). If I hit lock, they will flash, and so on. I think it worked the first time I tried, but then this started happening.

Any ideas?

I don't know anything about your specific car, but...
What happens when you press the 'unlock' button from inside the car (not the one on the remote, the one on (I think) the inside door handle)?
If we can isolate the issue it'd help to troubleshoot.
From what you're saying it sounds like the solenoids for the door locks might be on their way out. Had a similar issue with a Holden Crewman where it would unlock but not lock - ended up changing the lock solenoids and that fixed it.

The lock/unlock from the center console works normally. It's as if the computer gets the signal from the key, but the message to the actual lock actuator is failing.

Sorry mate, I can't offer any help!
Have you got a locksmith or auto electrician near you?

How are your Googling skills? If you are patient and able to provide various descriptions of the problem you may find a post on some obscure forum that helps, especially if it's a known or common issue.

Also, is there a BMW MINI repair place in your area? A chat to them may eliminate some things so as to narrow it down without having to pay for a service.

_________________
ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

I have gone down the google rabbit hole and have not found this issue described yet, so there's little hope in finding the quick solution.

I will just go through the wiring diagram, isolate all the wires related to the locking mechanism and remote, and check for voltages to see where the fault is.