R53 Boot latch playing up

Not sure what year your R53 is, but they added a manual cable release under the middle of the rear seat cushion sometime in 2003. If you can’t reach the hatch from the inside while pulling on the cable you’ll probably need someone to pull the hatch open.

Red Bull said:

Not sure what year your R53 is, but they added a manual cable release under the middle of the rear seat cushion sometime in 2003. If you can’t reach the hatch from the inside while pulling on the cable you’ll probably need someone to pull the hatch open.

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Hi

I have managed to find this. I had to take the kids seats out though which is annoying.

So I have added a cable tie loop, which sits just proud of the seat bolster, to allow me to activate it if it happens again.

I could do with buying a new micro switch and a gasket....silly question but can you order this genuine parts from BMW-Mini online? if not do you know of a stockist that replaces them?

Motorworxmarketman said:

The bootlid on my R53 wont open. I am told this is a common issue and the latch fails as water gets in there?

Can anyone confirm if this is true....and how do I open it?!

Thanks

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After driving my 04 R53 S, I typically have to take my key and "unlock" @ drivers door to unlock/open hatch. Don''t have a manual, so don't understand much...

Motorworxmarketman said:

Hi

I have managed to find this. I had to take the kids seats out though which is annoying.

So I have added a cable tie loop, which sits just proud of the seat bolster, to allow me to activate it if it happens again.

I could do with buying a new micro switch and a gasket....silly question but can you order this genuine parts from BMW-Mini online? if not do you know of a stockist that replaces them?

Click to expand...

Not sure if new hatch handles are available, but if they are, they’re most likely unpainted and really expensive. Some people replace the micro switch with a generic or find a working used handle. I had water leak through the handle gasket onto the microswitch and would short it out and pop the hatch when the car was unlocked. When I heard it, it was constantly activating, like a kid playing with a switch, and would probably have burned out the solenoid if left for too long. I was able to buy a new seal separately.

MiniMonte said:

After driving my 04 R53 S, I typically have to take my key and "unlock" @ drivers door to unlock/open hatch. Don''t have a manual, so don't understand much...

Click to expand...

The door locks aren’t made very well and will eventually break if always unlocked manually with the key. This DIY repair might be helpful if your power door lock actuator(s) aren’t working: Repair Mini Cooper Electric Door Lock Actuator / Locking Mechanism