Okay...it sure seems like there are lots of threads about door lock problems and I've read a bunch of them...most of them seem to revolve around the handle not working properly...the issue on my wifes mini is somewhat different so I figured I'd ask.

I did follow this thread https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-bulletin.html and was able to just take the door panel off to see if something was obvious...it wasn't...

Here's the problem.

The drivers door will LOCK with the fob, key in door or inside lock switch. However it will not UNLOCK except for the two following methods.

1) if you are inside you must hit the fob unlock or unlock switch on the dash FIRST and THEN use the inside handle twice to open the door.

2) If you are outside...you must use the key in the handle to unlock it.

I'm not quite sure what is going on.

All the reading I did about in the thread I linked to above seems to talk about a cable coming loose...but again...that appears to be what happens when the door handle itself fails to OPEN the door...my issue is the actual auto UNLOCKING of the door using the fob from outside...

Also since I rarely drive this vehicle...is it normal to have to hit the UNLOCK button BEFORE you try and use the interior handles?...that seems odd to me...right now...if you are inside the vehicle...after you drive it and the doors are locked...if you simply try and open the door (passenger or drivers) by pulling the interior handle...nothing happens...yet if you hit the UNLOCK button first...then you have to pull the interior handle twice (at least on the dirvers door).

I'm not quite sure what is going on with the drivers door...any ideas?

The car is now out of warranty.

Thanks in advance for your help.

If what I have described is not clear, please let me know.

Thanks,
Joe.