Sp4rtan, Great pic of what the thing looks like. I assume you removed the seat and cover to get a look see at what was under there? Now I understand why they are asking for $1,200 to replace, lol. Anyone know if you can buy the unit and replace it yourself. It doesnt look that hard once you get the seat out. Just some time.

 

Actually, I had the cover off because I was replacing it with leather and adding seat heaters at the same time. Having been there once, I imagine that if you gave me a replacement sensor element I could probably swap it out in a couple of hours. I guess I can see why MINI doesn't want us poking around in there - the liability could be pretty severe if anything were to go wrong, but it should be a lot cheaper fix.

 

I've gone back and fourth and I think I'll have to justify going to the dealership for the following reasons:

-2 year warranty on parts/labor (this SOB might just break again…)
-Reimbursement if a future recall is ordered (MINI confirmed they give $$ back)
-Peace of mind that it was done correctly..
-New seat bottom isn't much more than the sensor alone. Might as well..

 

I don't want to be a douchebag, but I'm curious if I should try and get half the $1,000-1,200 from the seller of the car I bought 2 weeks ago. Seems fair to me. If it was 6 months and the sensor broke… hell, even 1 month. But I found out 2-3 days later - Really pisses me off.. What do you guys think? Its some med-student with presumably well-off parents - not that it matters, but makes me feel less douchey.

 

I suppose it doesn't hurt to ask. It sucks that it went off so soon after purchase but isn't this the chance someone takes when buying a used car.

 

Sure.. Thats why it feels a little weird. However, if I unknowingly sold someone an unsafe car I'd do something to make it right.

 

Quoted about $1,400 at Madison Mini for parts and labor.. Looks like I'm just going to bite the bullet. Its about $700 more because of the sports seats (non sports seats can purchase JUST the sensor and not the entire seat cushion/leather for some reason.

 

I wonder if it might be the seat belt latch instead. My wife and I both have '06s. Both were bought used a little over 2 years ago. I think that mine may have an earlier manufacture date. Anyway, mine had the light show up shortly after we got it. It was random at first, but has been a constant reminder since then. The light in her car started showing up randomly about 4 or 5 months ago. It would go out if the seat belt latch was wiggled a little. Also, if the light is on in either car, and the seat belt is not latched, the seat belt light does not come on.

Basically, I'm wondering if a wire in the latch might be grounding out, causing the car to not see that the seat belt is buckled or not.

I thought about checking the wires, or getting another, but since it has "explosives" in it, you can't order one online. Basically, the "explosive" pre-tensions the seatbelt upon the event of a crash.

Just my thoughts. I'm not really worried about the light, it's just annoying.

 

My airbag light activated on the dash last week, p/s seat pad was already replaced twice under warranty

There is a TSB out for it

http://www.aboutautomobile.com/TSB/2.../Cooper/Airbag

And a list of complaints without a resolution.

http://www.aboutautomobile.com/Compl.../Cooper/Airbag

I'll just wear a helmet from now

 

I had the light(s) go on dash and overhead for several months after I loaded the seat on a trip with inanimate objects. I recently set a rather heavy computer bag on the seat for several trips and suddenly the light has now stayed off, even when nothing is on the seat. I would try something like that to see if some level of seat loading will reset the faulty part prior to buying. Somentimes it's good to be lucky.

 

I've got a 2006 leather sport seat in black for sale, if anyone is interested!