as a stock problem or as a "1st gear" kind of question, but has anybody else experienced this? At random times, when I go out to start the MINI, the key won't turn at all....I jiggle the steering wheel, run through the gears (clutch in of course)....and nothing happens. I end up taking the key out and putting it back in, sometimes more that once.

What do you think?

 

That happened to my son the first time he drove our MCS. He thought he broke something. I told him to turn the steering wheel to the stops with a bit of vigor (be it only a fraction of an inch) and that should allow the key to turn at the same time. I have experienced that with other cars. FWIW.

 

I've had that a couple times. It's always with the wheels turned slightly that it happens. Try turning the key and jiggle the wheel in the direction that the wheels are turned. Its just the column lock that is causing it. No worries.

 

Happens to me too, moreso in the MINI than other vehicles I've owned.

chpsk8's suggested solution fixes it every time.