Mini F-Series: EBrake?

inkey$ · Post by **inkey$** » Wed May 10, 2023 1:51 pm

I've got a 2016 F54 Mini Clubman and this morning went to start the car, but the battery was dead (was still able to lock/unlock the car) and a message alert telling me that there was Battery Drain and I needed to Start the Engine - a difficult task given the battery was dead (!)

Anyway, I jumped it from the Zed and went to get a new AGM battery fitted and coded as the BMW original that was in the car is now 7 years old and seemed to have failed suddenly and without warning - although Mrs Inkey$ tells me one of the rear doors wasn't shut properly the other day, so I'm blaming my youngest.

My question though is around the electronic handbrake. With no battery power this seemed lock on and I couldn't push the car out of the huge puddle it was sat in. What if I was somewhere I needed to move the car because it was dangerous? Can you overide e-brakes somehow on modern cars and if so, how?

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Wed May 10, 2023 4:30 pm

Seems the answer is 'it depends'....

If cable operated apparently there should be a release cord somewhere in the car. If motor driven direct on the caliper (like the E89) then no.

I hate Minis! I am sick to the back teeth of the one I just bought for my daughter. It's a PITA!

Rockhopper · Post by **Rockhopper** » Wed May 10, 2023 4:34 pm

Facebook marketplace seems full of cheap Minis with engine problems, lost seems to have needed new gearboxes as well at relatively low mileages.

inkey$ · Post by **inkey$** » Wed May 10, 2023 4:38 pm

Pondrew wrote: ↑Wed May 10, 2023 4:30 pm Seems the answer is 'it depends'....

If cable operated apparently there should be a release cord somewhere in the car. If motor driven direct on the caliper (like the E89) then no.

I hate Minis! I am sick to the back teeth of the one I just bought for my daughter. It's a PITA!

Yes, apologies as I realise its a sensitive subject for you at the moment!
I'll take a look around for a release cord, but wont hold out much hope.

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Wed May 10, 2023 4:40 pm

Can you not provide 12v via a jump pack?

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Wed May 10, 2023 4:41 pm

inkey$ wrote: ↑Wed May 10, 2023 4:38 pm
Yes, apologies as I realise its a sensitive subject for you at the moment!

Don't appologise - I told him to get a Polo

inkey$ · Post by **inkey$** » Wed May 10, 2023 4:42 pm

Rockhopper wrote: ↑Wed May 10, 2023 4:34 pm Facebook marketplace seems full of cheap Minis with engine problems, lost seems to have needed new gearboxes as well at relatively low mileages.

Other than a new battery to replace the original 7 year old one, a new fuel line and regular service costs, its been pretty pain free for me tbh. Bought it on 40k miles and its now done 71k.

I know some of the earlier Chrysler (GEN 1) and Group PSA (GEN 2) suffered issues, but these GEN 3 BMW derived motors don't seem quite as bad.

inkey$ · Post by **inkey$** » Wed May 10, 2023 4:44 pm

pvr wrote: ↑Wed May 10, 2023 4:40 pm Can you not provide 12v via a jump pack?

I do need one of these anyway. Time to go shopping. Any recommendations? (not from your wife's kitchen this time)

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Wed May 10, 2023 4:47 pm

Afraid not, my jump pack died and I have not bought a new one (which I need to when the garden equipment fails to start). Seem a lot available on Amazon though.

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Wed May 10, 2023 6:21 pm

Rockhopper wrote: ↑Wed May 10, 2023 4:34 pm Facebook marketplace seems full of cheap Minis with engine problems, lost seems to have needed new gearboxes as well at relatively low mileages.

Haven't even got that far yet! Still sorting the round spinny things on each corner and the things that (supposedly) stop them spinning!

But thanks for cheering me up!

Rockhopper · Post by **Rockhopper** » Wed May 10, 2023 9:37 pm

Maybe people just use marketplace to shift knackered Minis on

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Wed May 10, 2023 11:08 pm

The little 'knackered' R56 Mini LIVES!
All sorted and drives like a 'very budget' dream now. Only cost me £600 in parts to get it roadworthy.
Not happy with the clutch release bearing noise, though!

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