This R50 MINI Cooper came to us with a central locking fault, and in this video we take you inside the door to show exactly what was going wrong.
What We Found
- The central locking motors in both front doors appear to be faulty.
- The tailgate and fuel filler cap locking works correctly.
- The key remote sends the unlock signal, and the motor activates, but fails to fully move the mechanism to the unlock position.
Repair Recommendations
Replace the door actuators in each affected door. This is a common fault on R50 MINIs and usually resolves the issue fully.
Repair Costs
- Labour: Approximately 1 hour per side.
- Parts: Around £40 per actuator.
- Important: Pre-facelift and post-facelift R50 models use different actuator part numbers, so always confirm before ordering.
FAQs
What causes central locking failure in the MINI R50?
Usually it’s the door actuator motor failing to fully move the mechanism despite receiving the unlock signal.
Is this a common issue?
Yes, MINI R50 models are known to suffer from door actuator failures, particularly in older cars.
How much does it cost to fix this?
Expect to pay for around 1 hour of labour per side, plus roughly £40 per actuator.
Are the actuators the same on all R50 models?
No, the pre-facelift and post-facelift R50 MINIs use different part numbers for the actuators.