New Member needs lighting help
 

My 2004 Mini has a lighting problem: all exterior lights on the left side of the vehicle (parking, marker, signal, and brake) are dead-only the headlight works. I've checked fuses and bulbs. The blinker sounds at the normal rate even though no bulbs are lighting. Right side works fine.

Without a manual I'm lost. Any suggestions?

I'd guess a ground trouble from the description

I just had a similar problem. Turned out it was a bad BCM (Body Control Module). The dealer had to order 2 parts as the first one was DOA. I'd bet that's your problem. Good Luck!

2004 Mini Cooper R50
 

I had a left taillight that kept blowing out as soon as I replaced the bulb. My front end has taken a beating over the years, so I just had the spoiler replaced and the front blinkers and running lights repositioned. My mechanic was pulling fuses and found one that was blown; when he replaced it, the lights "went crazy" and it blew again. He's traced the problem to the Body Control Module (BC1).

I've got three conflicting sets of information about replacing the BC1, so here's my question for the pros:

1. The dealership says I have to buy the part new for $458 and have it programmed at the dealer, which I understand from the boards is 2 hours work ($260).
2. An independent Mini shop says I have to buy the part new for $402 and they can program it for $98 - they absolutely can't reprogram a used one.
3. My mechanic can get me a good used one for $150-200 and he's been told that if it's a 2004-2008 it doesn't have to be reprogrammed.

Anyone have any experience installing a used BC1? How'd it go?

The R50 only ran till 06 the 07 was the next gen so the 04/08 seems wrong to me unless it takes the convertibles BCM

BCM replacement
 

Thanks, that's good to know. Maybe it's a universal part.

So, if a used BC1 can't be reprogrammed, why would anyone buy a used one? And how does the dealer change options like if I decided I wanted my headlights on during the day? Or changing my clock back to 12 hr after changing the battery reset it to 24 hr time?

I found this in my travels:

Got a lead on a used BC1
 

I just got a lead on a used '06 BCM for $200. I will report back on how this works.

It is BCM for sure. Try to pay attention to this. Think that this is where your problem is located.

A good used one is supposed to be delivered on Monday. I'll post an update as soon as I find out how well it works.

Better late than never
 

I ended up getting a used BCM for $175 delivered overnight from usedminicooperparts.com. The upside is my lights all work and I'm legal; the downside is my remote access fob and car alarm no longer work. Never had them on my previous cars, so I'll adapt.

It was that or pay $500 at an independent shop, or the stealership wanted $450 for the part and $260-$520 for the labor (if the 2-hour flash didn't take the first time, they'd charge me for the redo - WTF?).