Three problems related to warning light on have been reported for the 2005 Mini Cooper. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Mini Cooper based on all problems reported for the 2005 Cooper.
Airbag warning light appeared and overhead light signaled passenger airbag "off" even though an adult male (168 pounds) was sitting in the seat. Multiple experiences over several days. No malfunction occurred when the seat was empty, only when occupied by a bonafide adult.
Air bag warning light came on! passenger light turns off and on with passenger in seat. Passenger warning light goes off with out passenger in seat. I looked on several internet forms and this seams to be a problem that Mini has had for some time without a recall. The fix for most problems is an expensive 1200. 0 to 1400. 00 seat sensor . I fill that this is a serious safety concern which Mini should address .
The passenger airbag warning light on this 2005 Mini Cooper stays on and won't go off. Dealer advised on 8/19/2011 that this would cost $1229. 88 to replace the seat mat sensor but told owner that the airbag was working, it was just the sensor/light that didn't work. Many, many complaint about this exact issue with the 2005 Mini models are on the internet. Dealers refuse to correct the problem. Since the light is on and the repair is expensive, passengers take a risk that the airbag won't work at all.