Three problems related to air bag light on have been reported for the 2009 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Takata recall. Passenger airbag light permanently on. Mechanic diagnosed and say it will be $1400 to replace.
Passenger side airbag light on. Has been on for months.
Car was taken in to dealer just after report of Mini airbag recall of earlier models [including 2006]. Since car wasn't listed on recall list but I had experienced several months of passenger airbag light problems [ for no apparent reason]; I was concerned and asked for repair. The piece removed and replaced looked like it had melted. I was told if my model was ever recalled they would reimburse me the cost of the repair. I do not see my complaint on your list and surprised as I thought I was told it would be reported by the dealer. After the repair, I asked for the damaged part; however, it mysteriously could not be found. My question would be are these safety type issues required to be reported by dealers? I reviewed your list of complaints and there are a number of similar complaints to mine [8 postings by owners and 2 manufacturer comments]. I hope my drivers side components never fail as I am not sure it was replaced. Mechanic diagnosis; ran short test found passenger seat mat sensor bad. Replaced seat mat sensor no fault found after repair.