What the Airbag Light On a Mini Cooper Means

The airbag light in your Mini Cooper will illuminate if there are issues with the airbag system. Check for any faulty sensors or mechanical problems.
Written by Jaya Anandjit
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The airbag light in a Mini Cooper will turn on if the vehicle’s supplemental restraint system (SRS) is experiencing issues. If your airbag light remains on after you start your Mini, you can technically continue driving—but you should take it to a mechanic for the appropriate
car repairs
as soon as possible.
If you drive a Mini Cooper, you’ll want to know what to do if your airbag warning light turns on. We’ve prepared this quick guide to help you understand what the airbag warning light means, what could happen if it remains on, and how to rest it once the problem is resolved. 
Don't get ripped off!
Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged

What does the airbag light mean on a Mini Cooper?

When you start your Mini Cooper, the vehicle’s computer performs a quick scan on the system to ensure everything is functioning properly, including your airbag system. The
airbag light
will show up on your instrument panel if there are issues with the airbag system, and the computer will save a code to help you uncover the problem source.
The light appears as a circle in front of a passenger with a secured seatbelt on your dash display. You may see the letters “SRS” on the display as well, which stands for “supplemental restraint system,” or “MRS,” which stands for “multiple restraint system”. These are the systems that control the airbags, and if the light remains on, the airbag system will remain off to prevent them from randomly deploying. 
There are a few things that can cause your Mini Cooper’s airbag light to illuminate. Here are some common causes:
  • Airbag backup battery depletion: If your Mini Cooper’s battery drained recently, the backup battery (which powers the airbag system) may be depleted, which will cause the light to turn on.
  • Faulty sensors: There are several sensors linked to your computer’s system and the SRS. Failing or tripped sensors can turn on the airbag light.
  • Damaged airbag clock spring: Your Mini Cooper’s airbag clock spring maintains the electrical wiring on the driver-side airbag. If it wears out naturally with time, it can impact connectivity and lead to airbag failures. 
  • Wet airbag module: Water damage can cause corrosion to the modules under the driver and/or passenger seats, which can result in an illuminated airbag light. 
  • Wiring problems: The control module and airbag sensors are connected, and if those wires fail, your Mini Cooper will let you know with a flashing SRS light.
These are some of the reasons your airbag light might turn on, but they aren’t the only reasons. For a proper diagnosis and to reset the light, you should visit a mechanic or use an OBD-II scanner to
check for trouble codes
related to the airbag system.

What you need to know about the 2005-2008 Mini Cooper airbag recall

In 2015, BMW issued a third recall for up to 91,800 vehicles, including numerous 2005-2008 Coopers, Cooper S hardtops, and Cooper convertibles. Mini took responsibility for faulty weight sensors that might inappropriately disable the passenger seat airbags. 
Typically, if a low-weight child is detected in the front seat, the SRS will turn off the airbags to avoid injuring the child. Instead of disabling the airbags when the seat detects light weights on the passenger seat, some 2005-2008 Mini airbag systems permanently disable the system—regardless if a child or adult sits in the front passenger seat. This malfunction debacle resulted in an added extended warranty of ten years with unlimited mileage for affected Minis
If your 2005-2008 Cooper, Cooper S, or Cooper convertible hasn’t received airbag weight sensor replacements since the recall, this issue may be the reason your airbag light is on. Bring your Mini to a BMW dealership for a replacement.

How to reset the airbag warning light on a Mini Cooper

Most Mini Cooper models require an OBD-II scanner to detect the exact SRS issue and reset the airbag light system. If you have access to an OBD-II scanner, you can plug it into the vehicle using the OBD port located near the control pedals on the driver’s side. Next, follow these instructions: 
  • Select your Mini and its “version” on the OBD-II scanner diagnostic screen
  • Select “SRS” or “MRS” and the n select “read codes”
  • Erase the codes
Keep in mind that while you can erase the codes from your Mini on the OBD-II scanner to take the airbag light off, you’re not necessarily fixing the underlying issue that caused the airbag system warning light to turn on in the first place. 
Thankfully, the OBD-II scanner will tell you what needs to be addressed, and you can take your Mini to an auto shop for repairs before you erase the codes and turn off the warning light.
If you do not have an OBD-II scanner, there are a few other ways you might be able to turn off the warning light. In older models, you can try disconnecting the car battery wires and reconnecting them to resume proper functions. 
You should also check the yellow and blue connector plugs located beneath the driver and passenger seats for loose wires or rust—spraying them with an electronic cleaner can resolve the problem.
There may also be an on/off button located near the passenger side of the car, either next to the door or in the glove box. Switching this button off and then turning it back on could turn off the warning light. But if neither of these hands-on methods does the job, you’ll need to get your hands on an OBD-II. 

Is it OK to drive with the Mini Cooper airbag light on? 

You can drive your Mini Cooper if the airbag light is on, but you shouldn’t put off addressing the underlying issue for too long
Airbag lights indicate a system malfunction, and if you get into an accident, your airbags may not deploy. In worse cases, the airbags could deploy improperly, which could cause serious injuries or even result in death. While your Mini is safe to drive, it isn’t necessarily as accident-safe as it should be, so you should bring your car to a mechanic if you notice the airbag light is on. 
"A super easy app for great savings. I gave them my information and got quotes from
Jerry
very quickly! Now I’m saving $108/month.” —Kiyoshi A.
Don't get ripped off!
Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
Try GarageGuard™

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings