Mini Cooper SE dash switching off

[NotBenny]

About 2 minutes into each drive in my 2020 mini cooper se the dash/instrument cluster central section goes blank, before a couple seconds later the side sections (power meter and battery meter) also go blank. It's not just a backlight issue because I can faintly see the "needle" of the power meter being all the way at the bottom (in the "engine off" position).

This happens every drive except for some journeys (maybe 1 in 5) where it never comes on. If I stop and switch the car off/back on it doesn't recover.

Other symptoms/observations:
- the cruise control stops working when the dash switches off, all other steering wheel buttons/functions work as expected.
- the clock stops when the dash switches off (using the central display to check time it has not incremented past the point the instrument cluster switched off).
- the charging flap open warning is on even with the flap shut (this has happened intermittently over the winter, maybe 3 times, before now always being on).
- On the journeys that it never comes on in the first place, I don't think the charging flap open warning is present (not 100% sure on that one)
- no other warning lights/warnings in the messages systems.
- the front right suspension spring was changed last week - I don't know if this is linked but the timing is incredibly close, if not coincident (I don't think the issue happened on the way home from collecting the car but would have done the next time I drove it).
- All HVAC/interior functions working as expected.

Any suggestions of things to check /try would be greatly appreciated - I'm going to try disconnecting the battery at some point to try to reset things, but that's very much a hit and hope!

[Weejus]

I would have thought the Main Dealer needs to have a look at that, what you are describing sounds like a Gremlin is in there somewhere and hopefully they can find it for you.

[Mark-ri571]

Possibly a 12v battery issue ?
Not had any issue with my 22 SE but reported on F56 forum:
https://www.minif56.com/threads/dashboard-switchin...

Edited by Mark-ri571 on Wednesday 26th March 16:42

[NotBenny]

yes I'm suspecting something on the 12V system - about 6 months ago I had an issue one morning that when I switched on I got a huge number of errors/warnings, no traction control, no regen, lots of issues, but this corrected itself. I put it down to low 12V system voltage switching off some controllers/sensors and after the short drive the HV had recharged the LV adequately, didn't do anything about it because it was a one off.

I've been mentally busy with work so not had a chance to book it in yet, I've checked all the fuses (all ok) and have disconnected the 12V for 10 minutes to try to reset any systems but not improved anything.

The issue is pretty much always there now, it's now maybe only 1 in 5 drives that the screen works at all before switching off. Will book it in with BMW as soon as possible but imagine that'll be a while

[NotBenny]

Just to close the loop on this one. Took it to Mini, they diagnosed a failed dash. Mini U.K. customer services for paid for the dash (around £800) and I paid for the diagnostic work and the fitting (£271). Was expecting worse. Anyway, car all sorted now, including the flap open warning too.

[ukerr]

NotBenny said:

Just to close the loop on this one. Took it to Mini, they diagnosed a failed dash. Mini U.K. customer services for paid for the dash (around £800) and I paid for the diagnostic work and the fitting (£271). Was expecting worse. Anyway, car all sorted now, including the flap open warning too.

Hello, would you be able to elaborate a bit more? How did you manage to get Mini UK to cover the cost of the new parts? Did you complain directly to mini UK customer service?

I am having the same problem and have booked an diagnosis appointment with my local mini dealer.

Thanks!

Edited by ukerr on Tuesday 30th December 13:57

[mrgrumpy28]

ukerr said:

Hello, would you be able to elaborate a bit more? How did you manage to get Mini UK to cover the cost of the new parts? Did you complain directly to mini UK customer service?

I am having the same problem and have booked an diagnosis appointment with my local mini dealer.

Thanks!

Edited by ukerr on Tuesday 30th December 13:57

Hello Ukerr
Please could you tell me what the outcome was from your dash display going blank?
I have a 2020 cooper se and exactly the same has happened to mine. I have had it diagnosed and definately dead.... my dealership tried to get Mini to help with a good will gesture but said the car was too old!!!
After contacting Mini with a couple of emails, their final response was this below:

"Thanks for your further email to MINI Customer Services.

Please be advised that MINI can’t guarantee the lifespan of any part including the instrument screen.

MINI regards an operational speedometer and visible warning lights as essential for safety and legal compliance. The speedometer is central for displaying driving-relevant information, such as speed, which is required by law in many countries. I understand your frustration regarding the failure of a critical component, especially when your vehicle has been maintained at a MINI dealership and no third-party factors are involved. MINI’s engineering standards focus on advanced technology, precise fit, and rigorous quality control. However, even with these standards, component failures can occur, particularly as vehicles age.

I've been in touch with MINI Statstone Bury St Edmunds who advised that they'd raised a goodwill claim for your vehicle to MINI UK, but this was declined due to the age of your car. I know this isn’t the answer you were hoping for and I’m sorry to disappoint you.

Please note, you may be selected to take part in a customer satisfaction survey – following our interaction. This survey is separate to the outcome but solely based on the communications you’ve had with myself, as an agent working for BMW Customer Services.

If there's anything else I can do to help you in future, please get back in touch."

I'm now left with an unsafe car and the prospect of having to pay in excess of £2000 to have it replaced.