2003 mini cooper engine will not shut off.

I Have a Cooper S, 2003, same thing. Today I woke up to a dead battery after an 8 hr drive last night . Boosted it, started normal for -22 deg outside and then let it warm up for several minutes. I'm a mechanic and know the Coopers quite well and never had this before. I tried to shut it off and it stays running. With the key in my hand, the radio and blower fan turn off but that's it. Key feels stiff a little so am leaning towards ign switch. Heat is now also not working which happens 4 days ago so now the car it in my shop to warm up the car hoping it is just a freak frozen/no contact issue with the ign. sw. I drove car for 1 hr and it still would never shut off after several attempts and of course the interior never warmed up much. I will post back my findings...Thanks Ken

I second a ignition switch they cause some weird issues.

Turned out to be a bad reverse switch (manual transmission). Noticed lights would either flicker on and off or go out totally when shifted into reverse. Has been running fine for a week now.

i have this issue. Car stays running and most of accessories and dash and warning lights stay on. took the ignition switch apart and its fine, in fact disconnecting the switch doesn't cut the power. Was figuring body module. (though no signs of the common water damage. I am really confused though at the reply that the reverse switch fixed it??? IT is simply an on / off switch for a light. Has anyone else had the same issue?

Where is the reverse light switch located?

I’m having this issue now, my mechanic can’t figure it out. Ironically, my reverse switch did go out recently and a new one from dealer was installed - but that was after I began having these weird issues that you all are having (parking lights and dash lights come on and wear battery down, car will not turn off when key is taken out of ignition). Anyone find out what’s going on?

I have same not turning off (Mini one 2003), issue have replaced ignition switch no luck, going to try replacing the body control unit, I think its drivers side foot well. I have been told a replacement or recondition unit has to be re-coded or cloned that has to be done by someone thats knows how, cost + unit around £200

i have same issue. theres talk on here of body control module and water damage? mine did leak over winter in the sun roof . drivers side floor had 2 inches if water on it in the spring. found the leak and fixed it. could this water be causing the issue?

Did any find the problem to why it wouldn’t turn off?

Keep turning and playing with the steering wheel my copper does it to me and then the car will shit off I thinks it's an electric issue in the steering wheel, .... john joyner