This car has the Steptronic automatic transmission. There is a mechanical actuator that moves when the transmission is placed in Park. Apparently an electronic circuit is completed telling the computer the car is in Park. There is a small spring on the actuator arm that moves it. If that spring breaks the arm does not move and the computer does not "sense" Park. A warning light and alarm go off "Secure vehicle from rolling". My online research indicated this is a fairly high failure item it both MINIs and BMWs....
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From the pictures I've seen of the actuator arm and spring this appears to be a very poor design. The repair runs anywhere from $2000 to $4000 depending on the dealer repair shop. I believe this item shoud be repaired as a Recall item!