Deactivating the passenger airbag on a Mini Cooper

[muzzle]

Hi, I have a 2002 Mini Cooper and I need to get the passenger-side airbag deactivated for a child seat; unfortunately this can't be done by the flick of a switch like it can on more recent models.

I've taken it to Mini but they've quoted me a ridiculous price of £219... does anybody know of a reputable place that can do it cheaper in the Doncaster/Sheffield area?

I'm really annoyed at Mini for this - £219 just seems like blatant profiteering, especially as they also charge the same amount to reinstate the airbag afterwards! If anyone knows their reasons for charging so much I'd be interested. Thanks.

[Sus1e]

Its not quite as simple as flicking a switch on the cars which don't have that set up on them.

Basically the ECU will need reprogramming to tell it not to activate the airbag. This may require a new ECU or the cost maybe down to the labour cost to do the download.

I would ask around other Mini Garages as the costs for Labour vary from dealer to dealer.