I had deliberately referred to my 2008 Roadster in my post above, if Ian's car was designed that way. So it was easier to narrow it down.
I later on had a 2010 Roadster Sports. This car had this immobilizer without such a loose ring. But it was a late 2010 production. This car had also never caused such problems. In the middle of 2010 MMC changed the system.
Meabh, do you have an earlier regular 2010 Roadster (which contains the mentioned immobilizer system which Ian also has) or the Roadster Sport with the wider front (and a changed immobilizer system).?