Posted this earlier today in the problem forum, but it seems this one is more active so I thought I'd try again...

Today, as I was pulling into the driveway (fortunately), my engine light came on, I lost power and the car died. It would not re-start, but would only sputter and die again. It is not out of gas, but that is kind of what it felt like. The message I received said "Engine operating at reduced output. Possible to continue. Drive with caution. Have system checked by nearest Mini center".

Two hours later I was able to start it long enough to pull into the garage, but it has not started since.

I saw some earlier posts with similar stories, but am still unclear as to an agreed upon cause. Has anyone experienced this?

This is my first brand new car ever and I got it in mid April. It makes me sick to think about already having problems! Hopefully it's a fluke and I'll get a good outcome. I have already left a message at the dealership.

Thanks for reading! Even if no one has answers, sometimes it's nice to vent!

 

Given the complex nature of these automotive control systems, the problem could be due to any of a number of causes. You might start by opening the bonnet and seeing if anything is obvious (e.g., the engine is covered with oil). Check the coolant and oil levels. It sounds like you have electrical power, right? There may be something obvious you can report to your dealer.

 

No, nothing that obvious. I do have electrical power. The engine attempts to start but will not. I hope the dealership will work with me quickly. I guess we shall see!

 

Yes, could be any number of things. You could get an OBDII Code reader and see what code it is throwing, but why, just have them tow it in and let the dealership figure it out.
There are some known issues with this engine that should have been fixed by now, but from the reports from 2011 owners obviously have not. My money is on one of these, but you never know till you know. Hopefully it will be a quick fix and you won't have any other issues, but it is always a roll of the dice. Some owners have few or no problems, some get alot, we can only hope and pray for our babies not to get sick.

 

Someone else had similar issue and it was the fuel gauge failed and the car was out of gas without knowing it.

 

If there is fuel in the tank, it sounds like a fuel pump or filter issue -though April is too new to be a filter issue. I'd put money on a falty fuel pump. Bummer (but covered under warranty).

 

I agree that it's most likely the fuel pump. The fuel pump is probably the most replaced part on a MINI. I'm on my second, and I've read posts where people are on their 4th or 5th. As already stated, it's under warranty and if they have the part in stock, it can be fixed the same day.

 

Well--it was a fuel system problem, though I don't exactly know what part yet (I was in a movie when they called so I left the theater and talked quickly to get back in). The problem is like many others have seemed to experience--the replacement part is out of stock and on back order. They will know tomorrow how long it will take. They were super nice and quickly offered a loaner if it's not going to be quick.

I still love driving my mini though and am hopeful that this type of malfunction will be rare!

 

I don't know why the Germans just can't get stuff right the first time. BMW has had fuel pump issues in many of its' models for a few years now. Pretty unacceptable at this level of engineering. Won't keep me from buying, but what the heck!?

 

BMW tends to over-engineer everything, actually all Germans do (Mercedes and Audi have similar issues)! BMW tends to change almost every component in their continual quest for improvement. Not always a bad thing as it leds to technological breakthroughs, but sometimes "if ain't broke, don't fix it" is the better course.

They've been making fuel pumps for how long now? Stop screwing with it and leave it alone. Oh, and just put chrome on my car and not some chrome filiment, epoxy-based composite (aka tape) to save a micro-ounce of weight.

Tinkering with improvements is fine, just not all at once on every new model. Sehr gut, ya?