I bought a 2011 CM S All4 from the auction with about 25k miles. Initially that car cranks but never starts. I tried connecting the scanner and was not able to communicate with the DME. After further diagnosis and swapping parts here and there with my other Mini, I concluded that the DME is shot. I sent it in to be cloned and now i can communicate with the DME. The car is also retrofitted with a siren and alarm system. I traced the siren and the alarm and took them off thinking that has something to do with the car not starting.
Long story shorter, i sprayed quick start and it did start for about 10-15 seconds. I got the scanner out and scanned for codes.
i got knocking sensor, crank sensor and bunch others.
I also found out from testing that the ABS module is shorted internally, the EPS is also shorted internally, the alternator does not charge! The transmission module is dead. the navigation/radio work fine, the lights and windows work fine after replacing a dead FRM and reprogramming the SPEG fuse box.
My confusion is, i do not see any evidence of water damage/flooding. how can the car have soo much damage like this? did the previous owner connected the batter the wrong way?

the car now starts for few seconds on its own but shuts off. codes are also related to pressure build up and HPFP. I replaced the knock sensor and the HPFP and same codes keep returning.

over the weekend, I took the front end off. I will be removing the engine out of the way to replace the power steering motor and ABS. It will be a challenge removing the diff out of the way to get access to the crankshaft sensor.

I should mention that i used a booster to start the car. perhaps the voltage was not enough to make the electronics function properly. So, i will replace the alternator but a battery and start the car. perhaps that changes the outcome.

Hope for the best, trying to pinpoint the problem when you have a major electrical like that is a job.

Did you get the scan tool to communicate yet ?

Yes, after putting the new DME, i was able to communicate with the car. I even got the same results after i put another DME (with matching CAS and Key).

So, after replacing the alternator, the car took 3 seconds to start. It started and staid running for as long as i kept it running. it sounded smooth and no hick ups or funny noises. The main thing i notices was the gas pedal does not work and it seemed to want to shut off when i press it. I will replace the main fuse box and see if i get new/other codes.
here is the crazy part: after i turned off the car, it wont start again! it cranks and seems to want to start but not quite make it. i get 5 unknown codes and 1 for the crankshaft sensor!
action items will be removing the engine and rewire it and replacing all the sensors on it.

Sounds like multiple issues. I don't even know where to start on this. I would go over all the wires with a tester and see if you have a break in a wire or something links back to a bad relay or module.

Good luck.

Finally got some time for this car. Took the engine out and replaced the wiring harness. Also, replace the ABS module and the Power steering module.
I got the car running now with few codes. I need to do a scan to figure these codes out, reprogram the ABS and the PS modules.

One thing to note is after the initial start and running for few minutes, the section right before the turbo was glowing red!

Thanks for the update. Do you have a pic of the downpipe? Was that the red part?

That red thing is a cloth i put to cover the cabin filter opening. I will take a picture of this weekend. It is about 10ft long..lol

Glowing red part. sorry

Updates:

It turned out the the car got a reverse jump start that killed most of the modules.
After replacing, programming, coding, replacing spark plugs (the gap was VERY short), HPFP, camshaft sensor, oil pressure sensor, and alternator.....the car STARTED beautifully. BUT is still need some more work. I might replace the DME again!
At least, i can do some more targeted trouble shooting.

The reverse jump start should have blown the main block fuses first. But with what's going on who knows.

Thanks for the update. Yea the turbo can get hot and glow red, but it has to be driven for a while and running.

Good luck on the progress, glad to see some things working.

I think the turbo was glowing because there was more unburned gas getting exhausted since the spark plugs were not gabbed right. I let it run for 30 minutes over the weekend and pushed the gas to 5500 rpm few times. turbo was still nice and hot. no glow

These threads get me all hot and bothered! Good for you to go that deep into this vehicle and bring it back to life. Looks nicely optioned with interior accents and navigation.

I love working on my cars but have never got these deep, its fun to see. Thanks for thread!

Thank you for your participation. If the car were my DD, I wouldnt have messed with it to that level. I know my limitations but the sweetness of that sound when it starts makes me forget how troubled i will be when i start dressing her back up

Before she was undressed..lol

tears of success...it goes without saying that today i got the lights off. All modules programmed and error codes cleared. The bride is ready to be buttoned up

I too love reading about these projects. That's an outstanding job bringing her from the clutches of doom! I hope she treats you well from here on out!

Lol...thalnk you for following my post. It felt like no one cared about what i did/do. Thanks all

Today, i started putting the furniture...my sister is in town so not much going on today. I plan hopefully to get the interior done first since it is cleaner work.

Then will be the external part. I will be looking to servicing the transfer case since it is out and do some updates to the turbo oil feed line and the oil housing gasket.

She is coming to life...had to induce coma so she wont feel anything..lol

What software are you using for coding and stuff? Also when u say "reverse jump start" what forms u mean exaclty?