Remember a discussion earlier this year regarding people's observations about the slow starting of their MCS's. Cannot find the thread on Search, and not sure whether the matter was satisfactorily resolved or not. Have recently read a Bosch technical manual "Automotive Electric/Electronic Systems" ISBN 0 89883-509-7, that appears to provide an answer. Maybe, I'm the last one to know. Or maybe, there are other answers.

In the section devoted to the distributorless semiconductor ignition system (BSI) they describe a "forced synchronization system" that "ensures that the firing sequence is maintained...". The gist of the whole paragraph is that a series of trigger sensors need to be activated to inturn initialize the ECU to start delivering sparks to the correct coil at the correct position in the cylinder cycle. It sounds to me like the engine must make about two complete revolutions to activate the sensors that will "synchronize" the system to permit starting.

This two revolution requirement seems to correspond with my experience with starting my MCS. Everytime, I turn the key and let the fuel rail charge, then crank the engine a revolution or two. At that point I let go of the key (before I can detect any evidence of actual starting) the engine just pops to life, immediately. No fuss. The trick is to get the feel for how long to crank before of letting go of the key.

In summary, I think that the slow starting, the need to crank the engine more than some of us are used to, is a built in requirement of the ignition system that Bosch calls "BSI". I feel a little better now that I think I understand what is happening and have developed my little technique to avoid prolonged cranking.

What do others think?

John Petrich in Seattle

 

I appreciate your input. But, if you are referencing the "cold start" issue with the MCS, this theory would not apply. To understand the problem with the MCS, you really need to experience it first hand. It will turn over 4 or 5 times and chug, chug, chug like it is going to start....and then dies. Strangely, my MCS which is plagued by the cold start (as well as stumble), has started fine for the last couple days...wierd.

 

Bisch,

Thanks for your input. I was not talking about the "cold start" problem that you are referring to. I was referring to slow starting as I described it.

I had a "cold start" problem, just like you described. Mine was completely cured by that early ECU upgrade offered by MINI, Ver 3.4, I think. Don't quote me on that number. There were a considerable number of postings on this forum from people that experienced the "cold start" problem and had it resolved by the ECU software upgrade from MINI. Do you have that ECU upgrade from MINI?

Regards,
John Petrich in Seattle

 

Ahhh, okay I gotcha. My bad. yeah, I had the slow start before the cold start...
Mine is a May 03 build with orig. version.

Thanks for the clarification, I have a slow start problem today