Hi everyone,

I have a Mini Cooper S 2009 with 32.500 miles and two weeks ago the car started stalling at startup (misfire in the morning). This happened I think a few times, the check engine light was on and then the problem disappeared (check engine light turned off by itself). Last week started again and I decided to change the spark plugs. When I was changing the plugs I noticed that three ignition coils were rusty. After changing the plugs the problem disappeared for a few days (the check engine light was on all the time) and now the problem is back. I scanned the car for fault codes and the codes 0301, 0303 and 0304 appeared which are for a cylinder misfire (cylinder 1, 3 and 4). This is consistence with the three rusty ignition coils mentioned above. I scanned the car again (at a different location) and the codes now are: 0301, 0302, 0303 and 0304. I first thought (based on other posts) that the high pressure fuel pump was the problem but after scanning the car I think I have to change the ignition coils. The warranty expired and the Mini dealer wants to charge me $160.00 just for diagnose the problem.

Any suggestions and/or solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sean

 

Def. think you have the HPFP problem. Those codes (the misfire) always come up as the fuel pump starts to fail. The stalling and misfires on cold start are a definite sign of HPFP failure.

My tips, since this happens to people repeatedly: (1) get the car scanned by someone who has the ability to read MINI/BMW specific codes. The HPFP code won't be seen by generic code readers (it's 2880). Unfortunately, this code often doesn't show up until you've had the problem for a little while, and MINI won't replace the HPFP in the meantime.

(2) When the problem persists and if you try to talk to the dealer, they will try to tell you have dirty valves and need a valve cleaning. This appears to be a directive from MINI USA (since it happens repeatedly, to most people with HPFP failures). Don't pay for this service unless you already wanted a very expensive valve service that won't solve your problem.

Good luck. Please report back with the final solution, since it will help others.

Edited to add: If your problem is only on real cold starts (in the morning or at the end of a long day without driving), this is def. the HPFP.

 

rhygin,

Thank you for your quick response. I did some research about the high pressure fuel pump and Mini USA extended the warranty for 10 years or 120.000 miles. I mentioned this to the Mini service adviser yesterday and she told me that if it is the high pressure fuel pump, it will not cost me anything (they will replace it free of charge). However, they want to charge me $160.00 just for testing. That is why I would like to make sure that the problem is the high pressure fuel pump. In addition, I do not trust them (I am afraid that they will say it is something else). If you have any suggestion(s), please let me know.

Thanks,
Sean

 

Mine did the same thing. First trip to dealer they cleaned the injectors. 1 week later they replaced the HPFP. Do you faintly smell fuel at all?

 

Unfortunately, I don't know how to get around the "diagnostic fee." I had read the codes and found the 2880 code before I went, and they still insisted they couldn't do anything without charging the fee. I'm pretty sure they charge that just to connect to their code reader to confirm the HPFP code.

The best I can think of is to find the code yourself (remember that you need a BMW/MINI specific reader) and try to be insistent that you have already diagnosed the problem, so if it really is the HPFP, they shouldn't charge you. I'm skeptical that it will work, though. The dealer wants to make money, and they can just say this is required.

Maybe somebody else has a better suggestion.

 

I just came across this video clip online related to HPFP, thought you might be interested in.
Not to provide any suggestion or solution, but always good to know how the diagnose should be like.
http://www.bentleypublishers.com/min...ideo-clip.html
Wish the best on your Mini!

 

Definitely, the HPFP can be diagnosed by checking the fuel rail pressure. But (in my experience), good luck convincing a dealer to do the test in the absence of the HPFP code.

 

Thank you again for the followup. I spoke to the Manager of the Service Department and he agreed to diagnose the problem for free. I should know the cause of the problem by Tuesday. I will let you guys know as soon as I can.

 

I have appointment tomorrow for HPFP can anyone confirm if dealer will make fuss about having intake and catback exhaust on the car.

 

Just an update: Took my car in for HPFP issue, service manager stated it will be $126 for diag to see if there is something else that is causing the issue and if it is the HPFP than fee will be waved.
Called the dealership in afternoon and they told me that they replaced the HPFP which went bad. I paid $0