I've had a 2002 MCS for about three months now. Sometimes when I start it, it will start but barely. It will barely idle for a few seconds and then die. When I restart immediately, it starts up and runs fine. This is a random event and I can't seem to re-create it at will. Has anyone else had this issue, and what do I need to replace? I'm thinking spark plugs might be fouled or fuel filter clogged? Any insight on this would be appreciated.

 

On my 2008 MCS it was the high pressure fuel pump.

 

Is the fuel pump inside the tank? If so, can it be reached from under the seat? Or do you have to drop the tank?

 

I hate to say I don't know. The Dealer did it under warranty.

 

IS a bit of a common issue...many folks have looked for the cause ...and it seems to have different fixes for different folks......
My guess...on a 10 year old car, the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail is likely not working right, or letting the rail loose its prime...
Maybe even a "drippy" injector, where an injector does not close fully when the car is turned off..letting the residual pressure in the rail drip down the injector into the intake....then the first start, the car stumbles...one cylinder is rich and flooded, and the fuel rail is low on pressure....a stall results...restart, and OK!!
On a side note...many folks only have the 2 crank start issue as I call it in spring and fall....some attribute it to the seasonal changeover in fuel blends....so the issue may go away on its own...till fall!!
My suggestion...
1)try a bottle of injector cleaner, might clean or unstick an injector if sticky...
2) also try to turn the key on, let the fuel pump build pressure for a couple seconds, then try to start...see if it still happens...might rule out/conform a fuel pressure regulator issue...it is a VERY cheap part..pretty simple to swap.

spark plugs....if you do them USE A TOURQE WRENCH...many mini's have spit out plugs...pretty good chance if you have a pulley on the SC (very common) you ARE overdue...suggest interval is about 30,000 miles (same as the JCW) when pulley is installed...about 3x as often as a regular S.
Fuel filter....might not hurt, but would likely effect the TOP END when HIGH fuel flow is needed....but on a 10+ year old car...may have never been done.

 

ON a GEN1 car....that is what the TRI-TEC powered, cast iron block, SUPERCHARGED MINI is...up to 2006 hardtop, 2008 cabrio....there is NO HIGH PRESSURE fuel pump...car has standard fuel injection, not THE DIRECT INJECTION of the PUGOT powered GEN2 TURBO MINI.
On the gen1 mini, the Fuel pump, and the filter is under the rear seat.

 

Here you can see it under the rear seat.

 

Great info guys! Thanks a million! I have to swap out some ball joints on my Jeep in order to pass inspection first. Then I'll dig into this one. Thanks again.