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I have a 2017 Cooper S 4-door that stutters/chugs when it's started the first time of a trip. It goes on for maybe 10-15 seconds, then all is well, so it seems like it's only when it's cold. It's running 0W-30 Mini synthetic with a new Mini filter, but it was doing it before the last oil change as well. Can anyone suggest where to start before I take it in for (out of warranty) service? I'm relatively handy - do my own oil, brakes, some suspension, etc. - but I don't want to get too deep.
My '17 has started a similar stutter when first started after sitting a few hours. A quick blip of the throttle seems to clear it up every time. I am thinking my throttle plate may be starting to get some buildup and sticking. I have yet to dig into mine, so this is purely a theory on my part, but I have seen it on quite a few throttle-by-wire cars recently which is why it sits at the top of my list to look into in the next couple of months. Hope you find something 'simple', good luck.
I had a similar issue that made me crazy. It seems to have been corrected but I can't tell you what measure did it so my answer may not be very useful.
First I put in a new fuel vapor valve. Didn't really make a difference.
I changed the air filter. I bought the car used "2014 f56s" and it was filthy. Did seem to make a big difference. Cheap new paper filter.
Would still happen but the rumble was less furtive.
Did an oil change and filled it up with 0w30 and while the car was happier and idled better .. Still some rumble
Checked with bimmerlink and it seemed to have an error on my upstream oxygen sensor.
Ordered a new one and during install I noticed the old one, which looked like it had been replaced recently, was way loose. I barely touched it to break it free. I was ready for a fight and I freed it with little more than finger strength. It hadn't been torqued. The oxygen sensor couldn't possibly be giving the right values if outside air was able to come in. I changed it anyway.
rumble gone but it still wasn't perfect. Then I switched gas and gas station. Done. Car lights up like it should, drops into idle nicely minus rumble and drives like it was meant to. So far its been great and restored my faith in my purchase.
I dont know if it was changing brand or just the station but ... Absolutely drive changing.
Were I to chase the gremlin again ... I would start with the least expensive option and just go to a different gas brand or station if you are loyal to a brand
Last edited by bipedalnakedape; Sep 9, 2025 at 09:17 PM.
Bet you it's the Fuel Tank Breather Valve, our 2017 CM starting doing this on startups on the morning and after gassing up. It's a really easy fix. Here's the link for more info:
+1 its that little purge valve up front and easy to change. Just make sure you match up the designs with the year and model as they changed them, its in that link.
