I turn the key and nothing. After several attempts eventually my 02 Mini starts up.

There is a BRAND NEW BATTERY installed, so lets rule that out.

However, the Distributor cap seems as if someone backed off the bolts. It is visibly loose. Upon further inspection, I found that it is tight, but the rubber washers that are attached seem worn.

I cannot find any replacement parts online. I'll assume I can just replace the washers, but I would prefer the cap.

Anyone else experinced this? Anyone know the part numbers?

 

Just went and looked under the hood. It seems I was wrong. The bolts are loose, but it's a self contained unit (the distibutor), so it doesnt seem to matter whether the bolts are tight or not.

I replaced the battery today, and the problem existed before today. I turn the key and nothing. no clicking or even the starter turning. The lights, radio, windows and everything else works fine.

Sometimes it starts on the first try, sometimes it takes 6-7 times before it turns over.

Anyone?

Anyone?

Beuller?

 

MINIs use ignition coils, not distributors.

A - Ignition coil (12137510738) $126.79 x1
B - Collar screw (07137510739) $0.64 x4

Looks as if the screws come with the insulators



http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...97&hg=12&fg=05

Edit: does the car throw any codes?

 

Is it an S?
The S has a cutout on the positive cable that cuts power to the motor, but allows power to everything else. If it goes bad, you have to replace the entire cable.

 

After a few weeks with this problem, I finally got fed up and took it to the dealer.

I had looked and couldn't find any faulty wiring, or any other problem, along with "my guy" who is my regular mechanic.

I was trying to avoid it, but I was advised that the dealer would be the only ones that could probably help.

Well, I saved up some $$$ and went.

I was told that the starter had an internal short circuit and was causing the problem.

One of my problems was that the car would not turn over on the first try. This was not related to the starter though (or so I was told).

So, a starter and an ignition switch later, all is good. Three days into having the car back...

Thanks everybody for your input!!!

 

I hate when they do that. If it was the switch, then did you really need the starter? If it was the starter, why did they replace the switch?

But I am glad that you are back on the road.

Rich

 

+1.... its the labor costs. They do this when they cant pinpoint the problem 1st shot... I usually ask for the parts they replaced. You never know.