I just purchased a 2005 MCS w/ 17,000 miles on it. It has a few mods done to it: 15% Pulley, Alta Intake, OBX Headers, One Ball, VGS Mod. And it doesn't always start up right away. The seller told me that it was the system and that it wasn't that bad, it just didn't turn on right away. I've had it for over a week now and it got a little worse.

When I turn the key, everything else turns on except the car. It takes a little bit, and the other day it took me a good 5-7 minutes. It's only been happening the past couple of days. I called the MINI Service Center and the advisor told me to change keys because that key might be defective, and I did. It started up real quick for a few times, then it started doing it again.

I have an appointment to have it checked out Monday morning but was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to why it was doing this.

ps. It also has a sub and an amp, which shouldn't be a problem. I've had many systems before and this has never happened. It's possible though that the original owner had it hooked up incorrectly.

 

Did you test drive this car? The "system"? Its normal to wait 7 minutes to start? Not good at all.

Maybe MINI can figure it out but with headers on it, I wish you the best in MINI doing anything for you.