hard time starting...
 

Hard Time starting for the first time of the day. Once it starts it is fine. It will start normally the rest of the day. I am thinking the fueL pressure regulator...but open for any advice. Getting nervous about burning my starter up. Thanks in advance!

More vehicle info will help others in aiding you.
Also, how old are the spark plugs. Is the fuel pump original?

2008 mini cooper s clubman--chili pepper red.

starter is new...battery is new...I am guessing the plugs have not been changed as there are almost 74,000 miles on the car.
Also, I believe the fuel pump is original as well.

Could be fuel system issue. I believe our S models have a 60K plug change interval, and the JCW's are every 30K. While you don't want to frustrate yourself throwing parts at the problem, can you afford to have a MINI shop diagnose it for you?
At some point, if those plugs are original, they will need to be changed, I just don't want to mislead you into thinking that's all your hard starting problem needs to be cured. :popcorn:

Recently had same issue.

Dealer diagnosed it as high pressure fuel pump and carbon buildup on the intake and valves. They replaced fuel pump under CPO warranty and covered 85% of the walnut blast as it was the second time required in 43k miles.

I had previously tried to diagnose it myself and ended up changing the pre-cat O2 sensor... Turns out CPO would have covered that too.

Mine is 2010 clubman s.