I have a 2011 Cooper S (1.6 liter Peugeot). Lately after the car has been sitting over night or while at work, when I start it, the engine coughs, stumbles and wants to stall. I have to keep the revs up in first gear to prevent stalling. After a quick run through the gears, the problem disappears until the next start up from prolonged sitting. Is this a quirk of the engine or is it time to see the dealer?

 

With about 5000 miles on the odometer, Molly, too, is coughing a little on start-up. After about 30 seconds idling in the garage, she smooths-out and runs normally.

 

My 05 does the same thing at 65k. I think its just the nature of the beast.

 

Possible fuel pump issue.

 

This started happening on my '11 MCS with about 7k on the odo a few months ago. I took it to the dealer and they had to replace the O-ring on the HPFP. The tech said it was either worn or faulty from the factory and was not allowing fuel pressure to build during started up fast enough, thus the stumbling on cold starts. Once the fuel gets flowing, there is enough of a seal on the O-ring to allow fuel to flow adequately so the problem doesn't appear until the next cold start.

The problem was resolved on that service visit and has not appeared. I currently have about 19.5k on the odo.

 

I’ve only got 2800 miles; the weather is cooler and the idling actually does help some. Sounds like it could be any of those possibilities. I do appreciate the responses. The “o-ring” thing scared me a little so it’s off to the dealer.

 

10000 miles on my baby and zero starting problems. Mine most definitely not displaying those symptoms.

 

My '11 exhibited the exact same symptoms. First, the issue was so mild I thought maybe I didn't hit the start button hard enough. Then, on Thursday of this past week, I thought I would not be able to start her. Finally, the engine caught after stalling and stumbling about 5 times. And, yesterday morning I thought it would not start at all. It almost sounded like the starter would not turn over along with the stalling. When I finally caught the motor, she bucked and broncoed for about 200 feet before finally catching.

The check engine light came on yesterday.

She is going into the dealer tomorrow am and I will report back.

 

mine is sputtering coughing too.. 2011 with 8000 miles now.. got b_itched out that this is normal, in my thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nce-again.html

 

Sputtering and coughing is not normal under any circumstances.

Those that say it is are out to lunch.

 

My '07 did the same at 75,000 miles Mini replaced the high pressure fuel pump at the motor at no charge.

 

my 11 mcs is at the dealer since yesterday, same symptoms...10k....waiting for a call back.

 

Similar issue. 2011 MCS. Slight stumble upon driving from a stop when temps are around 35 or lower. Clears up within a few minutes. But Wednesday night, I pushed the start button and the engine just turned and turned and turned. No fire. Towed via MINI roadside to my dealer 35 miles away.

Thursday: I call. They tell me they should have it in the shop by afternoon. They call me at 4:45pm, tell me their computer systems have been down. Tell me it will get in first thing in the morning, and I'll get a call by noon.

Friday: 1pm. I call, person in charge of my case is out to lunch. 2:15pm, call back. Diagnosis: valvetronic software is out of date resulting in the timing slipping (how does electronic timing 'slip'?). Computer update takes 6-8 hours. They can't start me until Monday.

This is why we make a big effin' deal about little 'quirks' and issues with cars under warranty. It is a big deal when my sole means of transportation is UNAVAILABLE for five days or more.

Oh, and I bought the car less than three months ago. It's got 2800 miles on it.

 

hey Wandrur, your story sounds exactly like mine. I have decided to print this entire thread and have it i hand when I go to my dealer to show them that I have researched this and will not be satisfied by “bad gas“ etc. I am disappointed by those who have openly stated that “Mini doesn’t equal quality”. One of the reasons I bought it ,among others, is that it’s backed by BMW. Jeez, I hope I wasn’t sucked in by “cute‘ only to find out that I’m driving “ugly“

 

I had my '09 for nearly three years, and in that time, I had two issues: my rear window wiper motor was intermittent (replaced under warranty) and I had the timing chain rattle (replace under warranty). After their respective fixes, it never once gave me another issue. So I had a great experience with the first. This second has me pretty frustrated, but I am remaining optimistic that MINI and my dealer will fix everything the way it should be. Until I find out otherwise, I'll be disappointed with the issue, but I'll still have faith in the brand.

 

Thanks for the reassurance. I’ll keep the thread updated on outcome.
“ex-Boulder-ite”

 

Not that it's all that necessary, but I'll add one more 2011 MCS to the list that has just begun shuddering soon after start up in the mornings.

10k miles on it and just last week (with socal temps in the mid 50s) it gives me a little shudder about a minute or two after start up, then a little rpm flutter and it's good to go...to the dealer that is.

 

Hey AdrenaliNate, I think your post is invaluable. The more drivers that mention this problem, the less likely I am to be dismissed. I printed your response to the thread to take to my dealer so thanks very much. Everyone who has this issue, keep the thread updated.

 

I am so glad I am not alone.. Obviously there is a problem with 2011 MCS. So tired to listen people who say IT IS NORMAL! NORMAL my (_._)!!! $29K car which is acting worst than some my 2008 VW Rabbit. Joke.

 

Get thee to a dealer! I took my '07 into the dealer to get the timing chain service done and it came back with the problem yours has/had. I drove it for a while and it got worse. The second time in and they told me that there was a lot of carbon build up on the backs of the valves and in the intakes that had to be cleaned off. $988.88 later it ran the same. The last time into service and they replaced the high pressure fuel pump and told me the story about this issue. It seems that a recent software update increased the fuel pressure. In my case they increased it a bit more to "fix" the problem. This stresses out the high pressure fuel pump and it fails. MINI knows it is a problem and when the engine light finally goes on they can fix it. The dealer may fix it before then, but the light trumps all of their stories and excuses.

Do you think I don't trust the dealer service department much? My MINI is now officially for sale and I'll go back to my highly modified Mk3 Morris Mini with 110HP. Good luck!

 

any update on all of you with 2011 MCS who took them to dealer? Now when the temps are constant around 30F and less.. my car is doing it every time after seating for 8-10 hours in cold.. coughing and sputtering shortly after start.. with idle fluctuation.. any update welcome guys.. thanks

 

My temp thermostat went out at 6500 miles. Same symptoms: turning over, barely catching, and then off to a stumbling start.

I thought for sure I was going to be stranded the last time it happened, but she limped off and finally caught.

The thermostat was replaced, but 3 weeks later, in 32 degree temperature, she exhibited similar symptoms.

Needless to say, after 3 rounds of thinking I just had to have a MINI, I traded her in for a 2012 Civic coupe.

In all my years of owning Hondas, never ever did I think twice about reliability or the possibility of being stranded.

 

good for You.. I am looking into other cars... right now trying see more about KIAs.. I am done with VW, been there done that.. Most likely I won't start looking seriously after Chicago Car Show in February 2012 when I can at least what I like the most..

 

Yes, I am increasingly reading more and more about the issues with the 11s. MINIs and I go back to 2005, and they have a siren pull for me. Nothing drives like a MINI. The fun factor is off the charts.

However, this time I truly realized that life is too short to worry about basic reliability issues in a modern car.

I was never able to get the Bluetooth to work properly in the MINI. No one was able to hear me from my end. Research showed that this is another common build fault. Certainly not a driveability issue, but a safety one for sure.

So, MINI can keep all her cute little quirks. I'm done forever.

 

That's too bad. I have had 3. One had the cold start rattle, fixed under warranty with zero problems since. The other R56 was perfect. So far the Coupe has been perfect.

Sorry it didn't work out for you. Clearly stuff happens and when it does you just move on as you did.

What did you buy to replace it? Do they have a forum???