The high pressure fuel pump on my 2009 R55 Clubman S may be failing. For the last week, it has been intermittently stalling on startup.

This morning it took four attempts before it would idle. The first three attempts, it started, ran for a couple seconds, then died... as if starved for fuel. The last attempt it ran a bit "choked", then kicked up to 1200 rpm, then settled back down to idle- as if it finally built enough fuel pressure.

Once running, it runs smoothly although sport mode feels a wee bit anemic (and I'm tuned- NM ECU flash, bigger turbo, IC, CAI, full Magnaflow exhaust).

My indy mechanic suspects it's the HPFP.

I called both MINI and the dealer. At 144k miles, I'm out of the extended warranty coverage. The dealer will not cover under good will because I have not been "loyal", using an indy shop for the last three years.

I asked MINI if they would cover the repair pro rata since I'm over 120k. Was told that is highly unlikely, and I would need to have a MINI dealer diagnose first.

Dealer wants $145 for diagnostic. I'm torn about even attempting to get them to cover. Looks like a long shot.

Also was told the reason the part is so expensive is to subsidize the warranty/goodwill repairs for the loyal dealer customers. They have two price structures- one for retail and a far cheaper price for loyal customers.

 

Here I was buying a HPFP and then I was told my a local mechanic, 'you might want to check if that is covered under warranty". Wahlahhhh! found this thread and call the dealership. Going in at 8:45. Boom.

 

....but they checked the car and no codes came back. More misfiring type codes, so the guy recommended Sea Foam. Giving that a whirl.