I've done some pretty extensive reading here on cold start issues. The majority seem to be with S models and the HPFP.

I've only had the car for a few months, and the cold starting issue started a little over a month ago. I've read that one of the causes could be heavy carbon buildup. I've ruled that out as a cause as my mechanic already took care of that. But it didn't solve the starting issue.

While trying to diagnose the issues, they say the check valve on the fuel rail broke off. They had to order a new rail, which they're supposed to get today. They've had the car more than a week now, and I'm beginning to lose confidence in the shop. What are the odds that the new fuel rail will correct the issue? Any other probable causes?

And lastly, anyone here have a MINI mechanic in south central CT that they would recommend from personal experience?

 

I figured even though no one responded, some one might have read (or will read) this and look for an answer. I took it to a different mechanic, a guy who does exclusively BMW and MINI. In half a day, he found the problem, a bad engine temp sensor. It kept thinking the engine was hot, therefore giving the incorrect fuel/air mixture and also causing the fan to run excessively. I'm happy to say, she's all fixed now!

I have to give a shout out to Northeast Motor Werks in Middletown, CT for an awesome job. I would definitely recommend Mark. He's a one man shop, but he knows what he's doing. Before that, I went to European Specialists in Branford. They were the ones who couldn't seem to diagnose the problem, after almost 2 weeks with the car. Needless to say, they won't be getting any further business from me.

 

Sorry no one chimed in on your issue. Thanks for updating it with the issue the MINI specialist found. I'm sure someone will find this useful in the future and hope you are enjoying your MINI once again.

 

Pretty sure the Coolant Temp Sensor was a retrofit for some of the 2nd Gens and one of the symptoms was hard/no start and CEL light.
My notes say Recalls 17-08-12 and 17-07-12.
Maybe that was your issue too.
Anecdotally, I recall reading that this retrofit also transformed the DIY oil change into a PITA oil change due to diminished access to the oil filter housing cap (but haven't owned our MCS long enough to personally confirm the veracity of that observation).

 

Thanks for posting the solution