olliekjahn,

you have a classic case of a gas tank vent being clogged up. The reason the car won't start is that huge vacuum you noticed. The pump is unable to pump anymore gas once the vacuum is strong enough. Adding gas did nothing - removing the cap is what gave you the temporary fix - until the vacuum built up again.

If it got bad enough it could make your gas tank implode (like sucking a vacuum in an empty 2-liter soda bottle). It probably did in fact which gave the incorrect gas level (which could also have moved the fuel pickup out of the gas itself too). you said you added 5 gallons of gas and the gauge barely moved - because the tank expanded!

 

I don't blame you for being mad! I'd be willing to bet that your gas tank/cap is at least part of the problem. Maybe fuel starvation from a blocked tank vent?

I'd sure want a civilized loaner, too. I have to say my dealer is good to me--one time I had to go in for something that was clearly their fault, but they were out of their regular loaner MINIs. They pulled a demo MINI off the lot for me. I'd be bitchin' too, but I guess loaners vary dealer by dealer.

Oh--just reread this, and found that MotorMouth has the same thoughts.

 

What is the typical fix for this that you know of????? and thank you for the input it helps a lot! since I did not hear anything from the dealer.

 

I would think this is a simple fix--replacing the vent or line. I'd want to make sure the dealer understands the exact scenario that created the problem, so they didn't jump your case about running the tank dry.

In my other life I'm involved in the care and feeding of a '64 Porsche 356SC. In those cars a lot of restoration folks have chosen to reline their gas tanks with a plastic coating, rather than trying to find a new (expensive) one, or take the chance of having rust clog the fuel system. Some of them found out the hard way that the vent was installed improperly, or was covered over entirely, and it also created the same fuel starvation scenario. In fact, a friend of mine managed to extend a 4 hour trip to about 12, just because of this problem--had to keep stopping on the side of the road (in the middle of nowhere, of course) to release the suction. Fortunately there had been a thread on a similar bulletin board, and it wasn't too hard to diagnose.

 

Got a call from the service folks they indicated that one of two fuel pumps and level sensor broke apart in the tank. I asked them to dig deeper as I would like to know more about the tank vent valve and it's health. Four days I was told to get motoring again. Still with the chevy loaner...oh joy.

 

IN the tank? Are they replacing it?

 

Yes the pump and sensing unit will be replaced, four day wait for parts, and yes in the tank. I asked them to check other things as well. For some reason the service folks have not convinced me that they understand r56 issues as of yet. I can't wait to see how long the fix will last.

 

Service called .... They in fact found that my gas tank did implode, so now I will get a whole new tank and fuel quantity system. I will admit the dealership listened to my concerns. Thanks.

 

Glad to here your getting all fixed up for you

As for mine, it still won't start and they are now waiting another couple weeks for the next part to come in that they want to try

As for me, I'm just waiting for my refund check, I'm done with that one

I'm changing directions just a little and getting an 06, should have it in a couple days now

 

Why go to a 06? just curious. By the way got the my Mini back today. Total time out was four days excluding the weekend. This forum probably helped in getting the job done faster.

 

Hmmmm, well, not really just one reason. There are many, but a couple are, I am one of the people who personally like the look of the R53's a little better, inside and out. But looks alone didn't get me to get an 06. I also wanted to save a little money as well. I had the intention of getting another mini spec'd just like mine but was keeping my eye open for the "perfect" 06 for me just to keep options open. My standard were VERY high. I found one that almost matched it, price was a little much for me (although reasonable) and they were not willing to negotiate. Then a found one that was dead on what I would have ordered had I bought an 06 from the factory a year ago. I feel I got a GREAT price and figured I would give it a shot. So, now I am officially an R53 owner (JCW to be exact ). I figured it all just worked out so well, it must have just, meant to be.

Once I have the new mini in my possession, I will post pictures and spec's in the 1st generation forum. I found it in WA and I am in CA. My mom said she felt like going for a road trip and would love to go get it for me as I didn't have the time and was just going to ship it. She is on the road right now as I type. So, she has decided to name it.... "TRIP"

 

TWON,

Did you happen to find out what happend with your vehicle? Mine is doing the same exact thing. Seems like there is some problems with the interface between the key and the computer with mine. Car just got towed to the dealer today. One thing I did notice is that the steering wheel is not locking anymore. I checked the battery terminals, reset the battery terminal, and checked all fuses.

 

The car is jealous of the girlfriend; one of them will have to go.
Simple, actually.

 

It ended up being a faulty clutch switch. It was replaced by the dealer under factory warranty.