I'm shocked tj, that is horrible service. I'm sorry to hear you've left the MINI world. Despite everything I still hope it's temporary.

Your CR-Z looks great btw, good choice. My brother has one, loves it.

 

new 2012 mini cooper coupe bought end of may 2012.
It started flawlessly for the first week (~400 miles) and then I went on vacation for 1 week.
The first attempt to start it after vacation it started like the battery was low.
But it ran normally after starting.

I drove it around town for around 30 minutes hopefully that this would charge the battery.

This morning it again started like the battery was low but it stumbled (shook noticeably) as it started. After starting it runs normally.

I drove it to work and after letting it set for ~1/2 hour I attempted to start it again and it repeated the stumbling but runs normally after starting.

Has anyone experience this issue? I am bringing it to my mini dealer tomorrow.

 

As explained to me in my 2008 Mini, the lifters and valves are hydraulic and until the pressure builds up to proper levels, there will be a chattering noise. I just had my belt tensioner replaced and that helped too.