I've had occasional trouble starting lately (posted in another thread). Takes a few pushes of the button to start it, then it runs fine. Someone suspected that the high pressure fuel pump (one of 2 in the Mini) was the culprit. Now it won't start. It sort of started but ran like it was on 2 cylinders, rough as heck with the throttle not responsive at all. Bad smelling exhaust too. Finally the CEL came on, the one that's half yellow (not red) "you can continue your journey but moderate your speed and exercise caution" (p120). When I checked the code I got 029. I assume it's a fuel delivery problem but does somebody know the deal? Temp was about 55 today.
Edit: Roadside assistance is having it picked up tomorrow to take it to the dealer. It won't run at all. 91 octane gas every time.

 

Maybe it's the VANOS solenoid. That's what I saw in another post.

 

BigNewt: What you describe is exactly how my car behaved when the high pressure fuel pump on my car was leaking. The pressure bleeds down and the tank pump cannot get the job done until system is refilled with fuel. I hope you get back on the road soon.