My 03 MCS has always had a slight stumble when starting out in first gear when the engine was cold. But I have found out that if I let the car warm up to where the heat gauge is right in the middle and completely warned up...Stumble is gone.

I have tried this three different times with the MINI, and the stumble seems to be gone totally when warmed up.

I tried the cold engine start off and the stumble is back.

I have never had a cold start problem with this MINI, always starts on first try.

 

Thats usually seems to be the problem, most say they only have the problem on the first start in the mornings.

 

D.J.,
You can continue to watch how this all works as it gets colder and colder. Make a log book to track it.
There is a cold start problem for some MINI owners.

Other aids to the stumble include:
The newest version .36 software upgrade- need to confirm this with more owners first.
Getting an ECU upgrade.
Upgrading the ignition system (Pilo)
Adding an Intake (exhaust).

I'm hoping the software upgrade will help. Don't change it unless the benefit is real, however.

 

Warming the engine is a waste of gas and time.
Stumble on...

 

2minis,

Yep you are correct. The stumble is really no big deal. Most of the time I just get in, start up and go. The high octane fuel here in Ca is now at $ 1.75 per gallon (has been over $2.00 per gallon) so I don't like to idle to long.

Looking forward to our move back to our home state of Okla where the price of fuel is much less.

 

From what I hear from Mini USA, ECU upgrade 36 is specifically designed to eliminate the "cold start" issues. This includes the stumble. I have had nearly every OEM software enhancement uploaded to my mini due to my unfortunate frequent visits to the service department. None of the previous versions have helped at all. I am told that 36 will indeed be our "savior".

>>Other aids to the stumble include:
>>The newest version .36 software upgrade- need to confirm this with more owners first.
>>Getting an ECU upgrade.
>>Upgrading the ignition system (Pilo)
>>Adding an Intake (exhaust).
>>
>>I'm hoping the software upgrade will help. Don't change it unless the benefit is real, however.

 

ECU V36 does nada.

 

Many 05s still suffer from hard cold start syndrome. Mine does. No stumbles when driving off before full warm up, just very laborous cold AM startups. this is the only issue with my Aug build 05 MCS. Why can't anyone at BMW's highest levels of engineering expertise figure this one and offer a real solution Jimbo

 

They have with the MC.Mine starts everytime,first time.And no stumble.Some time times square wheels from the cold,but goes with no stumble from the first get go

 

No stumbling w/ my '05 MCS. Parked in the garage at night though.

 

Mine does that too.... I just drive off with only the clutch in first
and slip 2nd a tad to a full engagement and usually the stumble is so little
it goes undetected by other in the car.

One time though, I slipped it a tad too long and WAAM! huge stumble.
this car embarrasses me infront of neighbors once in a while... but
I don't care.

 

My 05 will stumble a bit on startup if I let out the clutch as I normally would. I have to be extra slow.

One thing I am noticing is a tendency for the car to want to stall after about 10 seconds of being on in the morning. It will always catch itself, but it does cough a bit.

 

After having my 19% pulley installed, my stumble was gone