Cold Start Issues Database
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
I just got back from the Mini doctor (dealership). They replaced my intake manifold on my 2010 S - has 4300 miles on it. They stated after I had two incidents of engine warning light, then loss of power - 25 mph max, then the car would idle funny revving up and down on it's own...but after it warmed up, it would run ok with the engine light on. Dealer was 3 1/2 hrs one way. They replaced the intake manifold citing in my car, it is a moisture issue and they had a bulletin, they also changed the oil...& fixed a rattle. I hate squeaks and rattles. Drives me INSANE. Where is the intake manifold? How much stuff did they have to remove to do that? took like 3 hours. Seems to be ok now.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 835
Likes: 5
From: Atlanta, GA
I just got back from the Mini doctor (dealership). They replaced my intake manifold on my 2010 S - has 4300 miles on it. They stated after I had two incidents of engine warning light, then loss of power - 25 mph max, then the car would idle funny revving up and down on it's own...but after it warmed up, it would run ok with the engine light on. Dealer was 3 1/2 hrs one way. They replaced the intake manifold citing in my car, it is a moisture issue and they had a bulletin, they also changed the oil...& fixed a rattle. I hate squeaks and rattles. Drives me INSANE. Where is the intake manifold? How much stuff did they have to remove to do that? took like 3 hours. Seems to be ok now.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/u/k/231.png.
It is not a big deal and has no moving parts but if moisture in the air freezes it can cause problems. This is not nearly as big of a deal mechanically as a fuel pump problem. Good luck!
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, MD
I just had my 08 MCS (November 07 build) in to my dealer and I reported the cold start issue and asked that they perform the service bulletin. Was told they topped off my oil (half quart low after a mid-cycle change in November) and could not replicate it so they did not do the work. This week it of course repeated itself since it has regularly been in the 30s here in DC area. I saw someone had luck with Passport -- maybe I should just take it there. Easy to repeat if I park on an incline facing downward overnight. Presents every time.
This is the first attempt to try and get the bulletin done and I still have a year left on my warranty, so will keep after it.
This is the first attempt to try and get the bulletin done and I still have a year left on my warranty, so will keep after it.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Cold Start Issue now costing me $2600
Recently I noticed that my 2009 MINI Cooper S that I bought in 2009 had its Engine Pressure Sensor light come on while driving. I immediately pulled over as instructed under the car manual. I took it to the dealership and was subsequently informed thatt the Tensioner next to the Timing Chain seemed to have broken resulting in the oil leak. The dealership could repair it for $500 as it wasn't covered by warranty seeing as my car was over 50K miles. I A couple of hours later I was informed Timing Chain was also damaged and it would need to get replaced for $2100, again not covered by the warranty.
A little researched revealed that many other MINI owners had the same problem with the Timing Chain on the R56S. Also, dealership staff told me that they had seen up to 15 MINIs with the same problem with the timing chain this past year alone. I called the MINI Customer Service line about this mechanical defect and asked what the company was doing to remedy the situation. The representative informed me that all she could do was open a ticket and let me know that a service manager would make a decision whether to reimburse me in 3-5 business days. I was told that the service manager could not make a determination in a shorter period of time and I was advised that I should not pay for the repair first and then seek reimbursement because that would make it less likely that MINI would assist me with the costs of repairing their cars' defective timing chain.
I was able to call the dealership holding my car and procure a loaner for the time being as I wait for my ticket to work its way through the system. I don't understand why a known issue with the engine in my car wasn't fixed sooner by MINI since I took my car each time to the dealership to be serviced, especially since the Timing Chain seems to be a defect that is well-known to the company. I find it hard to believe that the part in question wasn't deteriorating over the past two years. I am even more disappointed that MINI is trying to pass off the high costs of a mechanical defect in its cars onto its customers who did not create the problem in the first place.
I was also able to find several newspaper articles about this issue, just very surprised nothing more has been done. I'll let you know how my issue turns out.
A little researched revealed that many other MINI owners had the same problem with the Timing Chain on the R56S. Also, dealership staff told me that they had seen up to 15 MINIs with the same problem with the timing chain this past year alone. I called the MINI Customer Service line about this mechanical defect and asked what the company was doing to remedy the situation. The representative informed me that all she could do was open a ticket and let me know that a service manager would make a decision whether to reimburse me in 3-5 business days. I was told that the service manager could not make a determination in a shorter period of time and I was advised that I should not pay for the repair first and then seek reimbursement because that would make it less likely that MINI would assist me with the costs of repairing their cars' defective timing chain.
I was able to call the dealership holding my car and procure a loaner for the time being as I wait for my ticket to work its way through the system. I don't understand why a known issue with the engine in my car wasn't fixed sooner by MINI since I took my car each time to the dealership to be serviced, especially since the Timing Chain seems to be a defect that is well-known to the company. I find it hard to believe that the part in question wasn't deteriorating over the past two years. I am even more disappointed that MINI is trying to pass off the high costs of a mechanical defect in its cars onto its customers who did not create the problem in the first place.
I was also able to find several newspaper articles about this issue, just very surprised nothing more has been done. I'll let you know how my issue turns out.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Annapolis Md
Recently I noticed that my 2009 MINI Cooper S that I bought in 2009 had its Engine Pressure Sensor light come on while driving. I immediately pulled over as instructed under the car manual. I took it to the dealership and was subsequently informed thatt the Tensioner next to the Timing Chain seemed to have broken resulting in the oil leak. The dealership could repair it for $500 as it wasn't covered by warranty seeing as my car was over 50K miles. I A couple of hours later I was informed Timing Chain was also damaged and it would need to get replaced for $2100, again not covered by the warranty.
A little researched revealed that many other MINI owners had the same problem with the Timing Chain on the R56S. Also, dealership staff told me that they had seen up to 15 MINIs with the same problem with the timing chain this past year alone. I called the MINI Customer Service line about this mechanical defect and asked what the company was doing to remedy the situation. The representative informed me that all she could do was open a ticket and let me know that a service manager would make a decision whether to reimburse me in 3-5 business days. I was told that the service manager could not make a determination in a shorter period of time and I was advised that I should not pay for the repair first and then seek reimbursement because that would make it less likely that MINI would assist me with the costs of repairing their cars' defective timing chain.
I was able to call the dealership holding my car and procure a loaner for the time being as I wait for my ticket to work its way through the system. I don't understand why a known issue with the engine in my car wasn't fixed sooner by MINI since I took my car each time to the dealership to be serviced, especially since the Timing Chain seems to be a defect that is well-known to the company. I find it hard to believe that the part in question wasn't deteriorating over the past two years. I am even more disappointed that MINI is trying to pass off the high costs of a mechanical defect in its cars onto its customers who did not create the problem in the first place.
I was also able to find several newspaper articles about this issue, just very surprised nothing more has been done. I'll let you know how my issue turns out.
A little researched revealed that many other MINI owners had the same problem with the Timing Chain on the R56S. Also, dealership staff told me that they had seen up to 15 MINIs with the same problem with the timing chain this past year alone. I called the MINI Customer Service line about this mechanical defect and asked what the company was doing to remedy the situation. The representative informed me that all she could do was open a ticket and let me know that a service manager would make a decision whether to reimburse me in 3-5 business days. I was told that the service manager could not make a determination in a shorter period of time and I was advised that I should not pay for the repair first and then seek reimbursement because that would make it less likely that MINI would assist me with the costs of repairing their cars' defective timing chain.
I was able to call the dealership holding my car and procure a loaner for the time being as I wait for my ticket to work its way through the system. I don't understand why a known issue with the engine in my car wasn't fixed sooner by MINI since I took my car each time to the dealership to be serviced, especially since the Timing Chain seems to be a defect that is well-known to the company. I find it hard to believe that the part in question wasn't deteriorating over the past two years. I am even more disappointed that MINI is trying to pass off the high costs of a mechanical defect in its cars onto its customers who did not create the problem in the first place.
I was also able to find several newspaper articles about this issue, just very surprised nothing more has been done. I'll let you know how my issue turns out.
Recently I noticed that my 2009 MINI Cooper S that I bought in 2009 had its Engine Pressure Sensor light come on while driving. I immediately pulled over as instructed under the car manual. I took it to the dealership and was subsequently informed thatt the Tensioner next to the Timing Chain seemed to have broken resulting in the oil leak. The dealership could repair it for $500 as it wasn't covered by warranty seeing as my car was over 50K miles. I A couple of hours later I was informed Timing Chain was also damaged and it would need to get replaced for $2100, again not covered by the warranty.
A little researched revealed that many other MINI owners had the same problem with the Timing Chain on the R56S. Also, dealership staff told me that they had seen up to 15 MINIs with the same problem with the timing chain this past year alone. I called the MINI Customer Service line about this mechanical defect and asked what the company was doing to remedy the situation. The representative informed me that all she could do was open a ticket and let me know that a service manager would make a decision whether to reimburse me in 3-5 business days. I was told that the service manager could not make a determination in a shorter period of time and I was advised that I should not pay for the repair first and then seek reimbursement because that would make it less likely that MINI would assist me with the costs of repairing their cars' defective timing chain.
I was able to call the dealership holding my car and procure a loaner for the time being as I wait for my ticket to work its way through the system. I don't understand why a known issue with the engine in my car wasn't fixed sooner by MINI since I took my car each time to the dealership to be serviced, especially since the Timing Chain seems to be a defect that is well-known to the company. I find it hard to believe that the part in question wasn't deteriorating over the past two years. I am even more disappointed that MINI is trying to pass off the high costs of a mechanical defect in its cars onto its customers who did not create the problem in the first place.
I was also able to find several newspaper articles about this issue, just very surprised nothing more has been done. I'll let you know how my issue turns out.
A little researched revealed that many other MINI owners had the same problem with the Timing Chain on the R56S. Also, dealership staff told me that they had seen up to 15 MINIs with the same problem with the timing chain this past year alone. I called the MINI Customer Service line about this mechanical defect and asked what the company was doing to remedy the situation. The representative informed me that all she could do was open a ticket and let me know that a service manager would make a decision whether to reimburse me in 3-5 business days. I was told that the service manager could not make a determination in a shorter period of time and I was advised that I should not pay for the repair first and then seek reimbursement because that would make it less likely that MINI would assist me with the costs of repairing their cars' defective timing chain.
I was able to call the dealership holding my car and procure a loaner for the time being as I wait for my ticket to work its way through the system. I don't understand why a known issue with the engine in my car wasn't fixed sooner by MINI since I took my car each time to the dealership to be serviced, especially since the Timing Chain seems to be a defect that is well-known to the company. I find it hard to believe that the part in question wasn't deteriorating over the past two years. I am even more disappointed that MINI is trying to pass off the high costs of a mechanical defect in its cars onto its customers who did not create the problem in the first place.
I was also able to find several newspaper articles about this issue, just very surprised nothing more has been done. I'll let you know how my issue turns out.
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Torrance, California
has it happened to anyone a second time?
Sorry to hear about the above issues :(
I have an '07 mini and had my cold start issue "fixed" last July/August 2010 with about 42k miles.
They took the car in with little hesitation and supposedly repaired/replaced the necessary parts, but only the parts associated with this fix (no clutch or fuel pump, like others??). A few days later, it was all better.
Fast forward to today, about 4000 miles later. I'm starting to hear the rattle again. It's not as loud, at least not yet anyway. I live in the bay area, and the weather has been decent (50's to 60's). I usually hear it in 2nd gear at about 2500-3500k rpms and sometimes even in 3rd.
I'm just wondering if anyone has had this issue again, even after getting it repaired?
And would it be premature to take it to the dealer again even though the rattle isn't as consistent as before?
I have about 3900 miles before my warranty expires... I'm not sure if I want to let the sound get worse, so I can be sure, or drive over sooner rather than later.
Advise or opinions please?
I have an '07 mini and had my cold start issue "fixed" last July/August 2010 with about 42k miles.
They took the car in with little hesitation and supposedly repaired/replaced the necessary parts, but only the parts associated with this fix (no clutch or fuel pump, like others??). A few days later, it was all better.
Fast forward to today, about 4000 miles later. I'm starting to hear the rattle again. It's not as loud, at least not yet anyway. I live in the bay area, and the weather has been decent (50's to 60's). I usually hear it in 2nd gear at about 2500-3500k rpms and sometimes even in 3rd.
I'm just wondering if anyone has had this issue again, even after getting it repaired?
And would it be premature to take it to the dealer again even though the rattle isn't as consistent as before?
I have about 3900 miles before my warranty expires... I'm not sure if I want to let the sound get worse, so I can be sure, or drive over sooner rather than later.
Advise or opinions please?
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 857
Likes: 0
From: San Marcos, CA
Not sure if it's the same sound, but my MINI has made a dull, intermitant ringing sound at speeds below 45mph since I got it. Only really hear it with windows down. The frequency doesn't change with gear/rpm and is still there at 42K. Had the dealer check and they couldn't find anything. I've had two new MINI loaners and they make the exact same noise. My suspicion is that the exhaust pipe heat shielding is resonating at speeds from 25-45mph. It is shaped kinda like a bell. Ideas/opinions? 
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Both of you I recommend you guys get it to the shop and ask them to take a look at your car. And if they say they found nothing then ask them to measure the timing chain like Rixter mentioned.
I have yet to hear back from MINI customer relations and they are closed today and tomorrow. I have a bad feeling that I'm going to have to front the cash even though I had my car serviced regularly through the dealership.
Keeping my fingers crossed till Monday.
I have yet to hear back from MINI customer relations and they are closed today and tomorrow. I have a bad feeling that I'm going to have to front the cash even though I had my car serviced regularly through the dealership.
Keeping my fingers crossed till Monday.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Just wanted to give everyone a heads up, I got a call today saying my claim was denied. Looks like I'll have to front the cash for a car that's not even two years old. I can't believe that MINI nor the dealership is taking any responsibility for not checking on the timing chain when there was a service bulletin out for this issue.
Very disappointing. I think I will be filing a complain with NHTSA.
Very disappointing. I think I will be filing a complain with NHTSA.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 857
Likes: 0
From: San Marcos, CA
Both of you I recommend you guys get it to the shop and ask them to take a look at your car. And if they say they found nothing then ask them to measure the timing chain like Rixter mentioned.
I have yet to hear back from MINI customer relations and they are closed today and tomorrow. I have a bad feeling that I'm going to have to front the cash even though I had my car serviced regularly through the dealership.
Keeping my fingers crossed till Monday.
I have yet to hear back from MINI customer relations and they are closed today and tomorrow. I have a bad feeling that I'm going to have to front the cash even though I had my car serviced regularly through the dealership.
Keeping my fingers crossed till Monday.
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
At this point I would recommend to everyone to immediately file a complaint with NHTSA. If Mini Fixes it or not it should be registered!
Links to file a complaint can be found here.
http://www.minicooperspeed.com/mini-...se-issue-2007/
Links to file a complaint can be found here.
http://www.minicooperspeed.com/mini-...se-issue-2007/
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
And almost as soon as I posted that the dealer called and told me they heard the rattle this morning and replaced the tensioner and timing chain.
So there you go.
My 2009 S has had both major issues. The rattle and the HPFP.
So there you go.
My 2009 S has had both major issues. The rattle and the HPFP.
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Loss of power
Just wondering if anybody had ideas re: loss of power after a cold start. This has happened a few times this winter. The last was this morning and the worst yet. I was parked on a hill, nose down in Philly. Upon start, the first vroom sounded rough. Then for the first minute or two, I'd hit the gas and have almost no increase in RPMs. Timing belt? Intake manifold? HPFP? Any thoughts would be great.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
^ That happened to me when temp was below 20 degrees C. I got my MINI in November so it happened just after I took delivery. It felt like frozen gas lines. The first time, no fault message was recorded; the second time it was. The MINI dealer replaced the intake manifold with a different design. It turns out the original one trapped moisture in there which froze. There is a video on YouTube of this issue so you can see if it's what you're experiencing. The good news is that after they replaced the manifold I had no further problem like this.
i was wondering this morning. how bad is the cold start stuff on the car? does it actually hurt it? is it leading to a huge prople? is the engine going to blow or something dramatic and expensive?
i've had mine in 3 times and i THINK that it's all in order but i just wonder for everyone's sake what the actual threat is besides sounding like death and in some instances temporarily slowing you down.
i've had mine in 3 times and i THINK that it's all in order but i just wonder for everyone's sake what the actual threat is besides sounding like death and in some instances temporarily slowing you down.
