I've got an '03 MCS, and after replacing the engine, the car won't start. Battery was disconnected for a while, so I'm wondering if it isn't the EWS going out of alignment problem that many people seem to have. The nearest dealer is probably 150 or so miles, so I'd obviously prefer to not make the tow if necessary.

What I'm experiencing is that upon turning the key, the engine will crank and sputter while cranking for about 10 seconds or so, but will not fire and idle. After those 15 or so rotation the car will stop sputtering as if fuel or spark have been cut. For those of you that have had the EWS alignment failure, does this sound like your experience? If not, what symptoms have you had? Failure of the starter to turn at all?

Thanks!

 

I've had the EWS alignment fail three times. Only fix the first two times was trailer to the dealer, alignment, and presto, it worked. I got about 90 days out of each session before it happened again.
The mechanics seem to know that this happens, but MINI does not acknowedge it. There IS a TSB for the identical system on the BMW Z3 discussing a software problem with the EWS.
The 3rd time, I sent the DME (ECU) to RPM Motorsport in Canada, where they supplied a new EWS and married it to my DME. So, far, so good.