I just got my MCSa yesterday, and I do believe it is doing what is describer here.

I hit the start button it turns off, and before I can really even think, it is off again. The first time it happened(and since I wasn't very familiar with how the car would sound) I didn't notice it was off, until I tried to back up. (My sister had a car that the engine was very quiet, sometimes you would think it was off, but was in fact on)

I'd say this has happened to me 3 times since I brought it home yesterday. I didn't think much of it, I thought maybe the start button needed held in longer than I was holding it. But, then I remembered this thread.

I believe the last time It happened, upon restarting it, it may have sputtered once and then was fine.

I have this whole week coming up, off of work, so I will do lots of driving around and we will see what happens with it.

 

If you read my above post, I think I may be having that problem. And it is in fact the full tank of gas that they filled me up with!

So If I keep having problems and go in to have them check it out, I will definitely let you guys know if they try to give me the bad gas run around, and how they react when I tell them it was the original gas the MA put in it!!

 

Well, at 178 miles, I definitely think I am having this problem.

I decided I would take a littlish drive. Probably ended up being about an hour trip, I go to the grocery store real quick, probably only 5 minutes. I go back out and try to start it, and it dies immediately after it starts up, that happens 2-3 times, then either the 3rd or 4th time trying it started up, almost stalled again but finally pepped up.

So I drove home, turned off my mini, got out my cell phone to hopefully catch it doing the same thing. Thankfully it did it again, I think 3 times. I have it all recorded unfortunately you can't hear it very well, but I had the camera focused on watching the rpms start up then die.

I think later on, once my husband gets home from work, that maybe we will go for a drive, then once it's warmed up, pop the hood and have him hold the phone out there to see if it picks up the sound better.

I am so thankful for this website. unfortunately, but thankfully for the rest of us out there, everyone else who has had their problems, definitely make it easier for us noobs to know what to do and what to expect when it comes to this car and dealing with the dealership.

 

I posted this in the other thread related to this issue as well, but wanted to duplicate here as well.

I've been closely following the threads regarding this issue and have waited to find out what happened to my car before posting.

So, the short version is I too have had this Stalling problem with our CooperS Convertible. I won't go into too many details on the problem as it has already been stated but here are the key points:

1) Drive 15 mins, get out for 5 mins, get back in, stalls three (or more) times before getting going. (Worse with AC on).

2) Problem started on 2nd Day, ONLY on Dealer Gas.

Things that were replaced before finding the problem:
HPFP, Vanos Solenoid, Coolant temperature sensor, and about 8 days of diagnostics. Including July 4th holiday and weekends, Dealer had our car for 13 days.

Solution: (Written by shop foreman in his words)
Software Calibration Error in DME Software. We performed checks of engine operation, duplicated condition stated by owner, and discussed condition details with owner. Engine stalls after hot soak start. Performed diagnostic check, no faults stored. Checked temperature plausibility in DME Data stream, values nominal/plausible. Discussed condition with Regional BMW Tech (RTE) and Checked Vanos Solenoid per his request for Debris, none found. Replaced Vanos Solenoid per RTE and checked operation, No Change. Observed operating parameters against a Known Good Vehical by comparing temperature and pressure values. Swapped Intake pressure/temperature sensor with other car, no change. Contacted RTE and he directed to perform an IRAP session with BMW NA for a software re-calibration. Performed IRAP Session, Performed testing of vehicle, all starting fuctions are normal, hot soak problem fixed.

Further Details:
My Dealer informed my that BMW has uncovered an issue that could effect all MINI's produced from about Mid March 2010, until now where this condition could present itself. It is a calibration issue between the DME Software and the inputs from sensors in the car. At this time, they are unsure weather a full recall will happen or if they will just wait for the problem vehicles to come in for service but they do have this fix now. For those who have had their computer re-programed in the past and it did not work, you did not get the "Fix" that they put in my car as that was only implemented yesterday 7/12/10.

Now as you can tell from the description of my service tech, a lot was done to my car I have opted to swap the car out for a different one that has not been messed around with so much and my dealer was happy to work with me on this. While I am very disappointed in this experience, I could not have expected my dealer to perform any differently. They provided me with a Cooper Convertible Loaner for the entire duration of the issue, and did not hesitate to locate me a different vehicle when I finally said enough. They ended up fixing the problem the next day and so I am driving the original car now while the NEW one comes in. Checkered Flag MINI/BMW in Virginia Beach, Va deserves credit for their persistence to fix the problem, but ultimately, I wanted to start fresh with a new vehicle.

I've only had the car for an afternoon so I guess I cannot fully feel confident that it is fixed, but for now, things appear to be in order. I will definitely repost if it resurfaces.

For all of you out there with this issue, its not you, its not just YOUR car, get into your dealer and demand they address it.

 

that is what they did to my wifes three weeks ago and it has been great since

 

I am going in this morning, and I think I will print out your post and show that too them, It would be great if that is all thats wrong with it!

I will let you know!

Thanks!

 

windypointmini, thank you so much for the solid writeup! As I have been reading the replies to this post, it was becoming apparent something changed since roughly April 2010. We just needed to figure out what it was. I am local to your area and will post a link to this article on our local forum. You are welcome to come by and join. http://www.hrmini.com/.

 

Yeah, I have been reading this forum since April of '08 and the HPFP issues reported here have exploded in the recent months. Hopefully everyone with this issue can get the software update ASAP!

 

I don't want to sound too stupid, but reading the foreman's write up, I don't quite understand it.

So, is this some other problem, just software related? or is this saying that this is software related to HPFP? And that it never technically was the HPFP, but rather a programming error?

I don't even know if my questions there make sense.

Mainly I guess I mean, does this software "fix" fix the HPFP problem that all of us(All of us HPFP troubled people)have had? Or is it just an unrelated problem?

My MINI is at the dealer overnight. It took them about 3 hours to find out what was wrong(They didn't tell me what was wrong though! And me just being exhausted, hungry, and so bored from sitting for 3hrs I forgot to ask) So I will find out tomorrow morning I hope.

 

I just emailed the service manager at my dealer to get the lowdown on this.

 

Sorry, I knew I had already written a book so I was trying to keep it short.

For this recent Stalling Problem, it has nothing to do with the HPFP at all. they replaced mine as a kneejerk reaction and it was not necessary.

The "Fix" was in fact strictly program calibration errors and NONE of the things they replaced on my car was necessary. I'm on day 3 now with still no problems. I'm still getting the new replacement car though.

 

Well, what I really mean to ask is, could all of the HPFP problems, never have actually been the HPFP(for the most part) but this programming problem?

Anyways, they have had my MINI since yesterday. I called to see if I could get it today, but they said it is still having diagnostics performed. I don't mind so much that it is taking so long, I just wish they would keep me updated. Even if they don't know what's happening. I mean, it is my car. The SA said I could have it tomorrow. :( I hope I do. I'm kind of worried it's been taking so long.

I mentioned your post windy, and had it printed ff incase they wanted to see it. But I was just told that usually being on forums like this looking around "tends to lead people in the wrong direction."

I hate when ego overtakes the chance for a person to learn something new.

I swear if they do all sorts of crazy stuff and in the end it happens to be the same thing with the programming, I will be more than a little angry.

I shouldn't be getting mad when I don't even know what they are doing or not doing to my MINI yet. But, it hasn't even been a week since I picked up my MINI and almost two of those days its been in the shop.

 

luthientier,
Im not surprised they did not give credit to this forum, I didnt get it either. I see that you are in Northern, VA. Have your dealer call Checkered Flag Mini in Virginia Beach and ask to talk to their Shop Foreman who worked on my car. Their Diagnostics are in vein potentially. They spent about 8 days doing that to my car and nothing ever presented itself as wrong because the parts are right, the computer was not.

The HPFP problem may still exist but that is not a NEW car problem. This issue here is specifically a NEW one for recently manufactured cars.

 

Thanks windpointmini! I sent an email to my MA, since there is only a generic service email on my dealers site. I'm hoping my MA can help me find out whats going on without making me sound like too much of a jerk. I was worried when I went into the service area and was a bit wary, since the two service advisors that were there were fairly young looking. More like around my age, and I am 26. I'm not saying someone that age can't do the job well, but I would much rather someone there who was more "experienced." If you follow me. These young guys want to think they are the hot stuff and think they know it all.

It has been almost an hour since I emailed my MA and still no reply. :(

 

luthientier, I believe the service database is national. Your dealership should be able to look up the service of windypointmini's MINI. You would just need the VIN or service ticket number. Maybe get it PM'ed to you.

Whether MINI is looking at the issue intently, the fact a service ticket takes more than a week with that level of repairs should raise a flag somewhere up the chain. In my opinion, it is only a matter of time before the right person sees what was done and makes a recommendation.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I finally got a reply from my MA and he told me that my SA has sent my digital motor electronics out to be reprogrammed and won't get it back most likely till Monday or so.

Just a little irritated I had to go through my MA to find out what is going on with my MINI.

 

It sounds like they are at least on the right path Luthientier. Can I ask if your dealer is a MINI Only dealer, or if they are connected to a BMW dealer as well. Thats how it is down here which makes the shop much larger and to your point, "more experienced". They also had the tools to reprogram the DME right onsite.

Good luck, and I gave the car quite a workout yesterday and still no issues.

 

It is a MINI only dealer. Passport MINI of Alexandria.

I am hoping I get my MINI back on Monday. I'm not holding my breath though. :( So far the dealership has had my mini for 4 out of the seven days I've owned it.

 

Wow, I have to say I feel better, and worse, after reading this thread. My new S cabrio (purchased 7/02) started this after just a few miles. I'm at Momentum Mini of Houston, and thankfully they absolutely took me seriously. We did have a funny exchange where my service tech (with several people within earshot) asked me what kind of gas I was putting in "you DO know that a turbo engine needs high-quality gas, right?" in a sort of "silly girl" patronizing tone. A raucous round of laughs ensued when I leaned in with a smile to say "well, I've put 37 miles on it so far, so I guess the real question is what kind of gas did YOU put in it?"

Overall, they've been incredibly nice and helpful, and further sincerely apologetic. They've told me that MNA diagnosis is that it's strictly a software issue, they're dealing with them remotely to re-program. They expect to have my girl back to me early next week. Hope this solves it, sounds like a few of you have had serious issues with your dealerships. =(

 

wendlynne, Sounds like they've been up front with you on this issue. From what I've read, expect the "What gas do you use?" question for anything going on. Seems to be popular for MINI/BMW.

When you finally know what they've done please report back here. I'd like to know what your experience is and if it was in fact the same as mine. Congrats on the new MINI and Im sure it will be great once you get it back.

 

Just thought I would update on my MINI.

I just got it back yesterday.

In this short amount of time I have had it back since having the DME reprogrammed it's been running fine. I'm happy to have it back.

 

What an excellent comeback!! I wish I could do that, I usually only think of the good remarks several days later!

 

luthientier, glad to hear your MINI is straight, too.

 

We did have a funny exchange where my service tech (with several people within earshot) asked me what kind of gas I was putting in "you DO know that a turbo engine needs high-quality gas, right?" in a sort of "silly girl" patronizing tone. A raucous round of laughs ensued when I leaned in with a smile to say "well, I've put 37 miles on it so far, so I guess the real question is what kind of gas did YOU put in it?"

That's hysterical! If only you got that on video!

 

Thanks all for posting "the fix". My car is currently in the shop for the 3rd time with the same issue. I'm hoping that the service manager will consider this post as I copied it and emailed it to him. I'll keep you posted.