i have a 2002 mini cooper s (with super charger). this morning i thought the car was a bit low on oil, so i put a half quart in. i start the car up, and i hear this loud "gurgling" noise while i'm driving. it was not making this noise prior to the oil being put in. i get to work, and turn the car off. pop the hood, and it smells like something is burning. now the car will not even start. what could be wrong? too much oil in the car?

thanks

 

Odd. While MUCH too much oil can definitely cause major problems, an extra half quart wouldn't do it (unless it was already overfilled to begin with).

Need to have someone with a code reader see if any codes have been thrown.

The obvious questions:
* specifically what oil did you put in?
* specifically where did you add the oil to the engine?

 

I use synthetic 5W-30. Oil was placed in the engine like usual

 

Sorry - have to ask that stuff. Sometimes the answer is "well, I've never put oil in before - but you do put it in that little brown tank, right".

What does the dipstick say?

What does the oil on the dipstick look like?

What does the oil in the valve cover look like (when you remove the oil filler cap)?

What does the coolant look like in the coolant overflow tank (use a flashlight to look down in there with the cap off)?

Any warning lights on while driving, while it was running?

What does

 

no problem. oil looks good. probably about 1/2-3/4 up the end of the dipstick. coolant, i'm not sure about. have to take a look at that.

when i attempt to start the car, it's not "catching." the electronics seem fine, but it doesnt seem like gas is being injected. not sure if that helps?

 

Gurgling is the weird thing...

Not outta gas -right?

Engine is turning over fine it sounds like, just won't start/run?

After trying to start for several seconds, can you smell any fuel?

Takes fuel, air, spark and compression to run. Those are the things to check...

 

no gas smell...thats the weird thing.

 

2002... could be clogged fuel filter - but usually that would have symptoms that build over time.

Could be failed fuel pump - what you could have been hearing was it going belly up while driving...

When you put the key in and turn it to run (but not all the way to start) do you hear the fuel pump cycle? should hear it buzz for a few seconds, then stop.

 

yeah...you can hear the engine trying to start, but not catching

 

But, before you turn the key all the way to where it tries to turn over - when you turn it to the second click, before the starter kicks in, you should hear the fuel pump hum/buzz for about 3-4 seconds, then be quiet. That's what I'm asking.

 

i think it sounds like that. it's about 3-4 seconds and then dies. sorry i cant be more descriptive

 

ok, had someone look at it. it's the starter. need a new one. guy quoted at $488 for the part. is that reasonable??

 

You can find a brand new starter on ebay for around 100$ to your door.

If you want to replace the starter yourself:

http://www.justanswer.com/questions/...ni-cooper-2003

 

sweeet. thanks man. much appreciated for all your help.