I have a 2010 Cooper S, auto.
8200 miles

Its been cold here, but I drive the car everyday.
Driving out of our neighborhood. I pass the stop sign and then the engine just dies. I can't start the engine, just splutters, won't start.

MINI Roadside assistance said it'll take 2 hours to tow it. So I called AAA, they came within the hour.

It's sitting out front of the MINI place. They're closed on the weekends.
I'm very upset, not sure what happened. The car is very new, didn't expect to have any problems, and why do suddenly. No warning signs at all, it just stopped. Steering, braking were fine, just couldn't accelerate anymore.

What is causing this?

On Monday I'll call the dealer/service station to take the car in.

Thanks.

 

Sorry to hear man. Probably a bad fuel pump.

 

is this the HPFP that people talk about?
why does it fail so suddenly and so early?
is the fix easy?
what could have prevented this?

i use 93 gas only on the car. I do not drive it hard.

 

It has nothing to do with what brand gas you use or how hard you drive it, it's not your fault, the part just failed. They will replace it and you'll be good to go again.

Chances are good that it will never fail again....

why did it fail in the first place? Who knows? It's just a bad part.....don't worry about it and don't stress about it, just enjoy your car when you get it back....

 

Or water in the fuel and its froozen now. Didn't say how cold and where you are from.

 

it gets cold here.
in the garage its usually above freezing.
I'm in st. louis.

 

I test drove a 2010 MCS back in August and it did this to me during the test drive. Needless to say I didn't buy it. Anyway, I know from a logical stand point that it's just a bad part or a small fix or some time in the shop and it's under warranty, etc. etc. And I can accept the fact that Mini owners need to be a little more vigilant about their cars than say a owners of Civics. I still want to get an MCS but I'm so torn about having to deal with potential problems. I've had an A4 that stopped in the middle of heavy traffic after a year of ownership (bought it new). I've had an Altima (9 years) and way before that a Acura Integra (10 years) and the only time these cars ever had problems starting was when the battery gave out. I'm just bummed because I want to buy an MCS but I can't commit. And I know a lot of you will tell me to go buy a Honda but please understand I love the MCS.

 

Mine has been perfect over 11,000 miles.

 

update: called the dealer. they are waiting on a part.

so far they think the "fuel injection relay" shorted and they're going to replace it. Not sure what that is.

 

That's the relay that controls the fuel pump, if it quits, the pump quits, and so does the engine.

However, since there are pumps in a batch that are known to give problems, I'd wonder if it wasn't the pump that caused the relay to fail, not the other way around.

Let us know what they say, but if they replace the relay and it runs, and the pump is actually the culprit - it will quit again at some point. It's possible it's just a bad relay, but unlikely - IMHO......

 

just called them.

They are still diagnosing the problem...
It's been since Monday, I'm asking for a loaner if its not done by tomorrow.
She said she'll have one for me.

 

They should have given you a loaner the minute they took possession of your mini. If the car has difficulties, remind them that you are paying for a car without difficulties.

 

I think the OP had the car towed to the dealership on a weekend when it was closed.

 

yes it was towed via AAA. Mini roadside, was a little slow.

 

a wire was not in a protective shield and burned through.
it wasn't the relay. they said it powers the fuel pump.

hopefully all is good. i'm picking it up tomorrow.

 

Maybe it's Punishment from the Auto gods for not coming to a complete stop...