I ordered a new 2011 Clubman and took delivery just before xmas. When I started the car for the first time, the engine had a very hard time finding itself and the RPMs fluctuated badly. This lasted for about 20-30 seconds then it was fine. They told me that it only had 6 miles on it and that it needed to be driven to clear out manufacturing fluids and what not. 650 miles later, it still does it although to a lesser extent. It is not that cold outside (San Diego, CA). I start it and it fluctuates at about 1100-1300 RPM for maybe 20 secs then it is fine. it was delivered with a full tank of gas. I asked what kind of gas and they said they got it from the BMW retailer down the street. I drove it until the computer said I had 40 miles left and filled it with 91 octane Premium 76 fuel. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance....

 

Mine does the same and its 30 degrees over here. I guess its just normal, I know any car once you start it it idles high for a bit then calms down.

 

Based on automan21's reply, I wasnt clear enough. Yes the RPM at startup is a little high. I accept that as normal. Mine however, is fluctuating at 2-3 beats per second....

 

no no no I know what u mean. Mine starts out high like 2000rpms then dips quick to 1000rpms then to 2 again it happens like 2-3 times then finally after like 10-15 seconds it evens out. Once warm its fine.
I wouldnt be alarmed as long as it doesnt shut off/stall.

 

hmmmm..... thats interesting. My '07 Cooper S never did anything like this and I am not sure I have experienced it in any other car than a dying volvo station wagon from the late 80's.
Do you know what is going on? How many miles do you have, and has it been doing it since day 1?
Thanks

 

I have about 250 miles on it now, I got it with 8 miles It started doing it since it started getting cold out below 30-35 degrees. Its funny cuz I got mine Xmas eve. Im not too worried though.

 

Looks like this fluctuating idle phenomenon is becoming a bit of an epidemic...?

I'd say a trip back to your dealer is in order...

 

I picked up my MCS on the 4th of January. I have had mine do this once when starting but it was only for a split second. It does also idle high then gradually drop to the normal speed. During this time I do not rev or drive it at all. The high idle was the same on my both my 02 and 08 GTIs.

I have had it explained to me by the master tech of my VW dealer who is a good friend of mine why its not a good idea to drive a car when its idling high after statup.

 

Why is that?
I have been just getting in, starting, and going right away. Even with the idle high and fluctuating...

 

At least on VWs and I assume its the same for most cars, the high idle is part of the process to warm up the cat and 02 sensors. This also plays a part in initial lubrication of the turbo and head since most of the oil drains out of these parts after the engine is left off for an extended period of time.

I always let mine settle before driving off and I make sure my parents do this with their two Accords. For me whats a little extra time to wait when starting off.