105K miles My girlfriends' 2005 mini starts, idles for a moment and then dies. When I give it gas while starting it gets really rough before dying. and the same when I wait to give it gas after it starts? Thoughts? What would be the easiest way to diagnose the problem? What is most likely the culprit? I am unaware of what common issues may occur with this vehicle.

 

as far as I know, there was no indication that this was going to happen- no known issues prior to this event.

 

Take it to a mechanic

 

With no more info than this & the milage on the car, best guess is beginings of a map sensor failure, again just quick guess.

See if you can force it to stay running by playing with the throttle pedal, maybe it'll throw a code for you.

 

^^this is also a great way to damage the catalytic converter if the car is misfiring. If the following advice does not make sense, please take my previous advice:

If the car is driving/idling/running poorly, do not drive it anymore until the problem is resolved.
First check for trouble codes and consult your manual and/or look it up on the internet.

If misfire code(s) exist, check ignition track for failed coil, wires, and/or plugs. if all is good, then next easiest thing to do is a compression test. If that fails, you've got engine problems- most likely burned exhaust valve or damaged piston rings. if compression check passes, check fuel track for fuel pressure and/or injector failure.

 

Check your fuel pressure by hooking a gauge on the fuel rail schrader valve under the intercooler if it's an S. 40+psi for an R50, 50+psi for a 53. If way below, fuel pump maybe suspect.

 

Did you figure out what was wrong with 2005,105K Mini that started than died? This happened to my 2005 Mini 99K, 12/13/2013. It had to be towed to mechanic last Friday afternoon. It finally started at the mechanic shop with a strong gas/exhaust smell.