First time post but have relied on information here since 1st day of ownership, base 2003 mini that I purchased for my 16yo daughter, she loves him btw... has about 95k miles engine was replaced @ 65k (sucked in some water I was told) 1 previous owner.

I'll try to include as much info (related or maybe not)

one morning the car would not start (crank yes start no) it had done this to her at work (yes my 16yo works ) I thought maybe she did not have it in park, I told her to make sure it was in park, she moved the shift lever and it started (me not knowing at the time it was cranking) just tossing that out there.. have no idea if what she did had any effect or just that it started on the second try... she said since then it had done the same thing several times...

the morning it has not started since was a 20 degree day very unusual for here

the engine cranks but no spark
pulls no codes
battery is new
immobilizer seems to be working (beeping when key is in and near with door open)
coil pack checks out
checked all fuses both boxes

I'm getting power to the ecu (both plugs)

bad ecu?
bad crank sensor?

Ive found a company that will repair my ecu for $250 ($20 test fee if it's good) so I'm about to go that route but the guy there told me he has seen several like mine where it was the crank sensor, But I'm smelling gas from the exhaust which would lead to to think not...

thanks in advance for any insight
P

 

My guess is the ignition coil crapped out....not sure how it "tests" other than trading it with a known working unit....the "no spark" I think is a tell...other items (except the ecu) would give you a spark that is out of sync or a code I think....just a wag.

 

Check for injectors powering up and flashing when cranking.

If they do, you know the crank sensor is ok.

If not, that's where I would look.