Hello,

I just purchased a 2009 Cooper S yesterday. Had a lot of fun with it yesterday. Today, not so much. I went out this morning to start it and it almost bogged out and was idling very, very low. Almost to the point of stalling. About 5 seconds later the car was idling fine so I just went with it. Drove to work and around town and it seemed to be running fine. I got almost all the way home from work, and the car died on me. I was coming to a stop and I could just feel the engine dying on me. It stalled once I was almost to a complete stop, but I was rolling just a tiny bit. I went to start it up and it would crank but never start. The first time I tried to restart it it sounded like it was really going to start. I tried a few more times with no luck. A nice gentleman let me drift back in to his driveway while waiting on the tow truck to arrive. I tried to start it again about 10 minutes afterwards and it was cranking, but sounded like it wasn't getting enough fuel. Each time I tried to start it, it sounded like it was getting farther away from actually starting. The car is at the mechanics now, but I am somewhat worried about my car. Has anyone else run in to this situation or something similar? Any ideas what may be going on here?

Thanks a bunch,
Luke

 

Sounds to me like the HPFP went south, but there's lots of other things that can cause these symptoms. Maybe try to find the service records to see if and when it was replaced. Maybe your mechanic can read what, if any, codes are associated with this problem.

Hope your mechanic has experience with 2nd gen Minis ---

 

That stinks to have troubles that soon. Hope u get a quick resolution!!

 

I hope the HPFP was never replaced & you can just get a quick recall fix! That would be nice. But I hope you get everything sorted out! Sorry to hear about the car, it does suck having problems the 2nd day of ownership, but hopefully it gets better!

 

Report back with your technicians findings. If it does end up being a HPFP issue, depending on your mileage the warranty has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles. Here is the letter for reference. Otherwise, if it's something else be sure to report back and let us know.

 

I had a similar problem which ended up being a HPFP. I did get a check engine light every so often that read low fuel pressure.

 

I bought my 2009 about a year ago and started having the same problem within a a couple of months. This advice sucks to have to hear, but if I were in your position I would really fight to return it. I love my MCS, but like I mentioned I've owned it a little over a year, and driven it from 40k to 54k and it's been a maintenance nightmare...

Hood scoop melted (not terrible, but an eyesore)

HPFP failed

Timing chain + tensioner + guides had to be replaced and timing was off

Carbon build-up in intake ports was causing myriad problems, had to walnut blast
(I bought an expensive oil catch can to help with this, and it led to more disappointment and issues)

Hood release failed during one of my breakdowns and delayed repairs. Very calming event

Passenger window pinch sensor stopped, window wouldn't "dip"

The interior of the car rattles so badly that people usually complain when they ride with me. Even after replacing the run-flat tires it's still harsh

Crank case vent hose cracked and had to be replaced

Clutch is now slipping.

I really enjoy driving the car, it is a freaking blast and that's why we own them. However, the reliability issues and BMW/MINIs lack of support has made this a PITA and EXPENSIVE ownership experience. I'm in school and don't need to drive everyday, but if I was working or had kids this would be totally unacceptable. If I could, I would return mine. I've spent over $4k out-of-pocket just to keep it running, when that money could have gone to paying it off or modifying it...