I have a 2007 R56 manual transmission mini cooper s. 120K+ miles.

Problem: Car will crank but will not start. I changed the fuel filter 3 days before I had this problem and the car ran fine till I tried to leave work one day. The car, however, will start if I spray starter fluid in the throttle body but once it starts it will burn up all the spray then die. I have no warning/caution lights on the dash.

What I have tried:
I know the fuel pump is working. I hooked a 12-volt battery up to the pump and loosened the bolt that feeds the gas into the engine and gas would come out the fuel line when the pump was powered. (Maybe not the smartest thing but I had tried a lot of things up to this point. I was desperate.)
So I know it is getting gas.
Fuel relay/spark plug is fine.
Power connector to the pump does get power.

Any ideas on what to try next would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

 

trace back your work with the filter...Also, the HPFP is another problem area. Do you have a way to check fuel pressure?

 

Is your Mini an 'S'? If so, I'm with minitobe, could be HPFP..

 

It is an "S"

My best guess was the HPFP as well, but I do not have a way to test the pressure.
Could it be an issue with fuel injectors? I know the engine is getting gas just not sure why it isn't using it.
Could there be a cut off valve in the motor?

Thank you for the help so far!
I'm hoping it isn't the HPFP because I'm not sure if I can change that on my own!

 

You're getting fuel pre HPFP not after...replacing the HPFP isnt too bad of a job, but first, disconnect the plug from it and tap on the solenoid. leave it disconnected and try to start the car.

while you're looking the engine, check the wires (all) for mice/rate bites. you never know what creeps under to hid.