got an 02 MCS has the same problem on start up but it just started a few days ago

 

I have a2005 s with the JCW package and it has started to stumble when it starts. Keep playing with the gas pedal and it will run. very hard to get it to idle. Once you get it going it runs OK all day.

 

Kinda annoying that I'm bitching about how my 9 month old 05 MCS is running. I've experienced the same issue and it's at the dealer now. I'm picking it up on 05/27 and will let you guys know if the software update fixed our issue.

 

As I mentioned before, I recently had the software updated. The next day it had the stalling problem again in the morning, but that is the only time in the week since having the update. Every other day the car has started like it used to. It seems to be fixed... for now.

 

All, just got done at dealer with the "stumble" start - They list a defect code of 12 - 14 - 90 - 35 -00. States that the code was reprogrammed with DME program 21-02.

Anyone else have this>??? I see a lot of ecu reprograms and was wondering if anyone has experience with the DME reprogram.

 

Soooo Glad to hear I'm not alone!.... Sorry but it is a relief! 05 MCSa only in the AM.

 

Same problem here. 06 MCSa with 4500 miles. Purchased new in November 05. Hasn't been to the dealer since I bought it. I think the passenger side motor mount is leaking also.

 

Does anyone who has the problem start their car on an incline (motor higher than the back end)? I've found I ONLY get the issue if my car is parked on an incline.

 

Hmmm an interesting proposition. I think I will back my car in to my inclined driveway tonight and see what happens at start up in the morning.

 

I've spoken to MINI USA and they are having issues with the new gas.. I am trying to keep track of all the people with this same issue.. if you can.. go to http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...ml#post2468250
I started a whole thread trying to track this so I can make a case with MINI USA that htey need to look into this a little better..

it sounds exactly like the same symptoms a bunch of people (including myself) are having with the new 10% ethanol blended gasoline ( E-10)

 

but figured I might as well add it here......I got the latest ECU flash that is supposed to correct the cold start and stumble issue. Says it's been out about a month and they've only done a couple of cars (seems they do it on request only). Which is how most of their TSBs are handled according to the tech, "Only if the customer complains.".

On the paper is called "VERSION 21.02", the tech says its something like V44 or whatever.

So, we'll see.

Cold start and stumble.....BEGONE!!! POOF!

....Les

 

Had it dine I never stalled but came close asked about it, I think it was V56 they gave my made everything else much smoother and dumped the stumble.

 

I've had the stalling issue a few times. Kind of embarrassing if you think about it - brand new car doesn't seem to want to run! Looks like another thing to add to my dealer to-do list.

 

Hey

 

Hey all,

Just wanted to let you know that this is a problem that shows up on the message boards every year about this time. It's related to the summer gas formulation that does not get along well with our cars. It seems the ECUs have a hard time making the transition to summer fuels which have increased oxygen levels and various other additives.

If you don't believe me go back through this thread and look at how few posts on this topic there are during the winter fuel months (October through March). Then the posts begin to increase in April and get quite heavy by June and July.

I have learned 2 things over the past 3 summers/springs with my MCS.

1) Turn the key to the "on" position and wait a few seconds for the fuel pump to bring the lines to max pressure, for some reason this seems to help on cold start.

2) Your car will adapt to the new fuel, it just takes a few tanks for the ECU to learn it (or so it would seem). On cold starts, my car will start and die a few times on the first tank of summer fuel, then stumble and start roughly for the next couple tanks and is usually ok by about the 4th or 5th tank of the summer.

So give it a few tanks before you freak out. If it doesn't get any better at that point, then head to the dealer. I know it sucks that your new car appears to be having trouble starting (especially when other people are around), but give it time.

And just to clarify, it is NOT due to the 10% ethanol. Ethanol is a very high octane and very clean fuel additive. Products like Amaco Ultimate and Shell V-Power have depended on ethanol in order to deliver their high octane and clean burning characteristics for years.

NTHUSIAST

 

they just updated my software. they said it does correct the rough idle and cold start problem. its V.21.2 on paper.
hope this help

 

I got this email from MINI the other day

" Dear Omar,

The recent addition of ethanol to gasoline in the US has sparked a lot of discussion among our customers. Since these issues are of common interest to many of our customers, MINI of Peabody wanted to take a moment to offer some suggestions for your Cooper S.

What Is The Current Use Of Ethanol?
As you know, Ethanol is a fuel additive that, in the US, is usually made from corn. When burned, ethanol releases much less tailpipe emissions than gasoline, making it better for the environment. Because of that, ethanol is now being mixed with gasoline for auto fuel. This mixture can be from 10% all the way up to 85% (E85).

Will Using Fuel Mixed With Ethanol Harm My Vehicle?
Using a fuel that contains up to 10% ethanol will not harm your vehicle. However, there are a couple of things to be considered. First, under some conditions (usually low temperatures) ethanol separates from the gasoline-alcohol mixture and absorbs water. The ethanol absorbed water is heavier than gasoline or ethanol and settles at the bottom of the fuel tank. When introduced into the combustion process, this leads to an extremely lean fuel mixture and can result in misfires, rough idles, and cold starting problems.

Secondly, some materials commonly used with gasoline are not compatible with ethanol. When these materials come in contact with ethanol, they may dissolve in the fuel, which may result in poor drivability, or worse engine damage.

Please remember that fuels that contain more than 10% ethanol such as E85 are intended for specially prepared vehicles (flex-fuel vehicles). These fuels must never be used in MINI vehicles.

Will Using Ethanol Void My Warranty?
Using fuel that contains up to and including 10% ethanol will not harm your vehicle or void the applicable warranty with respect to defects in materials or workmanship. However, MINI does not cover damage caused by fuel containing more than 10% ethanol or by contaminated fuel.

What Can I Do To Protect My Vehicle?
There are a couple of important things you can do to protect the investment you've made in your MINI.

1. Purchase high quality fuel. Make sure that your fuel has a minimum octane rating of AKI 91 and the percentage of ethanol is 10% or less.

2. Purchase your fuel from a reputable source. MINI and several other auto manufacturers have worked with gasoline retailers to approve "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline". These fuels have increased levels of detergent to help keep engines cleaner and reduce deposits-related concerns.

You can find out more about TOP TIER Fuels and find a retailer at www.toptiergas.com.

I hope this information can be of valuable use.

Sincerely,
Gary King
Service Manager
MINI of Peabody"

I had this problem alot in the winter. Hope this helps shed some more light
peace,
O

 

My S has had this problem. I took it in for routine maint. and mentioned it. Their response was to "perform a DME software update." the car now is smoother but i really believe that the performance has been downgraded. Has anyone else had this experience? I am fairly sensitive to the car's performance since I autox it regularly.

I am also suspicious when they ell me that 89 octane is now fine for the car.

 

My software has been upgraded but still having stalling issue and EML coming on. Dealer doesn't know how to fix.

 

Well, it's been almost a month and no troubles. Even used up my stored winter gasoline. This could be it for the majority of us.

...Les

 

I've been dealing with this problem for over a year. It does not relate to the seasons. If this software fix does not work I feel we should be paid some compesation for our problems. Classaction lawsuit TIME!

-Joe

 

05 Mcs... Same Thing Here Has To Sit 4/5hrs. Starts Count To Five And Stumbles. Have To Keep The Clutch In To Stop From Completly Stalling. It's All Over Quickly..smells Like A Briggs And Straton After A Long Winter!!!

 

Bummer
I didn't read this and went to the dealer they told me that there was a re-maping that would fix it. Now it stumbles. Well it 200 miles to the dealer, it that or keep doing clutches.

 

I've found it starts better if I goose the throttle while it catches so it slightly races the engine. Very wierd. Also, this is more troublesome in warm weather than cold.

 

I did the Dinan stage 3 software and presto no more stall