Well throughout the thread, there are two distinct problems referenced:

1. A normal start after which the engine stumbles and sometimes stalls, which sometimes also happens on initial throttle out of driveway/parking and at stop signs. Also includes some rough idleing (sp?) and weak throttle response.

2. Having to start up the engine twice because it wont start up the first time. Several posters have used a fuel pump priming procedure at start-up where they turn the key up to position 2 without starting up the car, leaving it there for 5-10 seconds then doing a normal start-up.

The consensus is that both problems are individual and not directly related. The first problem is the one that has reared its head after the EPA emissions recall where MINI reflashed all v32 ECU programs. After that it seems that they have not found an adequate ecu programing solution.

Since my car suffers from problem #1, I didn't really pay any additional attention to problem #2, so I don't know if there is a specific fix for it.

**DISCLAIMER** - This is my interpretation from the thread and all information was extracted from it. I haven't talked to anyone from MINIUSA nor have I discussed this with any dealer or service advisor/provider/technician. Please read through the thread if you want to verify any info or additional details.

 

Thanks for the synopsis!

 

Mine is problem 2. However, in the last week or so it has started gettging down into teh 40's at night and I have not had the issue.

 

Mine is an 8/05 build and, I hate to say it out loud, I have had no problems at all. 11,500 smiles so far. So maybe there is hope.

I think that some of the problems are either minimized or made worse by seasonal changes ie: winter to summer or summer to winter gas formulation changes. That was when the problems were the worst in my '02 MCS. So far the '06 MCS seems to be free of this issue. (knocks wood)

 

Mine is a 03/2005 build, and I had this problem about a month ago when I didn't drive the car for 5 days. On startup, I had problem #1 occur. Happened twice so far on 2 different days. Once in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Other than that it's never happened. I've taken it to BMW who've checked the battery and fuel pump and they're all fine with no leaks, and they haven't been able to replicate the problem, although I do suspect that they know about it.

 

Yup, mine does it to.....late 02' build, 03' model. It also seems to be getting worse as it get's colder.....I seriously hope this doesn't prevent my MINI from starting when winter comes.....and I get stranded somewhere!

-Cody

 

Wow I'm glad I found this thread! My car's so new I thought it's stumbling after starting cold was due to break-in or something. I'm now up to the 1,260 mile mark. Mine is exhibiting "#1" behavior.

It's been doing it more and more as our temperatures begin to dip into the 50's and upper 40's.

Mine does it when leaving the garage first thing in the morning (not too bad but tries to stumble), but most especially after sitting outside at work all day when I go to drive home. Today it almost stalled completely while in first...very embarrassing. :impatient I thought it was "bad gas" (Shell, 93 octane) but now I'm not so sure.

 

Somewhat similar to kaelaria with the low gas tank.. i have an 06 automatic S and i was stopped in traffic on a hill.. gas tank close to E.. and it shut off on me- had to give it 30 secs and it started up again fine and didnt give me problems again that day- i didnt have the a/c on but i was in a rush and probably didnt let the car sit long enough to warm up before i took off in the morning

 

My 05 manual cooper stalled 3 times at slow speed, the last time it occurs while I was slowing down just before turning to main road after parking at the petrol station and the other while I was about to put to neutral after hitting the brakes looking for a parking space in the car park. Called our dealer and they claim this is the first time happen ever happen on a manual and they have forwarded this issue to BMW for feedback back.Well just wait and see and I will keep you guys posted .
Lastly I can understand the weather is getting colder in your country but here is all year hot hot hot.

 

Mine was finally fixed with the second software/firmware upgrade.

 

Thanks Sapkeyan, will do the needy. Cheers

 

Just recieved call from dealer workshop this afternoon to send in for software upgrade.

 

Heres 05 MCS with 6speed padle shift.

The engine run really weak, stalling something in the moning after started!
(1 st software upgrade one weeks ago)

 

UPDATE!!! Mine is cured! No software update needed.

I've always been a big fan of Chevron's Fuel Cleaner... basically a bottle of Techron. Has always made a noticeable difference on fuel milage and throttle response. Anywho. I used one of the big bottles... says it treats up to 20 gallons or something ... put it in before i filled up with Shell 93. Drove till it was damned near out of gas, close to 400 miles on that tank with 85% city driving. During that tank, I still had some of the stuble during starting (cold and hot starts)... The next tank is a different story. I haven't yet had the stuble on any start since going through that tank of treated fuel.

Give it a try... $6.00 about a bottle can't hurt!

 

I had the cold start stumble. Got the software re-flashed at the dealer Saturday, and PRESTO! The stumble is gone. Just to make sure, I didn't even start the car all day yesterday, and this morning it fired up strongly and was smooth.

 

I was having the cold start problem, although it seems to have gone into remission during the last month or so. Don't know why. The primer technique seemed to help a bit (discovered by accident).

I have an '03 MCS and was upgraded to v39 (I think) about 1.5 years ago. 46K miles now, and the cold start problem began a few thousand miles ago.

BTW, I also had the "stumble" which my upgrade resolved.

 

I've long been told that in the summer, we get watered down crap gas... Maybe its the new less watered down gas?

 

Its not "watered" down gas. A different mix between batches during refining maybe. If there is water in fuel most of it will separate.(water is heavier than fuel)Some of the water will take a very long time to seperate,(entrained).They cant "water" the fuel with H20 to thin it out.What they can do is change their mix during refining.All said and done,it still needs to meet the minimal octane sticker as posted on the truck that delivers it,and at the pump as your filling your tank. That is all fact. I just got back from Ohio in the MINI where it got down to 23 one night. I have never had a cold start problem until that morning.(I live in florida and am lucky to hit 40)I started it and she stumbled then died on me right away.I started it back up and didnt have another problem. Now that I am back in Florida,it also has not returned. I think it may be a combination of cold weather,what version is on the ECU,and the mix of gas.
It may only take a little bit of one or the other to be off and cause this problem.With people all over the world in different climates,one person may have symptoms other never will because of climate or temp.Again,MO.

 

just got this issue today on my 3200 mile '06 MCS (rough stuttering start). My wife's '05 MCS Cabrio also suffers from the stalling problem. Needless to say, I'm not happy about either, as we just sold a safe, reliable Subaru and plan to run two MINI's for the next six months or so.

 

I just filled up yesterday, and I haven't had any problems since. *shrug*
I have no idea what's different.

 

it's not the gas

 

Gas formula's change depending on what part of the country you are in! Gas is not federally formulated, it is regional, so if you drive a long way, and get gas, there is a good chance that gas has different additives than you stuff at home.

Another trick for new-folks... use a lesser-octane gas. If you always use 93, step down to 91, or even 89/93 mix. This will cure the cold-start problem, as your ECU will be able to find the right timing for the car to start.

High octane gas is harder to burn, and therefore it doesn't want to light-off when the engine is totally cold. Once it warms up a bit, then its no problem. The lower octane stuff will lite off quicker and avoid the cold start problems.

RM2k5

 

Agreed, but irrelevant - my problems today are with the same tank of gas I've been using for 200 miles now. The tank is down below 1/4 full. Today was no different than yesterday with regards to gas or ambient temps.

as for switching to a lower octane - the ECU should be able to adjust to 93 vs. 91 since premium is the required fuel.

 

My wife's mini '05 MCS manual has been in the shop 5 times for a total of over a month to fix the stalling problem. They say they have replaced everything, and today they are replacing the engine harness. If this doesn't fix it, then the dealer is going to contact MINI about buying the car back.

I don't want to go through this, I just want my car fixed.

Has anyone else been through this? Do I need a lawyer?

Is MINI fair about a 2 year old car with low miles (17k) when buying it back?

We love this car, and are really depressed about the whole thing.

Any advice would be helpful.

 

I've recently experienced the cold start problem, bogging at intial startup. I've been using premium ever since I had my mini and was given a tip to try and use a lower octane gas. That tip turned out to be a cure.