I've been experiencing this intermittent problem with my MCS for about 2 months now. I go to start it, and the engine turns over, but wont start.

Its very random, sometimes it happens in the morning, sometimes afternoon, doesn't seem to matter if its been sitting for hours or I just got out of it 20 minutes ago. So I have to turn the key back to 1st position. Try again. and again... Usually about the 3rd or 5th try it'll start, and the start is immendiate when this happens. Its at the dealer right now, they can't replicate the problem (sigh) but they are keeping for a few more days.

So far they've ruled out Battery Voltage being too weak, and the Starter is fine according to the computer diagnostics...

Has this happened to anyone else? I searched the forums on a few sites and came up empty. Can anyone suggest something it may be? The dealer is 150 miles away so I'd like to make this one count

Thanks in adavance!!!!

 

Does it happen only when its cold outside? It could be the high octane fuel, which is difficult to get burning in colder weather.

 

The temperature range its happened in is about 27 degrees to 55 degrees... Would that be cold enough to matter? I do fill it with 91 octane.

One other thing, the service manager suggested that it may be the cam sensor and its not finding the correct top pin to start the engine on, so its taking a few times to get it right? But also said unless he could reproduce it he can't help me...

 

when it is just cranking and not starting does it try to start. like give a little puff or anything that sounds like it might start? if not it could be related to the EWS which is a form of theft protection. which if the ring around the ignition doesnt see they right code from the key it won't start the car. however i think if the EWS module deosn't see the right code it won't crank at all but i can't remember for sure. or maybe a fuel pump? i've heard of a fule pumps going bad in minis already

 

It is true that if the ews is out of alignment you will get a crank no start, but it would not start again until the codes were brought into alignment with a bmw tool.

If the sensor was bad, it would store a fault code as a tell tale. That was probably just the SA giving you your money's worth.

Search around a bit, there have been quite a few others with the same problem. I have never experienced it myself though.

 

I've seen the crank position sensors work intermittently in other vehicles. Do MINIs have two crank position sensors (one that measures TDC at startup, and one that reads while running) or just one?

 

It only has one and it is true that if the dme is not able to determine crank postion the engine will not start.

 

It could be the fuel then. If you try a tank of mid grade and it starts normally then it is just the fuel.Mine sputters and hesitates upon starting when it gets cooler out and occasionaly stalls. This is immediately after you turn the key and the engine starts up.

 

Hmmm, try push in the clutch pedal on start ups....

I kid I kid

Like mentioned before, it could be linked to the studdering problem on start ups that plauges almost every Mini. My Dealer finally gave up and told me to put mid grade gas in, so far it's solved the problem of.