About 3 weeks and 1700 miles after picking her up, my MINI has an issue.

The last 3 mornings when I get in and start it, this is what happens:

- it takes a bit longer than normal for the car to start...but it does

- once started, the engine knocks violently (and continues to knock violently) and the check engine light comes on.

- after 5-10 seconds, it stalls

After that, I restart it and it starts and runs beautifully, as if nothing was wrong.

This has happened the last 3 or four mornings, any ideas?

 

I'm no mechanic, but common sense tells me that ain't normal. If you can reliably replicate the symptoms, have the dealer check it out (may have to leave the car there overnight).

For the sake of conversation, I'd venture to guess some form of condensation is getting into the fuel mixture, the stumbling is the engine burning it up, then when all burnt up, everything is fine again. Just a guess.

 

Well I sometimes garage it, but not lately...and because of the extreme rain and flooding in New England right now, I suppose that could have an effect.

It always started perfectly before the heavy rain came.

 

No it only happens when the car hasnt been driven for awhile...like first thing in the morning.

It happened to my dad too when he had to move my car out of the way one morning...so I know I'm not imagining it.

 

Don't forget to include that bit of info to the service guys, sounds like a connection there. But I don't know if they would leave your car "exposed" to the elements to test out that theory, though. Definitely have it checked out if the symptoms continue.

 

get if fixed before you need pistons!

Matt

 

I am having the same issues as are others on our local board. Apparently BMW has issued some sort of bulletin that it has something to do with the new fuel mixtures. See this thread on MINI2 http://www.mini2.com/forum/maintenan...l-content.html

 

Awesome, thanks for the link It said in there that top-tier fuel like shell are reccommended. That's all I've been using, so I guess that's a start.

 

Have the code #, this sounds like a seriously lean condition, I second Obnxs on this one.

 

No, Tori told me I need to get it as well...so I guess I'll give the dealer a call.

 

What gas station are you using? Check out these threads and website about TOP TIER gas that is recommended by BMW recently (April 2006).

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=top+tier+gas

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/BMW/11438...06/130206.html

 

Yeah I saw that.

I've been using Shell V-Power, which is considered top tier, so I don't think that's the problem.

 

I don't. I think it's marketing hype. Most gas is sourced from a local distribution plant, and additives are added en route. I really doubt that the actual mix of hydrocarbons is that different.

Matt

 

I've found it makes things worse for me. You only need to go as far as the nearest autozone and they'll grab you the code for free, just make sure they don't erase it that way it is stored when you get to the dealer.

 

It could be bad gas, but there is another optoion. The '05s+ seem to all have a problem when starting cold. My MINI dealer said that he has over 20 MINIs in that week, and they dont know how to fix it. They are awating a software update from MINI.

 

Get that car in to the dealer. That's unacceptable performance that should be handled under warranty.

 

Matt

 

hummm, a brand new car.... I'd take it to the dealer for a check-up for sure!

Leave it overnight and ask them to check it the next morning...

When my MINI was still on warranty, I used that warranty a lot and would make the dealer check every single little problem!

 

why those roll-eyes!?! When you buy a new car, you paid for a warranty... Why not use it and make sure the dealer fix every problem or issue... ??

 

Yeah, I find it hard to believe that this is "normal" and just needs a software update.

I mean, when I first start it, the engine knocks so violently that entire car shakes (visibly) for a good 30 seconds...It's so bad that it actually scared the crap out of me the first time it happened. I thought the thing was gonna blow!

 

I dont think so. It happened with about 1/4 tank. If the gas was bad I think I would have noticed it sooner.

Also, I intentionally drove it till it was running on fumes, then re-filled it with new gas...it made no difference.

 

Mini has an "issue" with software updates on the ECU. For reasons that escape me, they won't every install earlier version of ECU software. So, it may be a new problem with no solution other than waiting. Sounds like other dealers are just waiting for a SW release. At least the owner can drive the car until the release is released (if that makes sense....) The Rolly-eyes are for Mini, not you.

I agree, they screwed up, but may not be able to do anything right away. Just read about the yo-yo or flat spots and the like. They went on for release after release... Some issues were never solved....

There's a reason that they're at v41+ of the software.... They never really get it right....

Matt

 

lol you are right!! MINI has a lot of problems with their ECU softwares...

But MTH gets rid of those and make the MINI driving experience a lot better!

 

Maybe the knock on cold start could be piston slap?

 

Maybe. I'll admit I know very little about this kind of thing, so I guess I'll have to let the dealership figure it out.

I dont mind. Maybe the rain will stop and I'll get a MCC for a day or two.