Well I went to my local Chevron and filled up, but before I di I went inside to buy the Techron. Couldn't find it so I asked the guy behind the counter. By the look he gave me you could tell that I'm obviously from Mars! He didn't even know what Techron is far less that the gas they sell has it and it's advertised all ovewr the pumps!

OK guys, where do I get a bottle of this? Do auto parts stores carry it, I'm sure not wanting to get another "Whaaaat?"

Graham

 

I have a tank full now also. The stumble was not bad today, but it's cooler. We will see when it gets hot again.

Wes

 

You can buy Techron at Walmart, Autozone, Pep Boys, Target, etc, etc.

See ya,
JS

 

Thanks!

 

>>I have a tank full now also. The stumble was not bad today, but it's cooler. We will see when it gets hot again.
>>
>>Wes

Just got back from Walmart where I purchased the bottle of Techron. I of course put it in the tank in the Walmart parking lot and then drove the 8 or so miles home. Wouldn't you know it I didn't get to stop at a red light all the way home! Anyway I did my testing in the neighborhood and the takeoffs are definitely smoother and it's hot here in the Dallas area. Now I have to go back to the original clutch technique to be sure I'm not "cheating".

Somehow in all this nightmare, I've forgotten how to do a normal takeoff.

Graham

 

OK, now I'll be sure to get to Walmart and pick up a bottle of the stuff to carry around until I need another full tank of gas. Wow, this is deja vu all over again...I recall being involved in discussions about 10 years ago around just how empty the tank had to be in order to mix properly with the Techron.

Just one more reason why there's absolutely no doubt but that I've managed to buy another BMW.

 

Just did more testing and the car is smoother and the stumble is milder and sometimes it doesn't do it at all.

Graham

 

Just got back from service at Global in ATL, the new version is at most of the dealerships, the rep said everyone should be getting a letter to bring the mini's in
for a softwear update in a few weeks, he said that they had several cars at global
that had the stumble issue and that this is suppose to fix the issue, also
some kind of fan? thing.. 7-3-2003 1pm est.

 

Any idea what # or name they gave the new software so I can ask for it?


Peter

 

I think 34, he said I had the most current version that was out when i got my car on June 10th 2003 (build=04/2003), he said that this verions was suppose to fix the stumble that several cars at globla were having. You can call Kevin Pace at global 678-569-7550 ext 324 his cell is 678-414-4632 ask him whats the new verion comming in a few weeks... also as a side note they, he seemed very Friendly about mods, if you get my drift.

_________________
DMonk - MCS w/ Prem/Sport/Cold Tint 35%
BMP Racing Filter/Strut Tower Brace Polished/Whalen Shift ****
Stubby silver Antenna/Kick *** wheels-n-Tires(See http://www.rspeed.net)

 

>>Just did more testing and the car is smoother and the stumble is milder and sometimes it doesn't do it at all.
>>
>>Graham

I'm pretty stoked you are getting similar results, Graham! Thanks for testing this out - I know it must have seemed like a longshot.

Raven

 

Thanks for getting this Techron thread going. I can't wait to get a bottle in my tank. I just had a minor setback in my euphoria though. I was digging around the Chevron site and came across this...

"Q: Do I need to use Techron Concentrate Fuel System Cleaner if I buy only Chevron gasoline?
A: If customers are loyal buyers of exclusively Chevron gasolines, their cars very likely are delivering their best possible performance and operating with their lowest possible emissions. A bottle of Techron Concentrate Fuel System Cleaner, therefore, is not likely to provide any benefits. However, if you sometimes purchase a lower quality gasoline, you should try Techron Concentrate Fuel System Cleaner to quickly restore performance lost due to deposit accumulation"

I have 3,300 miles on my MCS and it has had nothing but Chevron gasoline since day one. Bummer. I'll still try the Techron though coz I am desperate.

Pretty embarassing when your at a light being challenged by some punk in a Honda and you have to look away coz you know you can't perform. Hey hang on a minute! Maybe I'm on to something...Anybody tried dropping a Viagra in their tank yet?


Ken

 

>>>>Just did more testing and the car is smoother and the stumble is milder and sometimes it doesn't do it at all.
>>>>
>>>>Graham
>>
>>I'm pretty stoked you are getting similar results, Graham! Thanks for testing this out - I know it must have seemed like a longshot.
>>
>>Raven

If I knew what was in this stuff I'd maybe double dose the car in the belief that more of a good thing couldn't hurt. But then again "follow the directions...."???

Graham

 

>>If I knew what was in this stuff I'd maybe double dose the car in the belief that more of a good thing couldn't hurt. But then again "follow the directions...."???

I don't know how to steer you there - I was tempted, but couldn't remember from the early BMW days if this was too much. I have about 1/2 tank, I'll fill up and try another bottle tomorrow and let you know what happens... I don't think I'll make a habit of double dosing though.

Raven

 

Well I've gone through almost two tanks of Chevron and two bottles of Techron and the car runs smoother but I still have a mild stumble, not the jerking I had before. So Techron seems to mask the problem to an extent. I don't know how.

My next move comes this week when my 30-day promise of an update from MINIUSA runs out. Actually July 6th but I'll give them a day or two's grace. After that, I suggest we start a massive email and telephone campaign. I have contact info ready to distribute.

Graham

 

I suggest we start a massive email and telephone campaign. I have contact info ready to distribute.

On that subject, what direction do you think we should take if I get a disappointing answer this week? jsun? jstines? Ontoast? Ryephile? DK23? antsmini? Ravenwhyte?

I'm just listing a few of you from memory (and being lazy in not going thru 7 pages here and multiple threads elsewhere).

We need a coordinated plan guys!

 

>>I've got a Feb `03 build MCS that has the "stumble" or hesitation. Don't know the software version, but I'm waiting on the JCW install since the ECU is upgraded anyway. Cold start hasn't been a problem, unitil recently and the "stumble" has gotten worse all at the same time. Car has 1800 miles.
>>
>>Regards,
>>Boris
>>
hi boris, just wondering if you have the jcw upgrade yet? i am buying my cooopers at
the end of this month and considering having the kit installed now.
thanks, julia

 

Post the contact information, and let's encourage everyone to phone and email their complaint. It is the only way to get their attention. I would do it under a new thread with a descriptive title like: "MINI contact info for stumble complaint".

 

Count me in for the stumble complaint. I have switched ONLY to Mobil1 Premium gas for my 6/02 MCS. I Have been doing this since last winter, and here in sunny hot Florida it has helped quite a bit. When I switch back to Chevron because it is close, or convenient to fillerup, I soon notice the difference with the stumble becoming more prenounced ! Kinda sucks to have to think about fuel conditioner consistently to counter an obvious factory issue ! FIx iT bOys !

 

Well, you've got my support for an email campain or whatever. And I can vouch for two others MINIs after having personally driven them. Grrrr.

R

 

Yeah I'm in on the email campaign. Wish I had them addresses now after just polishing off 18 bottles of champagne whilst swilling down brunch.

Me mini might stumble, but I'm the hicupper of the family.

Ken

 

I had an August 2002 build with a noticeable lag at lower rpm's. The 33.1 update
made this less noticeable and recently began to have some cold start problems. Had the 33.2 update along with my first oil change and now have what feels more
like a lurch/stumble between 2000-3000 rpm's. I'm scheduled on July 16 to have
a new boot latch striker installed and plan to discuss the lurch/stumble issue, but would greatly appreciate any other helpful info before then.

 

TECHRON TESTING:

Howdy guys. I tried the Techron. My conclusions:

Stumble - still present, slightly reduced in severity (stumble feels more mushy and less jerky).

Low end performance is different. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it changed the characteristics of the car slightly.

Gas mileage was through the roof. While driving my gas tank down to 1/8 tank, I was averaging 25-26 MPG highway. I have been getting pretty bad mileage lately. After the Techron and a fill-up, I reset my computer and watched in shock as the numbers climbed and climbed and climbed. The trip computer eventually was telling me I was getting over 40 MPG. At my last fill-up, I calculated the true mileage, and I averaged 38 MPG with a combination of highway and city driving.

I drove from Charlotte, NC to Myrtle Beach, SC on a 1/4 tank of gas. I was flabbergasted. It's no wonder the big three automakers truck Chevron gas in to use for EPA emmissions testing.

See ya,
JS

 

I know you said you couldn't pinpoint it, but what do you mean it changed low end performance? Was it for the better or worse? Do you think you get a better start off the line now? I'm just trying to see if I should get the Techron or not. I guess it is cheap and worth a try, but just wondering what you thought :smile: .

 

Cooptime,

I wish I could be more specific, but all I was thinking about BEFORE the Techron was the Stumble, so I was focused on that aspect. The car felt different, sounded different, but I'm sorry I can't say if it was better or worse.

If anything, I'd say that shifting felt mushier...that is, it seemed to keep the revs up longer. Also, higher RPM revs felt less severe with less engine vibration.

That's about all I can say, but even take that with a grain of salt. I'm just not 100% clear on the differences, since I wasn't paying a lot of attention to that.

I am SURE the stumble lessened but did not go away. I am certain the MPG increased dramatically.

See ya,
JS