The Cooper S Stumble: Fixed!

Sections: Uncategorized Oct 1st, 2003 15 Comments

This very welcome news comes from Aaron at OutMotoring.com:

Well after a threatening letter requesting that my 03 MCS be replaced under the Ohio Lemon Law, I got the newest software that has not been released to the dealers and it actually FIXED the stumble. The low RPM 1st gear stumble is gone. No more waiting to pull out in traffic until there are NO cars coming. While I would have really enjoyed getting a new MINI, mine is just fine…FINALLLLLY! This is the newest update, not the issue 35 that recently hit the dealers. It does not have a release name/number yet, but has been tested in Arizona for the last 30 days or so. I just happened to bug them at the right time when the software was close enough to being released that they had it loaded to my DME/ECU.

For all those out there that suffer, get in line, the software should be released soon and your dealer can upload it without shipping your DME off to MINI.

Now I can install that ALTA exhaust that's been sitting in the shop for the last week!

Wow this is great news!!! Thanks Aaron!

Written By: MF Staff

http://blog.dbmini.us db

I wonder if this will fix the Cooper stumble as well??
http://www.teammightyminiz.com Doug

This is long overdue. I hope all works out for everyone with that particular problem!
zamboni_driver

Aaron, Please update us in a few hundred miles and let us know if you're still stumble free. I can't count on all my fingers and toes the number of times I've heard people say, “it's fixed!”, only to have their ECU's adapt over the next few days and reintroduce the stumble.

I've got all of my fingers, toes, legs, arms crossed with high hopes though.
John

I am SO ready for a real fix for this problem! I have my fingers AND toes crossed!
Ivan

So, can I safely assume this will be the software on my October build '04 MCS? =D
Cletus

I dunno … as far as I'm concerned, it's vaporware until I can walk into my dealer, ask them to download “the new update for the stumble” … AND they know exactly what I'm talking about.
Jim

I took delivery of my MCS in late July, and I've only expierenced “Stumble” once but I chalked it up to running the Air Conditioner on a hot day and getting used to the feel of the clutch.
What I've expierenced more often is the sensation of the engine “Surgeing” under moderate to hard accelleration under varying temperature and humidity conditions (most often cool & humid). Any one else?
http://www.outmotoring.com Aaron Cornaby

…three days and still no stumble….I keep having nightmares that I wake up in the morning with the cold start issue and then pull out of driveway with a big jerk and stumble…and then pulling out of my subdivision…same deal..but NOPE!!!
GJR

Yes Jim- I have the surging too, and it's a late July build just like yours. I also don't have the stumble issue (at least I think I don't).

The surging frequently occurs in second gear from low to mid RPM.
kazu

db,

I had my MC's ECU re-flashed for my cold-start problem today…and guess what, my MC's stumble/yo-yo problem in the first gear is almost gone. Now I don't have to pre-rev my gas before I take off! Excellent…(tenting my fingers)

Kazu.
zamboni_driver

kazu – which version did they load?!?!
Dustin

We brought home our Sept 5, 2003 build yesterday… no stumble, no cold start issues, yet. I can accelerate slowly with low rpm's in first gear and it's as smooth and clean as anyone could dream. Let's hope they solved the problem and get it's solution out to everyone soon.
Frank

I agree 100% with Dustin. We took home our new '04 MCS (Sept 5th build) on 10/3 and the car is an absolute blast to drive. The acceleration quality is excellent, linear and turbine smooth in all gears. So far I have put near 300 miles on the car. Very happy camper so far.
Terry

I am currently waiting for my MCS to be built tomorrow (10/10), and I have read a lot about the stumble problem. I have a S/C '92 Miata that you have to gas at start more than others. It makes me think this might be a small engine (both 1.6) S/C tendency rather than a defect. I've NEVER noticed this in my three test drives of a MCS. Just the typical getting used to a new clutch. Just a thought…not meant to discount peoples experiences.
mark bergman

Is this the stumble??? No first gear problems, but hard acceleration in my '03 MCS in both 2nd and 3rd gears with the clutch fully released, between about 2800-3200 rpm I get a rough ride that feels exactly like the engine is missing. BMW says nothing is wrong. I can live with it, but it's very annoying. Anybody else experience this. Will the new software correct the problem? Gulliver wants to be fixed and go fast!

← BMW Group Reaches Record Sales iPod and the Multi-Function Steering Wheel Finally Connected →

Sort by MINI model

Recent BimmerFile Stories

MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

Advertise with MotoringFile

If you or your company are interested in advertising on the most influential MINI website in the world, please visit our Advertising section. If you have further questions about becoming a sponsor or would like to see our rate sheet please feel free to contact us directly.