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Some of you have been experiencing a slow start issue lately. Personally my MC has been taking 2-3 times as many cranks to fire-up from a cold start. While it's not getting noticeably worse it's definitely not what it used to be. Of course this is not the same issue as the cold starting problem that some MCS had last year but a different situation altogether.
The important news is that MINIUSA is aware of the issue and is actively working to see if there is a solution. They gave me no timetable on a fix or if there was even needed but engineers are hard at work as we speak.
One theory that I've heard from a couple is that is has to do with reformulated gas in the colder regions of the country. Many have said that the problem didn't crop up until the weather started turning more mild. Generally here in Chicago the reformulated gas arrives at the stations around the same time.
Anyone have any other ideas?
<p>I saw the thread last week.. My car is still fine. It looks like MINI Customer Relations is all over the posters who are complaining this week.. I am very impressed that they monitor the boards and are stepping up when these things crop up. Don't know if they have answers, but it is nice to know they are listening..</p>
<p>I had a software update (not sure what version off the top of my head) a couple weeks back and noticed this problem lately. Live in the Chicago area as well so it may be coincidental or not???</p>
<p>I too have the latest SW version on my Manual Cooper.</p>
<p>Thanks for the update Gabe. I have been experiencing it on my MCS as well and saw the posts last week, but never had a chance to reply.</p>
<p>My MC started experiencing this problem after the last software upgrade. It only seems to be a problem when the car is sitting for a while (i.e., over night or while I'm at work). Outside temperature does not seem to be an issue. I'm also in the Chicago area and have tried different brands of gasoline, all with the same results.</p>
<p>Count me as one of the ones who thinks it may be gas related. I didn't really notice it until a particular fill-up beginning to mid-April. I live in Cincinnati, OH and we have Winter/non-Winter gas here as well. I'm scheduled to go in to the dealer next Wednesday for them to look at it.</p>
<p>I'm in the warm Atlanta suburbs… no reformulated fuels here…same gasoline all year long. But this problem has surfaced for my June '02 build MCS. It takes two tries in the morning, but never fails to start on first crank after that, even when sitting all day at work.</p>
<p>I've also got a severe “surging/stumbling” in second and third gears during acceleration, generally around 3,000 rpm. Anyone else noticing this? Drop me an email, since I'm scheduled to meet some MINI regional muckety-muck dude at Hank Aaron on 06/02.</p>
<p>I remember experiencing the same with our old Jag… and each Spring, we'd have to have our mechanic Reset the Idle… if not, it idled below the minimum rpm which caused slow starts, and sometimes, engine stalls, as well as and slow shifting. I guess I'll have to check the manual about normal idle/rpms. Just guessing, here.</p>
<p>gov.saving us money so we can spend more.not the car..forgrt it enjoy…….till your next car??</p>
<p>Im in Metro Detroit and my MCS also is hard to start starting around mid April..Might be the reformulated gas?..Car is running very “rich” when starting in the morning after sitting all night. Sons says it blows black smoke when starting..</p>
<p>I just moved to Kentucky from PA last month. After I got to Kentucky I noticed the issue. Could be local fuels there. Annoying issue and only happens after a long sit over night. Not when coming out after work at the end of the day.</p>
<p>Just received follow-up call from MINIUSA about this issue. It would seem that they are working on getting to the bottom of this sooner rather than later. The representative said that information from posts on this site and others are making their way to engineering and they hope to know more soon.</p>
<p>Just got my mini cooper 05′ – have had it three weeks and a few days after the first fill up of gas (used highest grade from a reputable gas co.) this problem surfaced. It’s happened four times with the last time taking 3 tries to start before I gave in and pumped the gas pedal before start up. Also had no power from the car on this drive, and when shifting into manual to see what gear it was in – it reported 5th gear @ 25mph. </p>
<p>I’m also in the Cincy area and suspect the gas is to blame as it was covered by a local news station last year regarding the terrible gas quality and lack of quality control systems in place in the state.</p>
<p>Car is, at this moment, at the dealer to investigate the issue. I hope it doesn’t turn out as prior posters/articles record, ie it getting worse with upgrades instead of better. </p>
<p>Any updates from MiniUSA? The last post about it was in May of ’03. I’m wanting to buy a used 02 or 03 and would like to know all of this info before buying.</p>
<p>The problem has never been fully resolved, even with the many engine software updates released by MINI.</p>
<p>I find that using 91 octane instead of 93 makes my car start & run happily.</p>