Randomly does not want to start (not cold start issue)

[RC335i]

Good day folks!

My wife has a 2012 Mini Cooper S with JCW body kit.
For some reason it would sometimes just not start.
Have to try it several times and low and behold, Mini Menlyn can't find the problem (no surprise there... "The key does not show any faults sir, we can't locate the issue").

In the meantime this is becoming a security risk as there has been 2 cases (one at Menlyn Mall, can't recall where the other was) where a situation arose where my wife did not feel safe and the bloody car would not start...

I have made a booking with Leo H Centurion Mini and will be taking the vehicle there (hope they are better than Menlyn...) and will leave the vehicle there till they have fixed the darn thing...

Any ideas what the cause could be?

 

[@ri]

Eish that's not good! Especially in this country like you say.

What exactly happens when it doesn't start? Do any electronics come on at all? Could it perhaps be loose wiring in the ignition switch?

 

[RC335i]

I think I narrowed it down to the switch on the clutch...
Now to convince a BMW techi to replace that :YesNo:

Think I'm going to cancel the booking tomorrow morning with Leo Haese, been reading too many bad things on this forum about them.
Will go get the switch from Menlyn or so and just fit it myself and get it over with...

 

[@ri]

Good luck! Let us know how you get on


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[Anarchy05]

Check battery terminal connections also... But thats only if you pop the key in and no lights come on at all.

Otherwise if you suspect its the switch if it does it again short it out an check if it starts?


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[RC335i]

O well, this morning when my wife started the Mini it showed SERVICE but its like 6k km before scheduled service and a few months as well as I recall, so just maybe the "Sir, these vehicles have sensors for everything and would tell us if there was a problem through the key and/or computer" sensors finally decided to pick something up.

Makes me think, next time I'll ask them if the sensors have sensors to monitor the sensors that monitor sensors...
If they say no, well then I will suggest they get their thumbs out and start doing some work as something is not working as it should...

But yeah, seems like Leo Haese will be seeing me after all...
Lets see how it goes :hammerhead:

 

[Anarchy05]

Strongs with that one,these days you just get lazy mechanics and dealerships with lack of motivation!


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[Willy]

I remember that my wifes countryman had a leaking injector which caused it not to start when hot or cold.

 

[RC335i]

Hmm, interesting...
A possibility, but I don't smell fuel anywhere near the vehicle like I did with my 335i when it had a leaking injector.

The vehicle does exactly what happens when you try to start it without pressing the clutch in, hence my thinking that the problem is related to the switch on the clutch.

Will see what the guys at Leo Haese comes back with over the next few days.
Will keep you guys posted, thanks for the replies!

 

[Garreth]

Crank sensor or cam sensor I would say. Try get a workshop manuals that could give you an idea what could cause that.

 

[RC335i]

Well, seems like rear brakes were due for service as well so will see what the guys at Leo Haese can figure out.

Problem though, when we took the Mini in my wife was checking out one of the new Mini Cooper S there...
Now I have to admit, compared to her 2012 Cooper S the new ones look amazing inside. Her Mini looks cool ok, but not as cool as the new ones and that 5 year motorplan vs 3 year :YesNo:

Would love to get her a JCW but that price tag throws me a little :skit:

 

[Willy]

New ones are great and the motors I recon will be strong. Even if you get a normal cooper you still have good power. They are as fast as the R53 Cooper S's

 

[RC335i]

Sigh, not boding well so far...
Will see...

EDIT: Removed previous info from post, want to give them a fair chance to see what the cause is before I say anything... Just mindboggling...