Mini cooper not turning over first go, but then starts

[james 3200]

Hi,

My 52 cooper is not starting first go, but then i try immediately after it starts just fine

Any ideas on what the issue could be, something electrical?

Car was remapped a few years ago, no problems since and had some engine work done not long ago (gasket). Was doing it before the engine work however.

Any advice would be very helpful before I take it down to the stealers for a look at it.

Thanks,
James

[sef]

I've had a problem like that... Exactly the same symptoms... I think it was due to the BP Ultimate fuel that I used... I'd never used it before but put £20 in the tank... Problems started almost straight away... Took two tanks of Shell rocket fuel to clear it... Works fine now... (I took mine to the dealers and they had it for a few days and couldn't find a problem.)

[james 3200]

I tried the BP ultimate route, did not help though..

I reset the ECU and it starts first time now.

However, after a few days or goes, it goes back to the original problem of not starting first time.

I followed the ECU reset guide here :

ECU Reset using the speedo diagnostic controls:

1) Hold in your odometer reset button and at the same time turn your key to position 1

2) Release the odometer button and then press it repeatedly until it shows the #19

3) Stop at 19 and the display will go back and forth between "test on" and "off"

4) Push the button when it is on off and the press it repeatedly until you get to #21

5) It will display an option to reset. Press the button and your displays will go blank and your guages will flutter and then the displays will come back on

6) Turn off the key and then your doneand it then works fine, but after goes back to having to start it twice..

Anyone got an idea what could be the problem before i take it down to the Stealers..

Thanks very much
James

[james 3200]

Cam sensor went, Mini fitted a new one and works every time, £226

[minisyd]

James,

What is a "Cam sensor"?
I have the same problem but would like to know a bit more before going to get repaired.
My local auto electrician reckons the it does this when the battery is cold. Once the car has been driven a bit, restarts first straight away.

Thanks