Cold-start problem?

[Robert In Denver]

My new (to me) 2002 Cooper S (only 1800 miles on it!) sometimes experiences hard start first thing in the AM. It may take several tries with the accelerator in different positions before it starts.

My April 21, 2003 issue of AutoWeek noted this problem with some 2002 Cooper S models. Anyone know if there is a dealer fix or other solution?

[tip]

If you do a search you will find lots try key words like "cd32" "cd32.1" or maybe "cd33" try these one of them should come up with something.

Good Luck

Charles

[tip]

Okay if you go to search and type in cd32.1 it will bring up hwat you are looking for. I just did so it does work.

Charles

[Robert In Denver]

Thanks. Sounds like a trip to the dealer is in order.
BOB

[tomorthway]

dont step on the gas pedal when starting and after you put the key in wait a minute..tell us what happened

[MINIAC]

CD#31 was the first to offer a fix for the "cold start" problem, and I had this update done on my May 2002 build 'S' the end of last September. I still have the "yo-yo" around 3K rpm in 2nd gear, but am hesitant about having CD#32 or later software releases installed, as they seems to have introduced another problem:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=28322

[Robert In Denver]

I got the MCS "re-programmed" last week for the cold-start problem (Sorry, don't know what version was installed). Unfortunately, I think I'm going back for the old version. The cold-start is fixed, but the new software doesn't drive nearly as well. None of the much talked about yo-yo, but I've now got the occasional low RPM stumbles and WORSE YET now when getting OFF the throttle there is very poor response. That is, it behaves almost like a sticky throttle with very, very slow drop in RPM. Very, very disconcerning for someone who is used to using trailing throttle to manage speed. Fortunately the service technician in Denver is a fellow by the name of Anthony Love, apparently the son of one of the original works or pro drivers for Mini in the old days. He's a real Mini devote and will surely hear me out. More to follow.

[stephensmith]

It is official: If your Cooper S has "Cold Start" problems the current software fix WILL result in decreased throttle responses' & other problems that will impact driveability. The CURE comes at the considerable cost of performance. My dealer was honest enough to advise me that "if you really enjoy driving your Cooper S learn to live w/ the cold start problems UNTIL a later date when the new software is out".
-According to my dealer, most customers who had the cold-star problems fixed came back w/ big time regrets & hated the trade-offs.
-I will be getting my pricy 200 HP CMW kit in 2 weeks so it will hopefully resolve the problem anyway!
Best of luck!

[Robert In Denver]

By "official" do you mean that I can expect a call from MINI when a proper fix is available (e.g. a recall)? I do plan on visiting the dealer today to see if I can go back to my old engine managment settings. Sure hope so because the cold-starts wasn't so bad compared to the "fix".

[Robert In Denver]

Well, the cold-start "fix" was indeed a nightmare. Drivability went to hell in a handbasket. I went back and said, "Give me my old program back!" The answer was "Sorry, we can't go backward with programming." To make a long story short, I then contacted MINIUSA who put me in touch with a regional tech guy and they were able to remove the EMC "Brain" and send it back to New Jersey where they could "go back". It restored the car to it's former status (e.g. now normal engine responses as it was before the cold-start "Fix"). Surprisingly, I haven't had ANY cold-start problems, but it's a bit warmer these days.

I sure like to know if anyone has definitive word on a long-term real "fix." (Other than buying the 200+ HP upgrade! Seems a bit extreme, but fun!)

As an aside, there remains a small (1.3 sec) lag between trailing throttle and the engine's response. This isn't just my car. It's apparently ALL Cooper S cars I've driven. I hate the impact of this trailing throttle lag. Anyone else know what I'm talking about and feel this way?