1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: 04 MCS won't start

Do you have another key you could try? The MINI keys have a chip in them that the car has to recognize before it will start the car. If not you can re-initialize the key to the car. The dealer can do it and I believe there is a way to do it yourself, but I am not sure exactly how it is done.

 

Was the battery tested and verified good?

Any idea if it is an OEM or aftermarket battery?

 

Check the jump stud under the bonnet, located on the firewall drivers side, in a black plastic cover. Make sure the connection is tight and not corroded.

 

Also check the ground strap on the passenger side of the engine.

 

Did you contact the place where up bought it, or was it from an individual? I have seen batteries test fine (or so they said), but are not. I think I would replace it and go from there.

Jim

 

Sounds a little suspicious since you say the battery and cables look new and the previous owner will not return your car. I suspect the previous owner had some problem going on that was not resolved.

When you try to start the car does anything happen? Any little crank over of the engine or at least a clicking noise from the starter? It could be that the starter solenoid is not kicking in (moving) to engage the power lead that provides power to spin the starter motor.

 

When you took the car for a test drive, was the engine already running?

During the test drive, did you ever shut off the engine and restart it?

Have you previously been able to shut off the engine and restart without any problems?

 

Scott, i'm pretty sure it is NOT a key or immobilizer issue b/c OP was able to push start the car. If key was not matched, then push-start would not have worked.

 

Oops.... missed that post

:biggrin5:

 

Having seen a battery test good when it wasn't, my first thought is the battery. Push starting successful when cabin electrics are working is a classic symptom.

Next step is to look at the ignition fuse. The fuse box is under the hood on the right hand side when facing the engine. Fuse location is FL7. If the fuse is good, then tighten grounds, including the starter lead. The power and ground on the starter are not easy to access, and be sure to disconnect the battery before probing around with socket extensions. If the fuse is bad, look at the power cables to the starter, because something shorted.

I'll re-ask the question posed earlier, are there any noises when turning the key?

 

I agree with Keith, just b/c the battery tested 'good' doesn't mean it is.

I once replaced a battery on my BMW 3-series with a new battery from Autozone. Lasted one day and the car won't start the very next. Battery tested good. But i bit the bullet and got a BMW battery from stealership, no problem with starting after that. Not saying that's the cause of your woes, but worth looking into

 

The exhaust manifold has to come off to get to the starter. Not a big job but also not a quick job because it is a little difficult to get to all the bolts. $800 seems high but the dealerships are always high. The part number is 12417570488, which is a rebuilt Bosch starter (the dealership will use rebuilt instead of new). Online the prices for the rebuilt Bosch starter range from $243 pelicanparts.com to $312 penskeparts.com. I suspect the dealership will charge at least $400 for the starter then you are paying for a few hours of labor. You can find other mfgr rebuilt starters for $100.

 

If you went to MINI of Dallas or Plano and you are a MetroplexMini member you will get a discount. Also in the area the independent shop Bob's Tire and Auto will give you a discount as well. Ask for Will at Bobs.

 

Now that is good information to keep in the back of my mind. Thank goodness they did not replace the starter first and then find this problem.

Jim

 

I'm glad it was something easy & relatively cheap. I feel somewhat stupid for not thinking of that myself.

 

I am glad it was just the clutch switch. I also feel alittle dumb not thinking about the switch.