Problem has been resolved. :wink: To recap, I replaced the battery with a new oem battery (self install). Also replaced the spark plugs. Probably could have cleaned up the originals but they were due for a change anyway. Now to clean the fuel out of the cylinders I left the plugs and coils out, covered the holes with a towel and proceeded to start the car. If you push and hold the gas pedal to the floor and start the car, this will flush the fuel out. To make sure I didn't add any fuel to the problem I pulled the fuse for the fuel pump as well. I had to attempt to start the car 4-5 times before all the fuel was gone. Put everything back together added the new plugs and battery and started the car. It didn't start on the first try and it stuttered a bit, but once it did it pushed out some smoke in the exhaust and all seems to be good. Here is a pic of the junk that was on the towel once I removed it from covering the plug cylinders. Thanks to everyone for all the help.
New Battery needs registered in the DME Your new battery requires a process called "registering" by BMW. the voltage regulation in these cars (08 & newer) is handled inside the DME and as the battery "wears out" the voltage sent from DME to recharge battery is ramped up. Dme will continue to charge at the last rate with the old battery until a scan tool is used to tell the DME a new battery is in place. Once registered, the DME charge rate will drop to its beginning set voltage. The new battery can be burned up in a short period if it is continually overcharged. Not sure which tools will work, we use an Autologic.
Another quirk that I wasn't aware of. Somehow every time time you do something to these little cars it requires you to see the dealer....
Thanks. I saw in the Bentley manual a reference to the IBS (intelligent battery sensor?). Anyway that is a module attached to the neg cable of the battery. My car doesn't have that. I told that to the dealer last night. They said I wouldn't need to have the battery registered if that was the case. Just to be safe, I will have it checked.
Interesting, I knew BMW's did that with their batteries, I have already been warned about Allison's X3. I didn't realize the newer MINI's were using the same battery setup.
Like Chuck said, eventually cars will have the hoods sealed shut, so everything requires a dealer visit...
They would like that, but they can't keep us in the dark forever. Good independent shops figure out that stuff soon enough.