1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: P2096... but now won't start

When mine coded for P2096, it was a cracked intercooler boot. It was running lean as hell and would run like crap at idle, almost impossible to move as well. Lean enough to actually make the exhaust manifold turn cherry red just by idling for a short period of time.

I'd inspect the intercooler boots as a starting point, oem ones are easy to remove anyway.

 

Air, fuel and spark is all you need to start your car.

Check your Air filter.
Check you have fuel in your car.

^^ both of them should be fine.

Next check that you have a good strong battery.
Check your coil by pulling the wires off one at a time and seeing if they are corroded.
Next pull all 4 plugs and look at them. If they are fouled just replace the whole set with a new set of OEM NGK's.

I have had crap plugs cause this same issue on my R53 before.

Then report back, good luck and hope it's something simple like above.

 

If I'm not mistaken the 2096 is the post cat o2 lean code, Maybe your cat is clogged and preventing the car from starting? Was it running fine before it wouldn't start?

 

Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.

When you say won't start, does it do anything? Does it crank over at least.

 

Does the top only do sunroof mode? there is a black lever to the left in the boot if it is not closed (pushes to the left) the top won't work right.