This doesn't sound normal to me, but I've got the older R53 MINI.
With only 2700 miles and a year or two on the clock, I'd take it back in to a dealer and have them diagnose the problem. I'd be thinking about one of the O2 sensors when the engine is cold, but they usually don't fail this early. Perhaps something in the ignition system... you could check that all of the spark plug wires are firmly connected on each end.
Actually, it IS a different engine. You have the N14, and the OP has the N18 like me.
Nevertheless, I agree that it doesn't seem normal. Certainly nothing I've experienced in my '11 MCS. Probably worth getting it checked out to see if codes are being thrown. I'm guessing HPFP, a bad batch of fuel, or Nathan's diagnosis.
Actually it sounds like a bad calibration from the N18 "Valvetronic" controls for cold start Perhaps it's leaving the throttle body in the incorrect position (full open?) on start-up versus the 1/3 - 1/2 open it should be. Just a guess.
They really are the same basic engine. THe N14 is just TB driven versus the N18 being "Valvetronic".
No matter what that is a definite trip back to the dealer. It's not normal or okay.
Back to the dealer I say! My 2011 has approx. 13,500 miles and never so much as a hiccup. The car has been perfect. It uses a very small amount of oil, but certainly is not an oil burner. I drive it street hard on back country roads. Is there such a thing as "street hard"? Guess that might be illegal, yet I do hold my lane. Might well do my first track run at MINI Thunder. Always blessings to count I suppose....
You know... This has happened to me more than a couple times. My car would sputter after sitting in the driveway for a few days. These were also colder days, about 30f outside. So far it has happened only maybe three times. The car drives fine, but I thought this was unusual.
