1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Starting Issues, gremlin junk.

No, I know. I'm just saying IF my solenoid or starter was bad, I'd be a bit upset.
:lol:

 

Tested the voltage, charge, and drain to see if anything was pulling while the car was off... Everything seemed normal.

Double checked today at an autozone, confirmed it was good.
Car officially starts without any clutch pumping.. But takes 3-5 seconds to start to crank...
Airbag light and wipers still going mad :lol: More than normal.

 

I'll drop a battery in it this week and hope it ends up not being the bcm.
Don't they need programmed by a dealer?

 

Alright, going to do a load test today which is something I hadn't gotten to before I waste my time spending cash on the battery. I'm hoping that it's the battery, because I wouldn't know where to begin with bcm or anything of that sort, never had to mess with that and I don't feel like having MINI charge me $600 for it.

Although, I was checking around for corrosion & moisture, and there's nothing that I could see. You guys are honestly pretty awesome for giving me some solid advice on where to look.

I have a long list of going through this car to make it tip-top, and here I am getting stumped on electronics...

 

This literally couldn't be any more frustrating if it tried. I guess I won't waste my time.
I guess I should replace the battery regardless then. :frown2:

I was bored a little bit ago, checked out what all the MINI does when the battery is dying/drained/etc. aaaaaand it's a little ridiculous. Stories of peoples doors locking/unlock, windows going down, lights flashing, car acting temperamental, etc.

I just hope it's not a waste of $170 :lol:

 

That's... actually very weird.

Also, I'm located in Annville/Cleona/Lebanon, Pennsylvania. About 15-25 minutes from Hershey Park.

 

More info!

Replaced the battery today, same issues are present.
Today I found out that all interior lights and side markers stay on even when the doors are locked as well.

Soooo, bcm or?...


This has me so confused and frustrated. Money to waste currently: Barely any haha

 

Not sure if there are any mechanics except AP tuning that could reprogram a bcm
I'll check it out in the morning but I'm not exactly flowing cash at the moment so it's kinda unfortunate.

 

I honestly have no clue as to whether it was involved in a flood.
The place where I had purchased the car kind of used unorthodox methods of cleaning/painting/etc.

And they're far from reliable. I mean I'd never go there again...

I checked everywhere again after I took the old battery out, moisture collected again around the old battery. Something just seems very off. There's no leak from water on the outside, I've checked several times since I've washed/cleaned it must and nothing... It'd be safe to say that while cleaning the car, they could have power washed the crevices which allowed water to come through. Or it was driven through a large puddle :lol:

 

I'm not sure, I'll try to dig for info here because I don't seem to be getting anywhere.

Asked APtuning, they absolutely do not think its the bcm and another place just said ground wires could be loose in the steering column touching the ignition switch.

Also told it might be a clock spring???? I don't know why...

I'm really honestly afraid to dig into this mini's past at this point. I've debated on returning the vehicle but for some reason, it's kinda growing on me a bit too much...

 

I'll check that out, because it's becoming desperation.
Hate to admit it, but I'm awfully stubborn with cars.
Tried starting the car this morning, sat for about 3 minutes before it decided to crank and turn over.

Also asked AP Tuning about reprogramming the BCM, said they wouldn't do it. So much for that :lol: