Hard starting 2012 Cooper S
 

Hi guys, I just bought a 2012 Cooper S convertible about a month ago. Its done around 70 000 km and is spotless. However, I've driven it only about 3 days in all the time I've owned it. Some mornings it would start no problem but after a night in my garage it refuses to start. Starter spins fine but nada, nothing. Under guarantee an expert mechanic fitted 1) new very expensive hp fuel pump; 2) new relays; 3) checked plugs and injectors; 4) checked fuel pressure: The mechanic managed to eventually start the car and drove it to his workshop. He drained off some fuel and found it a strange dark colour without a very strong "petrol" odour. Cleaned out the tank, put in new petrol and he just phoned to say car is starting now every time. Will leave it overnight and see what happens tomorrow morning. Hold thumbs.

Waited 6 months to get Mini Cooper S started.
 

I FINALLY got my 2012 Cooper S back having waited 6 MONTHS for the repair. I bought it end Aug 2018 and only drove it 3 or 4 times before it refused to start when not used for 24 hours or more. So a week after I bought it, it went back to the dealer and long story short - after 5 months at their own mechanic they finally relented and sent it to the BMW/Mini dealer who took another month, charged almost R18000.00 and returned it today. Let's pray it is going to last this time. Thank God the dealer and M-Sure Guarantees decided to pay.
Now I just have to decide whether to keep it or sell? Problem is I love it (even though I have 5 cars). My best cars so far? Mazda MX5 and Golf 1.9 TDi.

.....so, what was the final 'solution' that cured it. I'm going trough a very similar ordeal....and same thing, I love driving the car, but this hard start issue has made it a money pit

Hard starting fixed after 6 months
 

Hi Bobby, The BMW/Mini dealer took one month more but finally found the fault - he replaced the thermostat housing (and its sensor I guess). So since about mid-2019 the car has been perfect. Hold thumbs though...I don't get to use it too much but love it.