Hello from Germany! I am new to the site and have also recently purchased "Shadow" a '12 MCS. Its a really fun and exciting car to drive and am def. now hooked on Mini's. Sad news though, last week I left work and attempted to start her with no luck. She didn't want to turn over and when she did, would only run for a few seconds and then die. I immediately contacted the dealer who then put me in contact with the BMW Mobile Technician who drove to my location. A diagnostic test was performed and all systems were checked. It appears the error came back to the Thermostat Sensor which said the current engine temp was 158 deg., which was not possible after sitting in 14 deg. weather for 8hrs. The technician stated this has been a common problem with the '12 S's. She is still in the dealership... I do have to say though that BMW has been extremely helpful in regards to taking care of my situation.

During my research into this sensor I stumbled upon this forum which is just what I was looking for in regards to an active legit Mini forum.

 

Congrats and welcome to NAM. What symptoms were your car showing that lead to the diagnosis of bad thermostat sensor?

 

There were no symptoms, it just wouldnt start or stay running longer than a few seconds. The BMW mobile service technician hooked up a diagnostic cable and found out that the thermostat said my engine was running at about 158 deg after sitting for 8 hours in 13 degree temps. He stated it has been a common issue. Sucks since she is only 3 months old...

 

Welcome to the Club and hope you do not have any more problems with your Mini. I would love to have an opportunity to drive a Mini on the autoban and Nurburgring(?). If you go to youtube you will see videos of guys driving around Nurburgring(?). See link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr-IR...eature=related

 

Yeah driving on the Autobahn is pretty awesome at times, but unfortunetly it does have posted speed limits around the populated areas which is usually 130kph (82mph). But when you get away from the populated areas then it is "Unrestricted". The government also reduces the speed during incliment weather or if there is a Stau (Traffic jam). The fastest I've had my MCS up to was 130mph and still got passed . My goal/wish this summer is to go to Nurnburg race track for their visitor day and see how the Mini handles.

 

I just got my Mini back yesterday from the dealer. They replaced the Thermostat sensor and she's back up and driving again.

 

Glad to hear that a dealership finally did something correct !

Enjoy that Mini !